Add Consumable
Contents
1. Use Cases
Quick Links: Register New Cartons | Create Cushioning Material | Create a Warehouse-Shared Consumable
Scenario 1: Register Newly Purchased Cartons
Situation: The purchasing team ordered a batch of cartons in a new size; they must be created in the system so packers can use them.
How to do it:
- Click the "New" button
- In "Merchant", select the Merchant who uses these cartons
- Enter the name: "XL Carton 60x40x40"
- Enter the barcode printed on the carton packaging
- Enter the dimensions: length 60, width 40, height 40
- Confirm the Volume is calculated automatically
- Click "Save" to finish
Result: The consumable is created and the page jumps to the detail page. Packers can select the correct carton in the system, and the Volume data helps with freight estimation.
Scenario 2: Create Cushioning Material
Situation: The bubble wrap used in the warehouse has no fixed dimensions, and you are unsure how to fill in the size fields.
How to do it:
- Click the "New" button
- Select the Merchant
- Enter the name: "Bubble Wrap Large Roll"
- Enter a custom barcode: "CS-BUBBLE-L"
- Leave the size fields blank (optional)
- Click "Save" to finish
Result: The consumable is created. For consumables without fixed dimensions, the size fields can be left blank; note the specification in the name instead (e.g., "Large Roll", "Small Roll").
Scenario 3: Create a Warehouse-Shared Consumable
Situation: Packing tape is shared by the whole warehouse and does not belong to any single Merchant.
How to do it:
- Click the "New" button
- In "Merchant", select "Warehouse-owned"
- Enter the name and barcode
- Click "Save" to finish
Result: This consumable is shared by the warehouse; packing for any Merchant can use it.
2. Feature Guide
When a new batch of consumables arrives or you start using a new carton size, create the consumable record here. Once created, it can be selected when packing shipments and the system records the usage automatically. The consumable can belong to a specific Merchant or be set to "Warehouse-owned" for warehouse-wide use.
Quick Jump: Form Fields | Action Buttons | Validation Rules
2.1 Form Fields
Fields marked with * are required
| Field | How to Fill | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant | Select the owner from the dropdown, or choose "Warehouse-owned" | Defaults to "Warehouse-owned"; can still be changed later on the edit page |
| *Consumable Name | Enter the full name; recommended format "type + spec", e.g., "Small Carton 20x15x10" | Cannot be empty |
| *Barcode | Enter or scan a barcode; use the original barcode or a custom number like CS-BOX-001 | Must be unique within the same Merchant |
| Length | Enter the outer length in cm | Cannot be negative |
| Width | Enter the outer width in cm | Cannot be negative |
| Height | Enter the outer height in cm | Cannot be negative |
| Volume | Auto-calculated once all dimensions are filled; cannot be edited manually | Unit follows the company setting: "Cubic Feet (CUFT)" or "Cubic Meters (CBM)" |
| Quantity | Enter the current stock of the consumable | Cannot be negative; deducted automatically as shipments use it |
| Weight (kg) | Enter the consumable's weight | Cannot be negative |
| Price | Enter the price charged to the merchant | Optional |
| Cost | Enter the purchase cost | Optional |
Naming Tips
- Include the size, e.g., "Small Carton 20x15x10"
- Include the material, e.g., "Bubble Bag Medium"
- Use a consistent naming convention for easier management
Barcode Tips
- Use the original barcode on the packaging
- Define internal numbers, e.g., CS-BOX-001
- Use a sequential numbering system
2.2 Action Buttons
| Button | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Save | Create the consumable | Jumps to the detail page after creation |
| Save and Add Another | Create continuously | Clears the form after saving and stays on this page |
| Cancel | Cancel creation | Discards the input and returns to the previous page |
2.3 Validation Rules
▪ Required Fields Missing
Error message: "This field is required" (Consumable Name, Barcode)
How to fix: Fill in the highlighted fields and save again.
▪ Data Conflict
Error message: The barcode is already taken
How to fix: A consumable with the same barcode already exists within this Merchant (or the "Warehouse-owned" scope). Use a different barcode.
3. FAQ
3.1 FAQ
▪ Why do I need to choose a Merchant?
The warehouse system manages data for multiple merchants. Merchant-specific packing materials (e.g., branded cartons) should belong to that Merchant so usage and costs are tracked separately; warehouse-wide shared materials should be "Warehouse-owned".
▪ Is the Barcode mandatory? Can I add it later?
The Barcode is required and must be entered at creation. If you do not have a barcode yet, use an internal number first.
▪ Is the Volume calculated automatically?
Yes. After you enter the Length, Width, and Height, the system calculates the Volume automatically. This field cannot be edited manually.
▪ What unit is the Volume in?
It follows your company's volume unit setting: "Cubic Feet (CUFT)" or "Cubic Meters (CBM)". The current unit is shown next to the field.
▪ What if the Barcode is already taken?
If the barcode already exists within the Merchant when saving, an error message appears. Use a different barcode.
▪ Can a consumable be modified after creation?
Yes. The name, barcode, dimensions, and quantity can all be edited, and the owning Merchant can also be reassigned.
▪ Why can't I find a Merchant in the dropdown?
The dropdown only shows merchants you have permission to manage. If one is missing, contact your administrator to confirm your permissions.
▪ What if I selected the wrong Merchant?
No problem — open the consumable's edit page, reselect the correct owner in "Merchant", and save.
▪ Can I create multiple consumables at once?
Use the "Save and Add Another" button to enter them continuously: each save clears the form so you can fill in the next one.
▪ Are the dimensions required?
The dimensions are optional. For consumables with fixed dimensions (cartons), filling them in enables Volume calculation and freight estimation. For consumables without fixed dimensions (tape), you can leave them blank.
3.2 Notices
⚠️ Important Reminders
- The Barcode must be unique within the same Merchant (or the "Warehouse-owned" scope)
- Use names that include the specification for easier identification and searching
- Although dimensions are optional, filling them in enables Volume calculation and freight estimation
- Consumable data of different companies is completely isolated
4. Related Features
| Feature | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables List | View all consumables | Go |
| Consumable Detail | View complete consumable information | Go |
| Edit Consumable | Modify consumable information | Go |