In BOS Enterprise, inventory is managed by creating items. An item can be parts, finished goods, services, or outsourced supplies. Inventory items that are kept in stock which must be managed are marked as Inventory Items. Organisations will typically create an item for every product they must buy, manufacture or supply. For example, a motor-vehicle manufacturer may have an item for the base car, and items for every optional extra consumers can order.
Navigation: Main Menu > Items > Items > New (button).
Table of Contents
⬆ ⬇ : Arrows allow users to navigate to the next or previous item.
Recent: Lists the recently viewed items for quick navigation.
Edit: Changes the fields from read-only to editable.
Warning: Changes are saved as they are entered. You cannot undo an accidental edit.
The Edit (button), once clicked, will keep the item in edit mode until the button is clicked again or BOS Enterprise is closed.
New: Creates a new item.
Copy: Copies the item to make a new item. Options are:
Copy Item (Complete): All the information, including Costings, will be copied to the new item.
Copy Item (Excluding Costing): The Costings will not be copied, the rest of the information will.
Delete: Deletes the item.
Save: Saves any changes (Information is automatically saved. Use the button to update fields when information is changed).
Approve: Only available if the item has a checklist.
Approve (button): Approves the Checklist of the item.
Approve (button) > Update checklist: Updates the checklist with any changes made to the setup.
Approve (button) > Show checklist: Toggles showing the Checklist on the right side of the edit-item interface.
Checkmark = The checklist will be displayed.
Green blocks = The field shown next to the block was Completed.
Red blocks = The field shown next to the block is Incomplete.
Menu:
View/Edit Images: Shows the item's images.
View Item Summary: Shows a summary of the item's information and transactions.
View Audits: Shows Users and Dates of changes made to the item.
Set Tabs: Allows users to override the Category Settings and show or hide tabs. The tabs are:
Image & Specs
Units
Costing & Pricing
Inventory
Estimating
Event
Accounting
Price History
Costing
Attachments
Dependencies
Email Excel: Opens the default email template with the list attached in .xlsx format.
Export Grid: Allows users to select a save location on their local or cloud server for the list in .xlsx format.
Save
Save (All Users)
Restore Default (All Users)
Status: Sets the item to Active, Review, or Inactive. Both Active and Review statuses allow the item to be used. The purpose of the Review status is to flag an item that needs to be edited or checked.
Status Note: Allows users to type in a Note.
Status Audit: Shows the last change to the item (User and Date).
Description: Allows users to type in a Description for the item.
Category: Allows users to select a Category from the dropdown list of categories.
Sub Category: Allows users to select a Sub Category from a lookup list that was created for the category.
Reference: Allows users to type in an optional Reference for the item.
Code: Allows users to type in an optional Code for the item (this can be a short code like an account number, or a brief description)
Unit: The Base Unit (Inventory Unit) for the item (defaults to ea for each)
Inventory checkbox: If checked, it makes the item an Inventory Item.
Customer: Allows users to select a Customer from the dropdown list of customers (used when the item is linked to a specific customer and not generally used otherwise).
Location: The static Location of the item (e.g. Factory, Warehouse).
Make: Only applicable to Assembly and Material items. Allows users to create lookup lists to provide more information about the item (Konica Minolta).
Model: Only applicable to Assembly and Material items. Allows users to create lookup lists to provide more information about the item (e.g. Bizhub C651I).
Type: Allows users to select a type of product:
Assembly: The Item contains a Costing.
Material: A tangible item that can be kept in Stock.
Service: A labour item costed on Hourly Rate and Time.
Other: Used for items that are not one of the above. NB. These items can not be added to Estimates.
Tracking: A dropdown list from which to select tracking options:
N/A: Not tracked.
Batches: The item is tracked in Batches from receipt to final product.
Serial No.: The item is tracked using its Serial Numbers, for example, electronic goods.
Yield: The item is tracked by its Yield Quantity (as entered).
Yield Quantity: A field to enter the Quantity that the item should Yield. (Once the Yield Quantity is selected as a tracking option, click Save (button) to make this field appear.)
