Introduction

In iVendNext, a Variant Item is a product that comes in different versions or variations, such as size, color, or style. For example, a t-shirt available in small, medium, and large sizes, and in red, blue, and green colors, can be set up as a variant item. Variant items allow you to manage multiple versions of a product under a single item template, simplifying inventory management and sales processes.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to creating and managing variant items in iVendNext, along with best practices for effective variant management.

Understanding Variant Items

What is a Variant Item?

A Variant Item is a product that has multiple variations based on attributes like size, color, or style. Instead of creating separate items for each variation, you can create a single item template and generate variants from it.

Use Cases for Variant Items

• Apparel and Footwear: Products with multiple sizes, colors, or styles.

• Electronics: Devices available in different storage capacities or colors.

• Customizable Products: Items that can be customized based on customer preferences.

Prerequisites

Before creating a variant item, ensure that the following are set up in iVendNext:

1. Item Attributes: Define attributes like size, color, or style that will be used to create variants.

2. Item Group: Categorize your items for better organization.

3. Warehouse: Define where the item will be stored.

4. Unit of Measure (UOM): Specify how the item will be measured (e.g., pieces, liters, kilograms).

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Variant Items

Step 1: Access the Retail Module

1. Log in to your iVendNext account.

2. Navigate to the Retail Module from the main dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Item List View Screen

1. In the Retail Module, go to Stock > Items and Pricing > Item List.

2. Click on the Add Item button to create a new item.

Step 3: Fill in the Basic Details

1. Item Code: Enter a unique code for the item. This is a mandatory field and helps in identifying the item in the system.

2. Item Name: Enter the name of the item. The name will auto-fill with the same value as the item code if left blank.

3. Item Group: Select the appropriate item group from the dropdown menu.

4. Default Unit of Measure (UOM): Select the unit of measure for the item (e.g., pieces, liters, kilograms).

Step 4: Enable Variants

1. Tick the Has Variants checkbox to enable variant creation for the item.

2. Once the checkbox is ticked, a new section for Variant Attributes will appear.

Step 5: Define Variant Attributes

1. Variant Based On: Select whether the variants will be based on Item Attributes (e.g., size, color) or Manufacturers.

2. Variant Attributes: If you selected Item Attributes, specify the attributes (e.g., size, color) and their values (e.g., small, medium, large; red, blue, green).

3. For numeric attributes (e.g., size), you can specify a range and increment value to automatically generate variants.

Step 6: Create Variants

1. Click on the Create Variants button to generate variants based on the specified attributes.

2. You can choose to create a Single Variant or Multiple Variants:

• Single Variant: Create one variant at a time by selecting specific attribute values.

• Multiple Variants: Generate multiple variants at once by selecting multiple attribute values (e.g., small-red, medium-blue, large-green).

Step 7: Save the Item

1. Once all the variants are created, click the Save button to save the item template and its variants.

2. The item and its variants will now be available in your item list and can be used in sales, purchases, and inventory transactions.

Managing Variant Items

1. Updating Variants

• Update via Template: Any changes made to the item template (e.g., pricing, description) will automatically apply to all its variants.

• Individual Updates: You can also update individual variants if needed (e.g., changing the price of a specific size or color).

2. Inventory Management

• Stock Tracking: Stock levels are tracked separately for each variant. For example, you can track how many small-red t-shirts are in stock.

• Reordering: Set reorder levels for individual variants to ensure you never run out of stock.

3. Sales and Purchases

• Sales Transactions: When selling a variant item, you can select the specific variant (e.g., medium-blue t-shirt) at the Point of Sale (POS).

• Purchase Transactions: When purchasing variant items, you can specify the quantity for each variant.

Best Practices for Managing Variant Items

1. Plan Attributes Carefully: Define attributes (e.g., size, color) that are relevant to your products and customers.

2. Use Numeric Attributes for Ranges: For attributes like size or weight, use numeric values with ranges and increments to automatically generate variants.

3. Regularly Review Stock Levels: Monitor stock levels for each variant to avoid stockouts or overstocking.

4. Update Templates Regularly: Keep the item template updated with the latest information (e.g., pricing, descriptions) to ensure consistency across variants.

Conclusion

Creating and managing variant items in iVendNext allows you to efficiently handle products with multiple variations, such as size, color, or style. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up and manage variant items effectively, ensuring accurate inventory tracking and seamless sales operations.