Item life cycle management allows to control supply of new items to the system and phasing items out once they have become obsolete or no longer desired to be provided to operators.
To control the life cycle of an item, item Status is used. This information is set on item detail. Following statuses are available and will affect items in following way:
Defined
Status for new items, allowing to setup the item definition before working with this item in devices.
Following is possible for items in this status:
- Item type (consumable/durable) can be changed.
- Item can be set to serialized.
- Item can be set to be an assembly.
- Item can be assigned to device or location via Admin Portal.
Following is not possible for items in this status:
- Item cannot be assigned to device or location via Shop Floor Interface.
- Item is not available for pick, restock or inventory (it is not possible to place physical quantity to location).
- Item cannot be placed to purchase or service orders, both manually or by a scheduled script.
Once item status is changed from the Defined state, it is not possible to switch back to this state. Item type (consumable/durable, serialized, assembly) can be changed only once item is in this state.
Defined (imported)
This status is set for all new items imported from external sources – item catalogs, GTC packages or third party integrations. Consequences of this status are the same as for status Defined.
Phase in
Items in phase in status are being prepared to be available for operators. Such items can be placed to locations and are available for purchasing process, but will not be offered to be picked yet. Item can be picked only as a substitute product (see how to setup substitute products).
Following is possible for items in this status:
- Item can be assigned to device and location.
- Item can be placed to orders (manually or by a script).
- Item can be inventoried and restocked.
Following is not possible for items in this status:
- Item is not shown in list of items for pick.
Released
Items fully available in the system. Such items are available in all flows without any limitations.
Phase out (formerly Outgoing)
Phased out items are being limited in availability. Such items are still available for operators, but new items cannot be purchased or serviced externally anymore. Item still could be requested from central stock or serviced internally.
Following is not possible for items in this status:
- Item cannot be added to purchase or service order, manually or by a script.
Obsolete
Obsolete items are no longer supposed to be provided to operators. Operators can return already picked items back to system but will not be able to pick additional items. Item will no longer be purchased or serviced. It is not possible to assign item to a new location.
Following is not possible for items in this status:
- Item is not shown in list of items for pick.
- Item cannot be added to purchase or service order, manually or by a script.
- Item cannot be assigned to location.