Resolve: A dropdown list from which to select the action to take when the item is part of a transaction. The options are:
N/A
Receive
Issue
Order
Reserve
Purchase
Produce
Edit (next to Note): Opens a text editor for users to type in or edit a Note.
Edit (next to Specification): Opens a text editor for users to type in or edit a Specification.
Note: A text field for users to enter any information.
Specification: A text field for users to enter specific details about the item.
Image:
Users can right-click inside the block (in Edit mode) and select Load from the context menu.
Images can be loaded from the local or cloud server or copied and pasted by taking a screenshot.
Note: Images should be below 150 KB.
Once loaded, the image will be displayed in the Image block.
Add Unit: Allows users to add an additional Unit.
Field Chooser (*): Allows users to add or remove columns.
ID: A system-generated number allocated to the unit.
Unit: A code representing the Unit (e.g. ea for each, or m for metre).
X: The number of items in a Unit.
Default Unit: A pre-filled field that displays the Default Unit Code (Base Unit).
Stock Check: A checkbox that, if checked, indicates the item is held in stock and the stock is counted in the specific Unit (i.e. a stock check is performed).
Menu (...): X: Allows users to delete the line by clicking the X.
ℹ️ This tab is only available if a Class and Category are created for Assets.
Asset Type: A dropdown list of Assets allowing users to select one (e.g. Vehicles, Equipment, Machine).
Location: A dropdown list of Asset Locations allowing users to select one.
Identification:
Serial No.: A field to type in the Asset's Serial Number.
Reg No.: A field to type in the Asset's Registration Number (e.g. motor vehicle license plate)
Sizes and weight:
Size: Fields to type in the dimensions in mm (L x W x H).
Weight: Field to type in the Weight in kilogram
Dates:
Manufactured: A calendar to select the Manufactured Date.
Purchased: A calendar to select the Purchased Date.
Meter Data
A checkbox that if checked will enable Meter Data which will open additional functionality e.g. meter readings.
Unit: A selection of available units to select the Meter's Unit.
View Meter Data: Navigates to a screen displaying Meter Data.
Depreciation:
Type: Allows users to select a depreciation option:
Straight Line: The asset is written off in Equal Instalments over its expected lifetime.
Reducing Balance: The asset is written off based on its Net Book Value. The value is recalculated every year and the depreciation is adjusted.
Periods: Allows users to set the Expected Lifetime of the asset in years or months.
Purchase Date: A calendar to select the date on which the asset was purchased.
Purchase Value: A field to type in the Purchase Value of the asset. If VAT was claimed, the purchase value should exclude VAT. Where a VAT input claim is denied (e.g. private motor vehicles) the purchase value should include VAT.
Start Date: The date on which the Depreciation calculation must Start.
Start Value: The net book value of the asset for depreciation purposes at the start date of depreciation. The start value will equal the purchase value, unless the asset was purchased before the BOS records start.
Asset: The ledger account in which the Cost Price of the asset must be recorded. Usually a non-current asset account (e.g. Motor Vehicles NBV >Motor Vehicles at Cost).
Depreciation (Asset): The ledger account in which the Accumulated Depreciation of the asset must be recorded. Usually, a non-current asset account (e.g. Motor Vehicles NBV > Motor Vehicles Acc. Depr.)
Depreciation (Expense): The ledger account in which the depreciation expense must be recorded. Usually Depreciation Expense.
Buttons Explained:
Add Supplier: Adds a new supplier record.
Arrow on Add Supplier: Adds all the suppliers allocated to a specific Group that are not already added.
Fields Explained:
ID: A system-generated number for the supplier record.
Status: The status of the entry. It defaults to Active and can be changed to Inactive.
Reference: A field to type in the Supplier's Reference (e.g. The Supplier's Item Code).
Barcode: A field to enter in a Barcode.
Fixed Price: A field to type in a Fixed Price.
RoE Override: A checkbox. Checkmark = The Rate of Exchange can be changed when a transaction is created. (Only applicable if the supplier invoice is in Foreign Currency.)
RoE X: The current Rate of exchange. Set to 1 if the Supplier Invoice is in Local Currency.
VAT Type: A field to select the VAT Type applicable to the Supplier.
