Using Inventory Classes and Attributes

While categories organize items for browsing and reporting, classes define what attributes an item can have. This guide explains how classes, class attributes, and manufacturers work together to give your inventory a rich, structured data model.

Classes vs. Categories

It is important to understand the distinction between these two classification systems:

You can use both on the same item. For example, an item might be in the "T-Shirts" category (for browsing) and the "Apparel" class (to get Size, Color, and Material attributes).

The Classes Browser

Open the classes browser from Inventory > Classes in the main menu.

Browser Layout

The classes browser displays all classes in a grid with the following columns:

Disabled classes appear with a red background and white text, the same visual pattern used throughout AccuArk for disabled records.

Navigation

• A-Z Filter — Click a letter to show only classes starting with that letter, or click All to show everything
• Infinite Scroll — Records load in batches as you scroll. When the bottom of the loaded records is reached, the next batch loads automatically
• Double-Click — In SelectAndClose mode, double-clicking picks the class and returns to the caller. In edit mode, double-clicking opens the class form for editing.
• New — Click the New button in the menu bar to create a new class

The Class Form

The class form lets you create and edit classes and their attributes.

Class Fields

Class Attributes

The lower half of the class form contains the Attributes section, which lists all attribute definitions belonging to this class.

Attributes Grid

The attributes grid shows:

Adding an Attribute

1. Type the attribute name in the Attribute Name text field below the grid
2. Click Add Attribute
3. If the class has not been saved yet, AccuArk will prompt you: "Class must be stored before adding attributes. Do you want to store your class and continue?" Click Yes to save the class first, then the attribute is added.
4. The new attribute appears in the grid immediately

Editing an Attribute

1. Double-click the attribute row in the grid
2. The attribute name loads into the text field and the button text changes to Update Attribute
3. Modify the name and click Update Attribute
4. The grid row updates in place

Important: Save Order

The class itself must be saved to the database before you can add attributes. This is because each attribute record stores a class_id foreign key that references the class. If you try to add an attribute before saving the class, AccuArk handles this automatically by offering to save the class first.

Assigning Classes to Items

To assign a class to an inventory item:

1. Open the item form via Inventory > Items, then double-click an item or create a new one
2. On the General tab, find the Class field
3. Use the browse button to open the classes browser and select a class
4. Save the item

Once a class is assigned, the item inherits all attribute definitions from that class. These attributes become available on the Class Attributes tab of the item form, where you can configure per-item attribute values and overrides.

Managing Manufacturers (frmManufacturers)

Manufacturers represent the brands or companies that produce your inventory items. They are managed separately from categories and classes.

Opening the Manufacturers Browser

Navigate to Inventory > Manufacturers from the main menu.

Browser Layout

The manufacturers browser displays records in a grid with the following columns:

Navigation and Search

• A-Z Filter — Click a letter to filter, or All to show everything. The default view starts with All. The selected letter button is highlighted in green.
• Infinite Scroll — Records load in pages as you scroll down
• Search — Click the Search button to open a search dialog. You can search by manufacturer name, telephone, email, or address. The search checks multiple fields simultaneously. If more than 100 results are found, AccuArk asks if you want to continue displaying the rest.

Creating and Editing Manufacturers

• New — Click the New button in the menu bar to create a manufacturer. After saving, the browser automatically filters to the letter matching the new manufacturer's name.
• Double-Click — In SelectAndClose mode, double-clicking picks the manufacturer and returns. In edit mode, it opens the manufacturer detail form.

Linking Manufacturers to Items

To link a manufacturer to an inventory item:

1. Open the item form
2. On the General tab, find the Manufacturer field
3. Use the browse button to select a manufacturer, or click Clear to remove the current assignment
4. Save the item

The manufacturer association is stored via the ManufacturerId field on the item. This allows you to filter and report on items by manufacturer.

How It All Fits Together

Here is how the three organizational tools work together on a single item:

Tips

• Design classes around attribute needs — If multiple categories share the same attributes (e.g., T-Shirts, Pants, and Jackets all need Size and Color), create a single "Apparel" class rather than duplicating attributes across separate classes
• Create classes before items — Like categories, having your class structure ready before bulk item entry saves time
• Use manufacturer data for purchasing decisions — The manufacturer link helps when you need to find all items from a specific brand, evaluate brand performance, or contact the manufacturer about defects or reorders
• Classes define templates, not values — A class says "this item has a Size attribute." The actual value (Small, Medium, Large) is configured per-item on the Class Attributes tab