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.

Window

Part Characteristic

Related Window Descriptions

Part Characteristic
Part Characteristic/Variable Characteristics
Part Characteristic/Discrete Characteristics

Procedure

To perform this activity, follow these steps:

1. Open the Part Characteristic window.
2. To enter variable characteristic codes, create a new record in the Variable Characteristics tab and enter up to five alphanumeric characteristics for the variable characteristic ID, or search for an existing ID.
3. In the Characteristic Description field, enter or edit the description.
4. In the Alpha/Num list, click either Alpha, to enter only alphabetical or a combination of alphabetical and numerical values, or Numeric, to enter only numerical values.
5. Save the changes.
6. To enter discrete characteristic codes, click the Discrete Characteristics tab.
7. In the Characteristic Code field, create a new record and enter up to five alphanumeric characteristics for the ID of the variable characteristic, or search for an existing one.
8. In the Characteristic Description field, enter or edit the description.
9. In the Alpha/Num list, click either Alpha, to enter only alphabetical or a combination of alphabetical and numeric values, or Numeric, to enter only numeric values.
10. Save the changes.
11. Create a new row.
12. In the Characteristic Value column, enter the value that corresponds to the characteristic code.
13. In the Characteristic Value Description field, enter a description.
14. Save the changes.