Quick Summary: The app applies a strict hierarchy of rules to determine an item’s final stocking indicator when multiple classification methods conflict.
For necessary background, please preread Mastering Stocking Indicators before proceeding with this article.
Why a Priority Hierarchy Matters
Multiple methods can be used to set an item’s stocking indicator, including data from your ERP, system classification rules, manual overrides, and direct edits on the Inquiry screen. To ensure a predictable and consistent outcome, the app applies a strict priority hierarchy when these methods conflict. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for troubleshooting why an item has a particular status and for ensuring your inventory policies are applied as intended.
The Priority Hierarchy
When your system classifies an item, it follows a strict set of priority rules. Multiple methods can be used to set an item's stocking indicator, but the system adheres to a hierarchy, from highest to lowest priority:
Not Imported / Non-downloaded (Conditional)
This rule applies if an item isn't in the latest data file and your system is configured to mark such items as obsolete. If applied, the item will be manually classified.
➜ For more on this topic, read: Import / Export - Import options - Items not imported should be
Supersessions
The automatic Non-stocking of an old item (unless already Obsolete) due to a supersession takes strong precedence. This action results in an auto-classified status for the old item. The new item's indicator will then be determined by the standard rules.
➜ For more on this topic, read: Supersessions Explained
Policy Overrides
If an item is part of multiple policy overrides, the one with the highest sequence number wins. These are powerful and can result in auto-classified statuses.
Note: Policy overrides aren't applied to non-downloaded items. Also, if Settings > Configuration > Import / Export > Import options > Import stocking indicator from the ERP system is unticked, policy overrides won't apply.
➜ For more on this topic, read: Mastering Policy Overrides
Inquiry Screen Setting
A value other than “Auto classified” directly entered on the Inquiry screen will override automated classifications from rules or ERP data, resulting in a manually classified status.
➜ For more on this topic, read: How To: Manually Adjust Stocking Indicators (Inquiry Screen)
Classification Rules & Parameters
These are system-driven rules that auto-classify items based on defined criteria.
If Settings > Configuration > Import / Export > Import options > Import stocking indicator from the ERP system is unticked: An active rule will apply to auto-classified items unless a higher-priority method (like policy overrides) dictates otherwise.
➜ For more on this topic, read: How To: Set Classification Parameters
Region Rules
These can influence classification significantly. Depending on their setup, they can result in either manually or auto-classified statuses.
➜ For more on this topic, read: Classification for Regions Explained
Imported from ERP System (Baseline)
This is the default classification if no higher-priority rule applies.
If Settings > Configuration > Import / Export > Import options > Import stocking indicator from the ERP system is ticked: Items marked as stocked will be auto-classified, and active classification rules will apply to them unless a higher-priority method dictates otherwise. Items marked as zero policy, non-stocked, or obsolete will be manually classified.
➜ For more on this topic, read: Import / Export - Import options - Import stocking indicator from ERP system
Scenarios: Understanding Prioritization in Practice
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To illustrate the application of these priority rules, consider the following scenarios:
Scenario 1.1: Inactive Rule (ERP Manually classified)
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Non-stocked. An inactive Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be manually classified as Non-stocked. An inactive rule does not influence the stocking indicator.
Scenario 1.2: Inactive Rule (ERP Auto-classified)
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Stocked. An inactive Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified as Stocked. An inactive rule does not influence the stocking indicator.
Scenario 2: Active Rule vs. ERP
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Stocked. An active Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified as Obsolete. An active classification rule takes precedence over the ERP import.
Scenario 3: Active Rule (Limitations)
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Non-stocked. An active Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be manually classified as Non-stocked. Active classification rules are typically applied only to items initially imported as Stocked.
Scenario 4: ERP vs. Inquiry Screen vs. Rule
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Stocked. An active Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete. Additionally, the item has been classified as Non-stocked directly on the item Inquiry screen.
Outcome:
If Settings > Configuration > Import / Export > Import options > Import stocking indicator from the ERP system is ticked: The item will be auto-classified as Stocked. The ERP import takes precedence over the Inquiry screen when this setting is active.
If Settings > Configuration > Import / Export > Import options > Import stocking indicator from the ERP system is unticked: The item will be manually classified as Non-stocked. The Inquiry screen setting takes precedence when the ERP import is not active.
Note: An item's stocking indicator is either imported from the ERP system or maintained on the Inquiry screen, but not both simultaneously. Technically, the scenario above would not have been possible if the setting was ticked, as this would have prevented you from specifying a stocking indicator on the Inquiry screen.
Scenario 5: Direct Inquiry Screen Setting
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item has been classified as Stocked directly on the item Inquiry screen.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be manually classified as Stocked. Direct manual input on the Inquiry screen establishes the classification.
Scenario 6: Switching to Auto-Classify
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item has been classified as Non-stocked directly on the item Inquiry screen. A subsequent change is made to set the stocking indicator to "Auto-classify."
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified using the system's defined rules, according to the priority list.
Scenario 7: Policy Override Dominance
Situation: The stocking indicator for an item in the ERP system is Stocked. An active Classification rule specifies this item as Obsolete. A policy override is created to set all caffeine products to Non-stocked.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified as Non-stocked. Policy overrides hold the highest precedence, overriding all other classifications.
Scenario 8: Deleted Policy Override
Situation: A policy override is created to set all caffeine products to Stocked. The item then gets classified as Non-stocked on the item Inquiry screen. Subsequently, the policy override is deleted.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified as Stocked. Even after a policy override is deleted, its value can persist until a new, higher-priority setting is applied.
Scenario 9: Policy Override vs. Manual Override (Later Application)
Situation: A policy override is created to set all caffeine products to Stocked. Subsequently, the item gets classified as Non-stocked on the item Inquiry screen.
Outcome: The stocking indicator will be auto-classified as Stocked. The policy override maintains its highest precedence, even if a manual override attempt occurs later.
⚠️ Watchouts
Overrides and non-downloaded items: Policy overrides are not applied to items that are flagged as non-downloaded. The Not Imported rule takes priority.
💡 Tips
Troubleshoot from top to bottom: If an item’s classification is not what you expect, use the priority hierarchy as a checklist. Start at the top (Not Imported) and work your way down to see which rule determines the item’s final status.
Use sequence numbers for overrides: When creating multiple policy overrides that could affect the same item, remember that the rule with the highest number will always win in a conflict.
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