Configuring Manufacturers and Models in gaiia

Overview

Manufacturers and Models play a huge role in the Inventory module within gaiia. In this article, we’ll be covering how to configure those and their respective implications throughout the module.

What is a Manufacturer and how is it used?

The Manufacturer is exactly as it sounds. This will serve as the Manufacturer for a specific Model. This is referenced when adding or moving inventory; you’re asked to select a Manufacturer which dictates the available Models you can select.

This is also used when moving inventory between Models, which is restricted to only Models within the same Manufacturer.

Configuring a Manufacturer

This is a very straightforward process. Start by navigating to Inventory > Settings > Manufacturers. From there, click + Add Manufacturer, type in the name, and then click Add. And just like that, you’ve added in the Manufacturer.

What is a Model and how is it used?

The Models are the most important value for inventory within gaiia. This is the actual make/model of the item you’ll be referencing (i.e., HT812). When you add inventory, you’ll add them into a specific Model. When moving inventory, you’ll move that specific Model between Locations/Zones. It’s also the Model that gets assigned to a customer as well.

Configuring a Model

You’ll start by navigating to Inventory > Settings > Models. From there, click + Add Model. You’ll have to populate a few fields here before you’re able to add the Model into gaiia:

1. Model Category – As covered in Configuring Categories for Inventory, select the Category that’s applicable for this Model.
2. CPE (Optional)
3. Manufacturer – Select the corresponding Manufacturer for this Model (i.e., Amazon, GenTek, Adtran, etc.).
4. Model Name – Give your Model a name. This could be as simple as the name of the actual unit, or you can use this name to include a bit more information about it as well.

Once those are populated, you’ll then have the option to add in Fields. Some of these can be used to track/display the identifier(s) of the unit or used as a Custom Field option to track additional details about the unit:

1. Type – Select the Type of Field this will be and the value it’ll expect going forward. Strictly numerical? MAC Address format?
2. Label – Name the Field as it will appear on the inventory item.
3. Required – Toggle this on or off if this Field is Required in order to add the item into gaiia.
4. Unique – Toggle this on or off if this Field’s value has to be unique in order to be added into gaiia (i.e., no duplicate MAC Addresses).
5. Identifier – When you toggle on the Unique value, the Identifier button will appear on the left-hand side. Toggle this on or off to decide which Identifier is the primary Identifier going forward. This can be changed later.

Once all of that has been completed, you’re now in good standing to add the Model into gaiia! Simply click Add and the new Model will now appear in the list.

Additionally, from that list view, click the Ellipsis menu to edit some of the aspects of your Model, associate Child Items (which is unique to utilizing the Fulfillment Module), or transfer items from that Model to another within the same Category.

And just like that, you’re an expert at creating and understanding Manufacturers and Models!