Setting Up Attribute Control

Outcome

An attribute model with a unique model number is created and connected to one or several items.

Attributes are used to describe an item in detail. The item Car could, for example, have the attributes Color, Engine Size, Mileage, etc. Attributes can be used when handling different kinds of orders, at allocation, or when performing stock searches, physical inventory, goods receipt, etc.

During the setup of Attribute Control, these files are updated:

• The attribute master file (MATRMA)
• The attribute model header (MAMOHE)
• The attribute model lines (MAMOLI)
• The item master file (MITMAS).

For more information about files that are affected, see the respective instructions.

Before you start

• The company must have specified the attributes that are needed to describe their products.
• A number series type 77 with series 0 for Attribute Control must have been entered in 'Number Series. Open' (CRS165).

Follow these steps

1. Create Attributes

   Attributes that should be used throughout a company are created in 'Attribute. Open' (ATS010). Each attribute is assigned to a category, which controls what kind of value the attribute can have, such as alphanumeric, numeric, etc. A controlling object indicates the level on which the attribute value is maintained. The attribute values can be maintained on the balance identity or lot master level, or on different types of orders.

   It is also possible to set rules for valid attribute values and to use default values in 'Attribute Matrix. Open' (ATS020) and 'Attribute Matrix. Enter Default Values' (ATS030).

   To configure the calculation for a dynamically calculated attribute:

   • Highlight the attribute in 'Attribute. Open' (ATS010).
   • Select related option 13 (default values).
   • Attribute Matrix. Enter Default Values' (ATS030/B) is displayed.
   • Either browse for the required item number or specify an item and choose Options\Create.
   • Attribute Matrix. Enter Default Values' (ATS030/E) is displayed.
   • Specify a default value if required.
   • Select an existing formula if required.

2. Create Attribute Model

   Attributes that are used for similar items are grouped in attribute models in 'Attribute Model. Open' (ATS050). In the model, you define which attributes control allocation, which are used in various views within M3, and which ones update the customer order statistics. The attribute model also controls how the attributes are sorted in displays and printouts. For stocked attributes, you can define the order categories in which they are used.

3. Connect Attribute Model to Item

   Attribute models are connected to one or several items in 'Item. Open' (MMS001/G). Items are set to be attribute managed on the same panel.