VAT: A field to select whether the price Excludes (Exc) or Includes (Inc) VAT.
Unit Price: A field to type in the Unit Price of the item supplied.
/: A field to type in the number of items included in the Unit Price.
Unit: A dropdown list of available Units the item is purchased in.
Currency: A dropdown list with available Currencies that the item is purchased in.
Adj (%): A field to type in the percentage to add to the Cost Price or to enter a Discount percentage.
Min Qty: A field to type in the minimum number of items the price applies to.
Total Fixed: A field to type in the item's Total Fixed Cost.
Lead Days: A field to type in the number of days it takes to receive the item once it is ordered.
Total Unit (ea): The Total Cost Per Unit (automatically calculated).
Updated by: The user who last updated the record (auto-filled).
Updated: The Date on which the last update was made (auto-filled).
Menu (...): Click to show an X, and click the X to delete the entry.
Button Explained:
Add Costing (EST): Adds a new Costing.
Fields Explained:
ID: A system-generated number for the costing.
Status: The status of the entry. It defaults to Active and can be changed to Inactive.
Estimate: A dropdown list from which to select an Estimate.
Barcode: A field to enter a Barcode.
Type: Auto-filled: EST for Estimate; COS for Cost of Sale.
Unit: A dropdown list of created units to select a Unit.
Unit Price: A field that is pre-filled from the selected estimate showing the Unit Price.
Total Fixed: A field that is pre-filled from the selected estimate showing the Total Fixed Price.
Total Unit (ea): The Total Cost in the selected Unit where ea = the selected unit.
Min Qty: A field to type in the Minimum Quantity for which the estimate is applicable.
Lead Days: The number of days it takes to produce the item.
Updated by: The User who last updated the record.
Updated: The Date of the last update
/: The number of units included in the price.
Menu (...):
Create Estimate: Allows users to create an Estimate if an estimate was not selected.
Open Estimate: Allows users to open the selected Estimate.
Convert Estimate to Item Costing: Allows the user to convert the Estimate to an Item Costing.
Replicate Item Description to Linked Estimate: Replicates the item Description, Code and Reference fields.
Delete Costing: Allows users to delete the Costing.
Buttons Explained:
Add Cost/Sell Price: Adds a new cost and selling price.
Arrow on the Add Cost/Sell Price > Add all units: This will create a line for every unit entered.
Fields Explained:
ID: A system-generated number for the price.
Status: The status of the entry. It defaults to Active and can be changed to Inactive.
Est: A checkbox. Checkmark = The price is used when Estimating.
Unit: A dropdown list of created units from which to Estimate in.
CUR: A dropdown list with available Currencies for Cost purposes.
Barcode: A field to enter a Barcode.
Cost Price: A dropdown list to select how the Cost Price is calculated. Once selected, click Save (button) to auto-fill the fields where applicable. The options are:
Manual: Users must manually type in and change the cost price.
Highest Costing: The highest price from the available costs will be selected.
Lowest Costing: The lowest price from the available costs will be selected.
Suppliers: All the suppliers under Supplier Prices are listed for users to select a specific Supplier.
Costing / Estimate: All the estimates or costings in the Costing section are listed for users to select a specific Estimate or Costing.
Cost Adj %: A field to type in the percentage to add an amount to the Cost Price selected in the previous column (Cost Price).
Fixed Cost: A field to type in a Fixed Cost (e.g. a fixed despatch cost).
Unit Cost: A field to type in a Unit Cost.
/: A field to type in the number of items that are included in the cost.
Sell Price: A dropdown list to select how the Selling Price is calculated. Once selected, click Save (button) to auto-fill the fields where applicable. The options are:
Manual: Users must manually type in and change the Selling Price.
Highest Costing: The highest price from the available costs will be selected.
Lowest Costing: The lowest price from the available costs will be selected.
Suppliers: All the suppliers under Supplier Prices are listed for users to select a specific Supplier.
Costing / Estimate: All the estimates or costings in the Costing section are listed for users to select a specific Estimate or Costing.
VAT Type: A dropdown list to select the VAT Type applicable to the Selling Price.
