Kits are groups of items that are generally used together. The Customer Administrator can define templates that specify the kit's attributes, the items within it, and the quantity of each items. Other levels of administrator can use as is or customize a template to their local level. Thereafter, authorized users can build the kit from existing inventory.
There are two types of kits: manufactured and custom. Most of the kit and template topics refer to custom kits. For details on the differences, refer to Types of Kits.
Kit Definition
Kit definition involves three primary steps.
- The Customer Administrator creates the template for the kit, which includes defining base attributes and specifying inventory items to be
- The location or region administrator has the option of customizing a kit template for use at their location or within their region. Customizing can include adding attributes, adding items, and changing item
- Thereafter, an authorized user can use the template to build kits of that type in their
Note the following about kits:
- Items within custom kits are not tracked as individual inventory items and are not available as such. Users can view details for items within the kit, since details such as expiration dates may differ. Authorized users can also add and change details for these items.
- Kits are loaned as a whole.
- Reporting can be done on the kit, as well as on the individual items in it.
Template Creation
As Customer Administrator, you can define kit templates and their base attributes. Templates are added to Item Types within your Categories structure.
When you save a new template, the kit name includes your client identification. When another administrator customizes the template for their location or region, that instance of the template includes that domain's identification.
Templates include standard attributes, such as On Hand and Par quantities. You can also specify optional attributes, just as you do for other items in your structure. Defining a template also involves selecting the items that need to be in each kit of this type and specifying the quantity for each.
Note the following about managing custom kit templates:
- Kit template names must be unique. Keep in mind that kits with the same name at different domains may contain different items.
- You can edit a kit template or move it to a different item type within your structure.
- You cannot delete a kit template if it has inventory associated with
- You cannot add a kit template to another
Note: You may want to add an MCI Trailer as a sub location rather than a kit. Keep in mind that the solution does not track the status of sub locations. If you need to track the trailer, you can add an MCI Trailer item to your category hierarchy.
Local Customization
The original custom kit template resides at the client level in your domain hierarchy. The Customer Administrator names and designs the original template.
All other domains—regions and locations—have access to the template. As a Location or Region Administrator you can use this template as is or customize it for your own domain level.
Customizing locally includes being able to add attributes, add items, and change quantities. You cannot change the template's name, or the attributes assigned by the Customer Administrator. You can also add and remove items and change the quantity of items to be included.
Each instance of the template indicates its "owning" domain. The original template includes the client name. Locally customized templates include that domain's name. This identification appears in administrative and inventory pages.
When managing inventory at a location, the standard user will see all instances of the kit. For example, if the Location Administrator customized a kit, the user will see both the client-level and location-level kit when searching for a line item to add. The list also indicates the domain that owns the kit. The user can select any of these to add to inventory.
Note: If you see the need for a new kit template, notify your Administrator.