How do I add items to a category?

 

Once you've created your category, the next step is adding items to it.  There are 2 ways to accomplish this. Export a spreadsheet and enter item codes, or use the "Search & Categorize Items" function.

NOTE: there isn't a strict limit on the number of items that can exist in any category.  However, the site will limit the number of items in a category to 10,000.  Even 10,000 items is not what we would suggest in a category as this can be difficult for users to manage.  Typically you would want to start breaking into subcategories in this case.

Using "Search and Categorize Items"

This allows you to add items to a category from within Attribute Manager.  Run a filtered search, select desired items, and add them to the selected category.

  1. Build your search criteria.  You can filter by Item Descriptions or Item Codes.  Set the parameters, then click "Add Search Filter".
  2. Your active search filters show up here.  To remove a filter, check the box next to it and click "Remove Selected Filters".  After you remove a filter, Attribute Manager will offer to refresh the search results.
  3. Click "Show Search Results" to run a search using the current search filters.
  4. Choose "Select All Results" to check the box next to each result in the "Search Results" field.
  5. "Use Selected Items" will add all the checked items in the "Search Results" field to the current Category.

Remember that the only way to be sure your item database is up-to-date is to choose "Sync Parts with ERP" under "Settings" --> "Item (ERP) DB".

Using a Spreadsheet to add Items

The first step, in this case, is to select a category, then under "Edit Items & Properties", select the "Export to Excel" button. (See Above)

Edit the Spreadsheet

You'll be given a spreadsheet with column headers for "Item Code", "Description", and any attributes you've set up for the selected category.  You can add items to this spreadsheet, but they will only display correctly on your website if the Item Code matches exactly to your ERP Item Code.  Still, if you'd like to enter items and edit their attribute values at the same time, this method will allow you to do that.

Import the Spreadsheet file to Attribute Manager

Use the "Import Items & Properties" option under the "Add or Import Items" tab to import your edited spreadsheet to Attribute Manager.  Make sure you select the same category you selected when you exported the spreadsheet.

  1. Select your file type. Either "Excel Document" or "Tab Separated File" will work.  Choose the option that corresponds to your spreadsheet.
  2. Browse for the spreadsheet.
  3. Choose the field in the spreadsheet that lists the ERP Item Code (Part Number).
  4. Map the fields in the spreadsheet to the corresponding fields in Attribute Manager.
  5. Once you've mapped the fields, you can save the import template by clicking "Save Import Template".  This might save some time if you import another spreadsheet to the same category in the future.  Generally, AutoMap is a better option because, with AutoMap, you don't have to maintain an Import Template file.
  6. If you've previously saved a template, you can open it by clicking "Open an Import Template".
  7. Click "Do Import" to import the spreadsheet file.  Check "Test Import" to verify the fields before you complete the import process.  Check "Remove Items before Import" if you are removing items from the current category.

The imported items will now appear in your selected category.  Check the "Edit Items & Item Properties" tab to verify.