Overview
Manufacturers and models give more structured identity to products. They are especially useful when the business sells technical, branded, or version-based items that need clearer product classification.
Main purposeAdd more detailed identity and classification to items.
Important areasManufacturer list, model list, product link, and reporting usage.
Business valueBetter product description, stronger filtering, and more useful analysis for technical item ranges.
Where To Find It
Common Path: Inventory > Product Manufacturers / Product Models
Users usually define manufacturers and models before item creation or while cleaning up existing item records.
Note: Not every company needs both manufacturer and model detail. Use them where they add real business value.
How It Works
Manufacturers and models are reusable master records. Once defined, they can be selected on the item record instead of being typed manually each time.
- Manufacturers identify who makes the product.
- Models distinguish item versions, families, or technical lines.
- Both can improve reporting and item search where product ranges are detailed.
Main Areas
| Area | What It Is Used For |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Setup | Create and maintain manufacturer names used on items. |
| Model Setup | Create and maintain item models or versions. |
| Item Usage | Assign manufacturer and model values on item details. |
| Report Usage | Use these values for filtering and grouped analysis when needed. |
Important Fields And Controls
| Field Or Control | What It Means | When To Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Name | The product maker or source brand identity. | Use the official name when possible. |
| Model Name | The item model or version label. | Use it to distinguish variants or technical lines. |
| Description | Optional clarification text. | Use when the short name is not enough. |
| Inactive | Stops future normal use while keeping history. | Use it for retired manufacturers or models. |
Recommended Workflow
- Create the manufacturer and model records that the company needs.
- Save them using clear and consistent naming.
- Assign them on item records where extra product identity is useful.
- Review filters and reports to confirm the added structure supports daily work.
Best Practice
- Use official naming where possible to reduce duplication.
- Create models only when they provide real business value.
- Review existing item master data before introducing new manufacturer or model structures.