VAT: A field to select whether the price Excludes (Exc) or Includes (Inc) VAT. (e.g. if Exc is selected the calculated price is treated as VAT exclusive, and VAT is added to determine the VAT inclusive selling price.)
Sell Adj %: A field to type in the percentage the Cost Price must be adjusted by to reach the Selling Price. See the examples below:
-100% = Selling price is zero (not calculated). E.g. Raw Materials that are not sold to the end customer.
0% = The product is sold at cost.
Fixed Qty: A field to type in the Fixed Quantity (e.g. if the item can only be sold in groups of 5).
Round: A field to type in an integer to which the Selling Price must be rounded.
/: A field to type in the number of Units included in the Selling Price.
Min Qty: A field to type in the Minimum Quantity that can be sold.
GM%: A calculated field that shows the Gross Margin percentage.
Updated by: Auto-filled with the User who last updated the price.
Updated: The Date on which the transaction was last updated.
Menu (...):
Copy Price: Allows users to copy the price to make a new price.
Delete Price: Allows users to delete the price.
Add Inventory Location: Opens a dropdown list of all locations for users to select a location from the list or select the option All Locations.
ID / RID: A system-generated number.
Status: The status of the Inventory entry. It defaults to Active and can be changed to Inactive.
Location: The Inventory Location selected when the Add Inventory Location (button) was clicked.
Bin No.: A field for users to type in a Bin Number or select a bin number if they were entered for the Location.
Min Qty: A field to type in the Minimum Quantity that should be in stock at that Location.
Reorder: A field to type in the Quantity that should be reordered.
Lead Days: A field to type in the number of days it takes to receive the item once ordered.
In Stock: A field that is pre-filled with the Quantity In Stock.
On order: A field that is pre-filled with the Quantity Ordered.
Reserved: A field that is pre-filled with the Quantity that is Reserved for current orders.
Available: A field that is pre-filled with the Quantity Available.
Auto update: A checkbox. Checkmark = The fields will be updated automatically.
Menu (...): Click to display an X. Click the X to delete the entry.
Category filter: A calculation field that allows users to specify for which Categories the Estimate can be used.
Status: A dropdown list for users to select a status. The options are:
Inactive
Active
Active - Don't Adjust
Budget
Budget - Don't Adjust
Qty: A field to type in the Quantity and then select a Quantity Type from these options:
Fixed: Fixed quantity
x: Costing is multiplied by the number of items (x) produced.
x Size: quantity is calculated based on the size of the item.
/: Divide by the Quantity.
x Hr/s: Relates to services used in Est Qty x Hours.
Waste %: The percentage wasted during production.
Round: The integer to which the price must be rounded up.
Size (mm): Fields to type in the size: Depth x Width x Height.
Weight: A field to type in the Weight and select the Weight Metric from a dropdown list of metrics in the next block.
Description: A dropdown list to include the Description in the Estimate Description. The options are:
N/A: The Description is not included in the estimate.
Description: The Description is included in the estimate description.
1 x Description: The Quantity and Description are included in the estimate description.
Caption: A field that allows users to specify a custom header for the estimate (e.g. recipe).
Note: This tab is only applicable to certain industries, such as hospitality.
Event Type: A dropdown list to select the duration of an event. The options are:
N/A: Default. Supresses all the other fields.
Hours: The event will take place across an hour or more.
Days: The event will take place across several days.
24 Hrs: The event lasts 24 hours.
Resource Group: A dropdown list to select the resource being used (e.g. Users).
Resource: A dropdown list of available Resources under the selected Resource Group (e.g. if the Resource Group = Users, your user name will appear on the list under Resource).
From: A calendar from which to select the Start Day for the event in the first block and the Time of the event in the second block.
To: A calendar from which to select the Day the event ends in the first block and the Time the event ends in the second block.
Duration: A field showing the Duration of the event which is automatically calculated (click Save (button) but can also be overtyped).
Note: This tab is only used if you require items to be allocated to specific general ledger accounts (including Sales, Cost of Sales & Inventory). These settings will override Transaction settings.
Add Accounting: Adds a new entry.
