Matrix Tables should be used only if necessary. The following questions can help to determine whether a Matrix Table is appropriate for a particular set of Inventory items.
- Can each of the items in the set be identified by a single product Description?
Yes - Probably a good candidate for a Matrix Table.
No - Probably not a good candidate for a Matrix Table.
- Do all (or most) of the items in a set share the same cost, price and vendor?
Yes - Probably a good candidate for a Matrix Table. Even if the cost or price of some items varies (such as for smaller or larger sizes), a single Matrix Table can most likely be used.
No - Probably not a good candidate for a Matrix Table. Consider grouping the items into several sets. For example: instead of using a single Inventory record for all screws, set up a different item for brass screws, stainless steel screws, etc. It may also make sense to break that down even further by head style (i.e., countersink versus, round head, etc.).
- How many varieties of each item will the store be selling?
Few - If there are just a few, it may be easier to enter them as individual Inventory records rather than using a Matrix
Table.
Many - Probably a good candidate for a Matrix Table.
Theoretically, a store's entire Inventory could go on one Matrix Table. Doing so, however, would negate the advantages of the Inventory Matrix. The sheer volume and the complexity of the resulting Matrix Table would make it more difficult to use than separate Inventory records. In other words, putting crescent wrenches, bowling shoes and Pop-Tarts all on the same Matrix Table is definitely not recommended!
If it is determined that a Matrix Table is appropriate for some Inventory items, the Matrix Tables must be enabled before they can be set up. In Configuration-Settings-Databases, turn ON the Enable Matrixing parameter at the bottom left of the Database Settings window and select the OK button to save. Matrixing Parameters should be left at their default settings unless it is absolutely necessary to change them.
Each Matrix Table may have as many as four Matrix Categories. A Matrix Category is a type of group feature, for example: Size, Color, Style, Finish, Texture, etc.
Each Matrix Category can have as many as 99 Matrix Elements. A Matrix Element is an individual feature within a Matrix Category. Examples of Elements within a Category titled Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large. Examples of Elements within a Category titled Color: Red, Blue, Green, and Tan.
Each Matrix Table and Matrix Category must have a unique Code. The same Element Code may be used in different Categories. A Table with 4 Categories, each with 99 Elements, could include 96 Million items.
To assign a Matrix Table to an Inventory Item or to create a Matrix Table, select the Matrix Table field on the Inventory Main Screen and press [Ins] (or use the Lookup List button) to display the Matrix Tables Lookup List. Select an existing Matrix Table from the list, or if no Matrix Tables exist, or to add a new Matrix Table, press [Ins] once more to display the Matrix Table screen to create a new Matrix Table. Enter the new Table Code (up to 4 characters) and Table Name. In the Categories box, press [Ins] to display the Matrix Categories Lookup List. If no Matrix Categories exist, or to add a new Matrix Category, press [Ins] once more to display the Matrix Category screen to create a new Matrix Category. Enter the new Category Code (up to 4 characters) and Category Name. Set the Element Code Length (may be up to 4 characters). In the Elements box, press [Ins] to display the Element screen. Enter the new Element Code (up to 4 characters) and Element Name. Press [OK] to save the Element. After entering all the required Elements, press [OK] to save the Matrix Category. After entering all the required Matrix Categories for the Matrix Table, press [OK] to save the Matrix Table.
To edit a Matrix Item for an Inventory Item, select the Matrix button at the bottom of any of the four Inventory Database record screens to display the Matrix Item screen. Select a Matrix Item and press [F3] to display the Matrix Item Main Screen. Matrix Items may also be edited in the Matrix Database where they are identified by Matrix Codes. Fields on the Matrix Main Screen and Matrix More Data Screen may be edited to reflect values for the Matrix Item. If not edited with a value, Matrix Item fields contain the NULL Symbol character which defines their value to be the same as the value in the field of the Inventory Item.
Each Matrix Item is identified by its unique Matrix Code which consists of the item's Identifier, followed by the Code Separator, followed by the item's Element Code.
Note: Matrix Tables must be completely set up and configured before any Matrix Items are purchased or sold. After a Matrix Table has been used it cannot be edited
(Categories may not be added or removed. However new Elements may still be added to existing Categories).
See:
Matrix Tables Contents