Inventory & Store Guide
Managing Catalog & Categories
Creating inventory categories, registering items, SKU numbers, barcode tracking, and setting reorder levels.
Managing Catalog & Categories
A well-structured catalog is the foundation of accurate school inventory tracking.
1. Creating Item Categories
- Go to Inventory → Categories in the sidebar.
- Click + Add Category.
- Enter category details:
- Category Name: (e.g., Science Lab Chemicals, Mathematics Textbooks, Student Uniforms).
- Category Code / Prefix: (e.g., LAB, TXT-MATH, UNI).
- Description: Brief scope of items in this category.
- Click Save Category.
2. Registering New Inventory Items
- Navigate to Inventory → Items Catalog.
- Click + Register Item.
- Fill in the item specifications:
| Field Name | Type / Format | Purpose & Example |
|---|---|---|
| Item Name | Text | Distinct name (e.g., Grade 9 Biology Textbook 2016 Edition). |
| Item SKU / Code | Alphanumeric | Unique inventory identifier (e.g., TXT-BIO-09). |
| Category | Dropdown | Select from created categories. |
| Unit of Measurement | Dropdown | Pieces, Boxes, Sets, Litres, Reams, Pairs. |
| Initial Quantity | Number | Current physical count in store. |
| Unit Purchase Cost | Currency (ETB) | Cost per unit for balance valuation. |
| Reorder Threshold | Number | Minimum count before warning alert (e.g., 15 Reams). |
| Storage Location | Text | Store room shelf / bin location (e.g., Shelf B-3). |
- Click Save Item. The item is immediately available for stock transactions and requisitions.