Category: A dropdown list of the categories from which a Category can be selected.
Account: A dropdown list of all the accounts in the selected category from which an Account can be selected.
Menu (...): Click to display an X. Click the X to delete the entry.
Delete: Deletes the Price History of the selected records. Requires users to read a warning and confirm the deletion.
Date: The Date of the price change.
@: The Time of the price change.
User: The name of the User who changed the price.
Price Type: The type of price that was changed (e.g. Sell Price, Cost Price, Supplier Price)
Detail: Any further information, like an Estimate caption or Supplier name.
Unit: An abbreviation indicating the price's Unit.
Trans: The Transaction Type (if applicable)
Old Price: The price before the entry.
VAT: Whether the old price Excludes (exc) or Includes (inc) VAT or whether there was no VAT.
New Price: The price after the entry.
VAT: Whether the new price Excludes (exc) or Includes (inc) VAT or whether there was no VAT.
Variance: The amount difference between the Old and New Prices.
Var (%): The percentage difference between the Old and New Prices.
Menu (...) > Open Transaction: Allows the user to open the linked transaction (if there is a transaction in the Trans column).
Popup: Displays up a list of Items for users to select one or more to add as an option.
Category: A dropdown list form in which to select the type of price: All, Assembly, Material, or Service.
Add: Works with the search feature: Will add the item searched for at the quantity typed in the block before the Add (button).
Add Option: Adds an option to the selected item. Options allow users to add similar interchangeable items, optional extras, or different parameters like colour. When an Option is added to a Costing Item, the linked Costing Item is automatically updated to be a Variable.
Actions:
Batch Update: Allows users to change the selected records. Options are:
Type: Changes the Item's Type to the new type selected from the dropdown list.
Desc: Changes how the Description is included in the selected option from the dropdown list:
N/A: The Description is not included in the estimate.
Description: The Description is included in the estimate description.
1 x Description: The Quantity and Description are included in the estimate description.
Qty: Changes the Quantity to the number typed in the block.
Qty Type: Changes the Quantity Type to the new selection from the dropdown list:
Fixed: Fixed Quantity.
x: Costing is multiplied by the number of items (x) produced.
/: Divide by the Quantity.
x Hr/s: Relates to services used in Est Qty x Hours.
W%: Changes the Wastage percentage to the new percentage typed in the block.
Variable: Variables allow users to link options to a Costing. The settings for these variables can be changed as follows:
Mandatory: The variable must be included.
Optional [ ]: This option is unselected by default.
Optional [X]: This option is selected by default.
Caption: Allows users to enter a custom caption for the line item/s in the block provided.
Update Desc and Caption from linked Items: Will update the Caption and Description of the estimate based on the selected items.
Copy Costing from...: Opens a list of Costings for users to select a costing to copy and use for this item.
Use Costing from another item: Opens and list of Costings and Items for users to select a costing to copy and use for this item.
Open expanded in Costing Module: Will open the costing in the Costing module.
Delete: Will delete the selected records (with a confirmation).
Show Notes: Toggle to show or hide Notes. Checkmark = Notes will be shown.
Status: A dropdown list to change the Status of the Costing. The options are Draft, Ready, or Review.
Popup (button): Displays a list of Items for users to select one or more to add as an option.
Delete (button): Deletes the option if confirmed.
ID: The system-generated number that was allocated to the item.
Description: A pre-filled field showing the item's Description.
Reference: A pre-filled field showing the item's Reference.
Code: A pre-filled field showing the item's Code.
In Stock: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity In Stock.
On Order: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Ordered but not yet received.
Reserve: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Reserved for current orders.
Available: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Available.
Qty: A pre-filled field that can be overtyped to change the Quantity.
Unit Price: Displays the Unit Price for the line item and allows up to 4 decimal places.
Menu(...): A submenu that can also be accessed by right-clicking the line item, allowing users to:
Set Default: Set the option as the default option. The ID, Type, Description, and Code are copied from the Default Option to the Costing.
Open linked Item: Opens the linked item's setup page.
View Item Summary: Opens a summary on the right showing some of the item's setup pages and transactions.
Delete: Deletes the line item.
