Enter Characteristic Codes
Explanation
Use this activity to enter and maintain user-defined characteristics for an item. This optional task is to be
performed by a system administrator or equivalent person.
Characteristics allow you to identify a particular part among similar products by specifying certain unique
details. You can then search for specific parts by specifying certain characteristics.
Characteristic codes can be either variable or discrete:
- Variable characteristic codes are used when the attribute value can have any value, e.g., when length can be
any value from 1030 mm. The characteristic code of an existing variable characteristic cannot be modified, but
you can edit the description and type.
- Discrete characteristic codes are used when there is a limited and defined number of available attribute
values, e.g., when length can only be 10 mm, 20 mm, or 30 mm. For discrete characteristics, you must enter the
allowed values. Only attribute values for defined parts can be entered. The characteristic value of an existing
discrete characteristic cannot be modified, but you can edit the description and type.
Relevant variable or discrete characteristic codes can be grouped in a characteristic template, and then
connected to inventory parts, purchase parts, and sales parts. All these parts can be connected to both variable
and discrete characteristic codes, as well as templates with both variable and discrete characteristic
codes.
Prerequisites
This activity has no prerequisites.
System Effects
As a result of this activity:
- A characteristic code is created.
- Values for discrete characteristic codes are connected to the code.
- Searches can be performed for specific parts by specifying certain characteristics.
- Characteristic codes can be grouped in a characteristic template, and then connected to inventory parts,
purchase parts, and sales parts.