In this task you will create stock Locations.
Locations setup is a super task!
Do not skip or partially complete
Locations setup -- along with BOM routings and item MRP settings -- is a "super task" that may require several days to complete. Locations are required for inventory control and cannot be skipped or partially completed.
Links:
Inventory Control Guide - Locations
Video - Inventory Locations Setup
Make a manual backup prior to data import
Prior to any data import process, always use the Backup Manager utility to make a manual backup. Should you encounter any anomalies in the data after they are imported, you can immediately restore from backup, make changes to your spreadsheet, and then run the import once again.
Make the backup to your restore points folder
In task 3-7 you created a restore points folder for the purpose of storing manual backups made at the end of each implementation phase and prior to each data import. Make this backup to your restore points folder to preserve your progress prior to this data import process.
If you do not have a restore points folder, refer back to task 3-7 in the Installation phase of implementation for guidance.
Making a manual backup
Use the Backup Manager to make a manual backup, which is accessed from the server by clicking Windows Start - DBA Manufacturing - Utilities - Backup Manager.
Select the Manual Backup option. Select your company database in the From registered databases option. Select the Use Custom Backup path. Click Find and navigate to your restore points folder.
When you are prompted to save the file, give it a file name such as Backup_Pre-Locations_Import to clearly identify the contents of this backup.
Click Create Backup to initiate the backup process.
Link:
Installation / Update Guide – Manual Backup
Locations Guideline
Do not avoid using locations
Do not avoid locations by using a single dummy location that has no meaning. Use multiple locations so that stock quantities are tracked against actual locations. Using multiple locations reduces errors, increases inventory accuracy, and saves time by facilitating job issuing, order picking, and stock counts.
Startup Day Initial Qty Import requires Qty, Unit Cost, and Item Location per Item
When you perform your Initial Stock Qty import on your official startup day, you will import all quantities at each inventory location at the unit cost for that item. Your source sheet will have all of your inventory quantities by location and should be done in a single import on startup day. If you have an item in more than one location, you will have a line for each qty by location on your source import sheet.
Common Question
Is it necessary to use locations?
It is a big mistake to avoid locations by using a single “dummy” location that has no meaningful use. Once locations are set up and item location assignments are made, locations are easy to use because of pre-fill behavior and provide many benefits, including facilitating stock counts, finding stock in overflow locations, enhancing issuing and picking accuracy, and using receiving and inspection locations. Avoiding locations consumes far more time finding stock and tracking down errors than it does to incorporate them into your workflow processes. .
How can I perform quality control?
DBA allows you to set up a default receipt location and primary location for an item. In manufacturing environments there is often a need to perform quality control inspections or to print special labels for the item. The receipt location allows you to designate a location to perform the quality control inspection or labeling. When completed, you can then use the Stock Transfer screen and transfer the items to their respective primary location in inventory
