[RetailEdge Moderator]

Size Matrices in RetailEdge can be set up to allow you to:

1. More quickly view "holes" in your inventory.
2. More quickly order and receive items with size and color runs.

Creating A Matrix Definition.

To create a matrix in RetailEdge choose Matrix Definitions from the Inventory menu item.
Press the Add button on the Matrix screen. RetailEdge will then ask you to name the new matrix and will display a Matrix Editor screen. You will then be asked to fill in the dimension definitions for the matrix you are creating. RetailEdge supports a two dimensional matrix. This mean that you can have an X (horizontal) and a Y (vertical) dimension for your matrix. These dimensions can be anything thing you want (i.e., size and color, waist and inseam). Dimension 1 are the matrix items that will be viewed across the top (X dimension) and Dimension 2 are the items that will be viewed vertically (Y Dimension). Once you have created a matrix definition, you are ready to add matrix items to your inventory. You should always add new matrix items through the Receiving. To create new matrix items open the Receiving List by pressing the Receiving button on the Toolbar and then pressing the Add button. Then type in the Base Stock Number you want to use for these items in the Stock Number field (e.g., LVI-JEAN). Then fill in the rest of the information for the item just as if it were a regular item except you should select the Matrix Definition you created above that will be associated with the matrix items to be created. Once you have filled in the base information, you should press the Use Matrix button located on the left of the screen. RetailEdge will then ask you whether you want to use the Matrix screen using the Base SKU base SKU: (Stock Number followed by a tilde (~)). Pressing the Yes button will bring up the Matrix screen. Press the Matrix tab and you will be able to view the matrix of the Matrix Definition you associated with this item. You should then fill in the quantities being received for each item in the spaces provided. When you are finished press the Create Items button. This will create the matrix items and add them to receiving. RetailEdge will also create a "Base SKU" in your inventory. In the example above using the SKU LVI-JEAN and a waist/inseam matrix, RetailEdge might create matrix items LVI-JEAN~32~30, LVI-JEAN~34~30, LVI-JEAN~36~30 in the receiving file and a Base SKU of LVI-JEAN~ in your inventory. RetailEdge creates individual items for matrix items for two main reasons: 1. It speeds things up at the time of sale because the user does not have to select any options for size or color at the time of sale. 2. It allows you to associate unique information about each matrix item with the specific item (i.e., pictures, special ordering information, etc.) Each item is unique in RetailEdge and the program identifies it as a matrix item through the use of the tilde character. You should TAKE YOUR TIME when you create matrices and matrix items and make sure that all of the information is correct and as complete as possible. If you miss one piece of information or want to change something later, you may have to change a number of different items not just one. Once you have set up a the matrix items in receiving and are sure all of the information is correct, you can print labels for these items and Update to move the items into your inventory. Once you have set up your matrices, and created the items for the first time, the process will go faster. You will then be able to click on an item in your inventory, press the Matrix button and quickly see where you need to fill in your size runs. You will also be able to more quickly receive and create purchase orders with sized items. Note: You can also create Matrix Definitions while editing items in the receiving list. However, until you get used to the matrix concept you should create the Matrix definition before you create the items that use the matrix definition.