Inventory Type Management
Overview
The Inventory Type section within BetterCommerce's Order Management System (OMS) allows users to define, manage, and categorize different types of inventory for better tracking, operational control, and reporting. This is particularly useful for handling various stock conditions such as new, damaged, reprocessed, sample, and others.
This documentation covers the UI behavior, functionality, and best practices for both viewing and creating inventory types.
Inventory Type Listing
Navigation
- Path:
Settings > Inventory Type - URL:
/Setting/InventoryType
Description
This screen provides a comprehensive list of all existing inventory types configured in the system. Each row represents a unique inventory category, which may have operational significance across the supply chain, warehousing, returns, or B2B workflows.
Grid Columns
| Column Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | The name of the inventory classification (e.g., New, Damaged, Loan) |
| Description | A short explanation of the type's purpose |
| IsDefault | Indicates whether this inventory type is the default type for inventory entries |
| Actions | Edit or delete the inventory type (deletion available only for non-critical types) |
Sample Inventory Types
| Type | Description | Is Default |
|---|---|---|
| New | New Saleable stock | ✅ |
| Key Account | Stock for key accounts | ❌ |
| Damaged | Damaged stock | ❌ |
| Reprocess | Stock sent for reprocess | ❌ |
| Sample | Sample stock | ❌ |
| ExtraReceive | Extra received stock | ❌ |
| Loan | Loaned item | ❌ |
| Quarantine | Quarantined stock | ❌ |
Actions Available
- Edit (✏️): Opens a modal with the existing inventory type for update.
- Delete (🗑️): Available for user-created inventory types. Not allowed on system-critical or default types.
- Set as Default: Only one inventory type can be set as default.
Add New Inventory Type
Access
Click on the New Inventory Type button at the top-right corner of the listing screen.
Modal Fields
| Field Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Text | Unique name for the inventory type (e.g., Return, Buffer) |
| Code | Alphanumeric | Internal system code for referencing this type |
| Description | Text | Optional description to clarify the use-case of this type |
Buttons
- Save: Validates input and adds the new inventory type to the list.
- Cancel: Closes the modal without saving.
Business Rules & Best Practices
- Default Inventory Type: Only one inventory type can be marked as default. This is the fallback type when none is specified during stock intake.
- System-Controlled Types: Some types (e.g.,
New,Damaged,Quarantine) may be critical and protected from deletion. - Naming Convention: Follow clear, self-explanatory naming (e.g.,
Loan,ExtraReceive) to ensure consistency across warehouses and integrations. - Descriptive Clarity: Always provide a meaningful description to guide users and auditors.
- Audit & Tracking: Any changes (additions, updates, deletions) should be logged for compliance and traceability.
- Usage Scope: Inventory types may influence:
- Stock valuation
- Fulfilment workflows
- Returns and quarantines
- B2B account-specific handling
Use Case Scenarios
- Loan: For tracking stock temporarily given to dealers or partners.
- Reprocess: For items under quality recheck or refurbishment.
- ExtraReceive: For unplanned excess items received from suppliers.
- Quarantine: For temporarily holding suspect or non-compliant stock until clearance.
Future Enhancements (Suggestions)
- Role-based visibility on specific inventory types
- Export/Import of inventory types for configuration migration
- API-level configuration and audit tracking
- Linking to stock adjustment and stock movement modules for traceability