Overview

In iVendNext, item codes are essential for identifying and managing inventory efficiently. While you can manually assign item codes, using custom logic to generate them automatically can save time, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across your inventory. This article will guide you through the process of setting up custom logic for generating item codes in iVendNext, along with practical examples and best practices.

Why Use Custom Logic for Item Codes?

Manually assigning item codes can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large number of items. Custom logic allows you to automate this process by defining rules that generate item codes based on specific attributes, such as item group, brand, or material. Here are some benefits of using custom logic:

• Consistency: Ensures that all item codes follow a standardized format.

• Efficiency: Automates the process, saving time and reducing manual effort.

• Scalability: Easily handles a growing inventory without requiring additional manual input.

• Error Reduction: Minimizes the risk of duplicate or incorrect item codes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Custom Logic

1. Understand the Requirements

Before setting up custom logic, determine the structure of your item codes. For example, you might want the first two characters to represent the item group, the next two to represent the brand, and the remaining characters to be sequential numbers.

Example Structure:

• TA (Test A) + BA (Brand A) + 001 (Sequential Number) = TABA001

2. Add Custom Script to the Item Master

In iVendNext, you can add a custom script to the Item master to generate item codes automatically. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access the Script Editor:

• Go to the Item master in iVendNext.

• Navigate to the Custom Script section.

2. Add the Custom Script:

• Use the following script as a template to generate item codes based on item group and brand:

cur_frm.cscript.custom_validate = function(doc) {

    // Clear the item_code field

    doc.item_code = "";

    // First 2 characters based on item_group

    switch(doc.item_group) {

        case "Test A":

            doc.item_code = "TA";

            break;

        case "Test B":

            doc.item_code = "TB";

            break;

        default:

            doc.item_code = "XX";

    }

    // Add next 2 characters based on brand

    switch(doc.brand) {

        case "Brand A":

            doc.item_code += "BA";

            break;

        case "Brand B":

            doc.item_code += "BB";

            break;

        default:

            doc.item_code += "BX";

    }

    // Add sequential numbers (optional)

    // You can use a database query or counter to generate sequential numbers

    doc.item_code += "001"; // Replace with dynamic logic for sequential numbers

}

3. Test the Script

• Create a new item in the Item master and select an item group and brand.

• The item code should be automatically generated based on the custom logic you defined.

Examples of Custom Logic

Example 1: Item Group + Brand

• Item Group: Test A → TA

• Brand: Brand A → BA

• Generated Code: TABA001

Example 2: Material + Type + Size

• Material: Wood → W

• Type: Molded → M

• Size: 10cm → 10

• Generated Code: WM10

Example 3: Category + Subcategory + Sequential Number

• Category: Furniture → F

• Subcategory: Chair → C

• Sequential Number: 001

• Generated Code: FC001

Best Practices for Using Custom Logic

1. Keep It Simple

Avoid overly complex logic that may be difficult to maintain or understand. Stick to a structure that is easy for your team to follow.

2. Use Meaningful Codes

Ensure that each part of the code represents a specific attribute of the item. This makes it easier to identify items at a glance.

3. Test Thoroughly

Before implementing custom logic in a live environment, test it extensively to ensure it works as expected and doesn’t generate duplicate or incorrect codes.

4. Document the Logic

Maintain a document that explains the custom logic used for generating item codes. This will help new team members understand the system and make future updates easier.

5. Plan for Scalability

As your business grows, your item code structure may need to evolve. Ensure that your custom logic can accommodate future changes, such as adding new item groups or brands.

Advanced Customization

For more advanced users, you can extend the custom logic to include additional attributes, such as:

• Sequential Numbers: Use a database query to generate unique sequential numbers for each item.

• Date-Based Codes: Include the year or month in the item code for better tracking.

• Supplier Codes: Incorporate supplier-specific codes for easier cross-referencing.

Conclusion

Using custom logic to generate item codes in iVendNext is a powerful way to streamline your inventory management process. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a system that is consistent, efficient, and scalable. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, automating item code generation will save time, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency.