Categorizing Inventory N ways

[KirkR]

Many products, from various mfg and grouped into N+1 categories; show classification as filtered list, but if classification not available, add from larger list, and if not correct, add to it.

Confusing? Let me detail out the problem in our medical equipment remanufacturing business.

**** Problem Set 1 (of 3 related problems) *****

1) we receive product made by many manufacturers

2) In order to receive it into inventory, as well as be able to selectively find it (Read: Sell it), we need to classify it into categories.

3) Once an item has been received, we want to enter the mfg name (if discernible), and a classification list will be available in the next field, that is the subset of things that this mfg makes.

4) IF the classification category is NOT in the related list, select a category from a pre-populated category list that, by definition, will never be complete and will need to updated dynamically by this entry process.

5) IF the classification category is NOT in the larger, pre-populated list, add it to the list to be available to the subsequent inventory receipts.

Any given category can have n mfg, and any given mfg, n categories (join-table), but how to get the value lists dynamically populated AND extensible???

The very nature of the business does not lend itself to being able to pre-populate a list with anything comprehensive. Dynamically building a list is fine, but getting the first filter to be "what have we classified things like this in the past as?" would be ideal - few people, particularly receiving clerks, have the breadth of knowledge as to what every medical device from every medical device manufacturer is - even people that have been doing this 20 years have problems with the vast diversity of medical equipment.

So I guess what I would like is .... (alternatives gladly entertained)

1) Enter the Mfg (if known)

2) Look at the popup list to see if the product fits in a classification that someone has done before.

3) If not, pick from a larger, generic list

4) If not in the larger, generic list, enter it

5) have the entered item available the next time

***** Problem Set 2 ***** Same data entry

1) I don't know the mfg, or it is not labeled on the product, but I know what it is.

2) I select the classification (same hierarchy as above), and the system will show prior entered mfg of products in this classification.

***** Problem Set 3 ****** Same data entry area ****

There should be no issues with this - pretty simple, once the above are performed. However, I thought it might be useful to frame the problem space......

1) To selectively find it, we need to start with categories, and list manufacturers.... or start with mfg and list categories - and then product. A sales person gets a call for XYZ product, no mfg specified or vice-versa.