Stock category types

There are three stock category types: non-stocked (NS) items, special order (SP) items, and stocked (STK) items. Using stock category types helps you identify items for reorder and minimizes administration work when ordering occasionally used items.

Non-stocked (NS) items

Items that you do not stock on a regular basis, and that are not automatically reordered. Because an item is sometimes needed, retain the record for the item in the database. The record for the item is useful both for cost tracking purposes and for future reference. For example, the record contains the vendor's name, the price, or other pertinent item-specific information. A non-stocked item can include an item that is needed once a year for inspections, or an item that is stocked during certain seasons of the year. For example, air filters must be replaced once a year. You can keep the record of the item in your database for future replacements.

Special order (SP) items

Items that you order only once, for an unexpected need or for a one-time work order. A special order item is not kept in stock. You do not need a permanent record of the item in your database. In most cases, after the item is received, you can delete the record for the special order item from the database.

Stocked (STK) items

Items that you stock continually because they are frequently needed. A stocked item is the default value for an item added to a storeroom. Stocked items are included in the reorder process. Stocked items have a reorder criteria (for example, a reorder point and an economic order quantity) that is specific to each storeroom location.