Field Chooser (*): Allows users to add or remove columns.
Item: A system-generated number allocated to each line of the costing.
ID: The system-generated number that was allocated to the item.
Type: A code indicating the Item's Type (e.g. MAT for Material).
Status (Item): The Status of the item.
Desc: A dropdown list from which to select Description options:
Blank: The Description is not included in the estimate.
Description: The Description is included in the estimate description.
1 x Description: The Quantity and Description are included in the estimate description.
Caption: A field to type in a custom Caption for the costing if one was not previously entered.
Status: A pre-filled field showing the Costing's Status.
Description: A pre-filled field showing the item's Description.
Reference: A pre-filled field showing the item's Reference.
Code: A pre-filled field showing the item's Code.
Length (mm): A pre-filled field showing the item's Length in mm.
Width (mm): A pre-filled field showing the item's Width in mm.
Height (mm): A pre-filled field showing the item's Height in mm.
Size: A pre-filled field showing the Item's Size and Size Metric.
Category: A pre-filled field showing the Item's Category.
Sub Category: A pre-filled field showing the Item's Subcategory.
In Stock: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity In Stock.
On Order: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Ordered but not yet received.
Reserve: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Reserved for current orders.
Available: A pre-filled field showing the Quantity Available.
Qty: A pre-filled field, but can be overtyped to change the Quantity.
Qty Type: A pre-filled field, but a new Quantity Type can be selected from the dropdown list.
W%: A pre-filled field, but can be overtyped to change the percentage that is Wasted during production.
Round: The integer to which the price must be rounded up.
Total Qty: A calculated field showing the Total Quantity included in the Estimate.
Unit: An abbreviation indicating the Unit.
Fixed Price: Displays the Fixed Price for the line item.
Unit Price: Displays the Unit Price for the line item and allows up to 4 decimal places.
Total Cost: The Total Cost of the line item.
Menu (...): A submenu that can also be accessed by right-clicking the line item allowing users to:
Move Up: Moves the line one line up.
Move Down: Moves the line one line down.
Open linked Item: Opens the linked item's setup page.
View Item Summary: Opens a summary on the right showing some of the item's setup pages and transactions.
Delete: Deletes the line item.
Description: The item's Description.
Actions
Set Costing Status to Draft: Sets the Status of the selected line item(s) to Draft.
Remove from Assemblies: Removes the selected item(s) from the list of Assemblies (that has a Draft status).
Add to Assemblies: Displays a list of Assemblies with a Draft status for users to select from, allowing them to add the chosen Items to the selected Assembly.
Add to Assemblies (Option): Displays a list of Assemblies with Draft status, allowing users to add the selected items as an option. Users must also select the specific item in the Costing for which they are adding the option.
Add to Assemblies (Replace Item): Opens a list of assemblies for users to choose the Assembly and line Item to replace with the selected line item.
ℹ️ The fields are read-only. Right-clicking the fields allows you to: Open Transaction, Open linked Item, Open Item Dashboard, Open Item Summary.
MatUnit ID: The system-generated ID allocated to the Item.
MatCosting ID: The system-generated ID allocated to the Costing Item.
Status: The Status of the item.
Costing: The Status of the Costing.
Type: The Type of Entry (e.g. Costing).
Variable: A variable showing whether the item is Mandatory or Optional.
Caption: The costing's Caption.
Description: The item's Description.
Code: The item's Code.
Reference: The item's Reference.
Category: The item's Category.
Qty: The number of items used in the Assembly.
Qty Type: The Quantity Type applicable to the Assembly.
Unit: The Unit used in the Assembly.
Add Attachment: Opens an interface for users to link an Attachment. Popup explained:
Description: A field for users to type in a description.
Type: A dropdown list of allowable Attachment Types for users to select an option:
Document (.pdf)
File
Link
Image (.jpg, .png)
URL/Filename: Field for users to paste a URL or to click (...) and navigate to the file on their local or cloud server.
Open (button): Opens the Attachment in a preview window.
Save (button): Saves the Attachment.
Close (button): Closes the popup.
The section will display a list of Attachments.
If the section is empty, there are no Attachments.