Multiples of units of measure

You can set up multiple units of measure (UOM) for an item when you set up the item master.

You add parameters to each unit of measure, which defines when you can use each unit of measure. If you do not define multiple or alternative units of measure, then the stock unit of measure is the default for all transactions.

For example, the stock unit of measure is EA (each). An alternative unit of measure, Case, is defined as 100 each. Inventory balances are tracked only in EA. The 1 and 2 define which unit of measure is primary for that function. The stock unit of measure is primary for transactions, sales, and sales price. The alternative unit of measure is primary for the purchases of the item.

Generally, if you purchase items in a UOM that is different from the UOM by which you sell the item, you assign a higher priorities to other UOMs. Although the higher priority UOM is the default, you can change to the alternate UOM if it has the secondary priority. In this example, if the Buy field for EA were blank, then you could only purchase that item in Cases.