Matrix Dimensions

This screen allows you to create and maintain Matrix Dimensions.  These Dimensions are used by the Matrices (Items> Matrices) screen to facilitate the creation of an Order Entry Template which displays an array using Two (or Three) Dimensions so that, during Sales or Purchase Order Entry, a single panel is used to enter quantities against the allowable dimension combinations


Concept

Matrices can be used in both Sales & Purchase orders. This functionality is commonly required in the apparel industry, but can be used for a variety of other environments. The concept is that you define a Matrix Style and linked to that style are 2 or 3 dimensions (i.e. Colour, Size, Fit), and then the individual Item or Descriptor codes are linked to a combination of those dimensions (Item Drag & Drop functionality works in this screen). 


A point to note is that we use individual product codes to represent each combination, not a single product with inventory tracked characteristics (such as: Colour, Size, Batch, Grade etc...). 


Images & properties can also be linked to that Matrix Style, and appear when in the order screens. 



Using Matrices in Sales and Purchase Order screens 

In both the Sales and Job Order Line tabs you will see a Batch Entry panel option called ‘Matrices’ – this, when clicked on, presents the ‘Batch Entry – Matrices’ screen where you can add and select a Matrix style. Once the style has been selected you will notice a 2/3 dimensional grid displays at the bottom of the screen, where valid combination cells are editable (invalid combinations are filled with ‘----‘, and are read-only). 


There is also a ‘Properties’ tab that displays any properties and images pre-defined for that style. 


Any Items/Descriptors that are linked to a Matrix Style will be automatically added to that the style within the order even if they are entered directly into the order lines (in other words it doesn’t matter that you add or modify lines within or outside of the Matrix entry – both are updated). 



 

List Tab

 

Display fields

 

Matrix Code: This is display only that shows the current Matrix Codes that exist in Ostendo.   

 

Description: Description of the Matrix Code taken from the Matrix Code record.

 

Data Display Options

 

Field Position - On the List screen you can move the field position by dragging the column heading left or right to the position where you want it to appear.

 

Filtering and Sorting - If you ‘check’ the checkbox then the displayed data is available for filtering and sorting:

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To sort the data in a selected column simply click on the column heading.  Clicking against will sort in descending order.

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Click on the black ‘down arrow’ to the right of your selected column heading and you can either select a specific entry to display all records containing that entry, or you can select (Custom…) to enter detailed selection criteria.

 

Searching - If you enter some text into the ‘Search’ field and click on the ‘binoculars’ Icon then all records will be interrogated and those records that contain the entered text will be displayed.  To revert back to displaying all records click on the ‘Eraser’ Icon

 

Buttons

 

Close: This will close the Matrix Code screen.  If you have any unsaved data then you will be asked if you wish to save it before the screen is closed.

 

Add: This will bring up the ‘Detail’ tab for entry of a new Matrix Code.

 

Save: Not applicable to the List panel

 

Cancel: Not applicable to the List panel

 

Delete: This removes the current Matrix Code record from this table

 

 

Detail Tab

 

This tab enables you to maintain the Master record for this Matrix Dimension.  The variables within this record are added in the ‘Levels’ tab

 

Entry and Display fields

 

Matrix Code: Enter a Matrix Code Name.  This name will be available for selection in the Inventory>Matrices screen to provide the XY or XYZ options used in Sales or Purchase Order entry.  

 

Description: Description of the Matrix Code.  A description must be entered.  However, no checks are made on the entry content

 

 

Buttons

 

Close: This will close the Matrix Code screen.  If you have any unsaved data then you will be asked if you wish to save it before the screen is closed.

 

Add: This will present this screen in preparation for entry of a new Matrix Code.

 

Save: This will save the current data without exiting the screen

 

Cancel: Any changes made since the screen was opened or the last time the ‘Save’ Button was pressed will be lost.

 

Delete: Not applicable to the Detail panel

 

 

Values Tab

 

This tab facilitates the entry and maintenance of all the variants that apply to this Matrix Code.

 

Entry and Display fields

 

 

Value: Enter a Value that will be displayed in the Matrices.  For example, if the Matrix Code is 'Size' then this entry could be 'Small' and further entries in this screen could be 'Medium' and 'Large'.

 

Sort Sequence: This is the Sequence in which the variables are displayed in the Order Matrix.  When adding a record it is automatically given a number of the current highest number plus 10.  You may amend this number at any time to denote the sequence in which you want it to be displayed in the order Matrix

 

 

Buttons

 

Close: This will close the Matrix Code screen.  If you have any unsaved data then you will be asked if you wish to save it before the screen is closed.

 

Add: This will send the cursor to a new line for entry of a new Variable.

 

Save: This will save the current data without exiting the screen

 

Cancel: Any changes made since the screen was opened or the last time the ‘Save’ Button was pressed will be lost.

 

Delete: This will remove the current Variable from this Matrix Code