Product Management (Legacy Interface)

The Product Management interface (Inventory_Productslist.php) is a legacy PHPMaker-generated view for managing products. This interface has been largely replaced by the modern Catalog Overview but remains available for specific use cases like bulk exports and backward compatibility.

Modern Alternative Available

For day-to-day product management, use the Catalog Overview interface instead. It offers a more intuitive UI, advanced filtering, bulk actions, and modern features like synsets, label printing, and product transfer.

This legacy interface is primarily used for:

• Large CSV/Excel exports (referenced from Catalog Overview’s “Export Products” button)
• Advanced search queries
• Backward compatibility with older workflows

Why Use This Interface?

Bulk Export Functionality

Export large product catalogs to CSV or Excel format. Handles thousands of products efficiently with background processing.

Advanced Search Capabilities

Use PHPMaker’s advanced search interface to find products using complex field-level queries and filters.

Inline Editing

Edit product details directly in the table grid without opening separate edit pages for quick updates.

Legacy Compatibility

Access product data using the original interface structure for backward compatibility with existing workflows.

Accessing the Product Management Interface

The legacy Product Management interface can be accessed in two ways:

1. Direct URL: Navigate to /Inventory_Productslist.php
2. From Catalog Overview: Click “Export Products” which uses this interface for large exports

Main Features

###1. Product List View

The interface displays a paginated table with the following columns:

Core Product Information:

• SKU: Unique product identifier
• SKU Image: Product image thumbnail
• UPC/Barcode: Universal Product Code
• Description: Product description (shows [OTP] for One-Time Products)
• Manufacturer: Product manufacturer
• Harmonization: HS/HTS code for customs
• Category: Product category
• Model Number: Manufacturer model number
• Tags: Product tags

Custom Fields:

• ClientOpt1, ClientOpt2, ClientOpt3: Custom product options/attributes

Dimensions & Weight:

• Length: Product length
• Height: Product height
• Width: Product width
• Weight: Product weight per unit
• Case Qty: Units per case
• Pick Style: Picking strategy (FIFO, LIFO, etc.)

Pricing:

• Retail Price: Declared value
• Cost: Product cost

Inventory Quantities:

• Units In Stock: Total units in stock
• Qty Good: Available quantity in good condition
• Qty Hurt: Damaged quantity
• Qty Reserved: Reserved for orders

Additional Fields:

• Distribution Center: Assigned distribution center
• Package Type: Packaging type
• Supplier: Assigned supplier
• Serial #: Whether product requires serial numbers (Y/N)

2. Basic Search

At the top of the page, use the basic search box to quickly find products:

1. Select Search Type

   Choose between “All words” or “Any word” matching.

2. Enter Search Term

   Type your search keyword(s) in the search box.

3. Click “Search” Button

   The list updates to show matching products.

4. Reset Search

   Click “Reset” to clear the search and show all products.

3. Advanced Search

Click “Advanced Search” to access field-level filtering:

1. Click “Advanced Search” Link

   Opens the advanced search panel with all available fields.

2. Select Fields and Operators

   For each field, choose:

   • Comparison operator (equals, contains, starts with, etc.)
   • Search value

3. Add Multiple Criteria

   Combine multiple field searches using AND logic.

4. Click “Search” Button

   The list updates to show only products matching all criteria.

5. Clear Advanced Search

   Click “Clear” to remove all advanced search filters.

Available Operators:

• = Equals
• <> Not equal to
• < Less than
• <= Less than or equal to
• > Greater than
• >= Greater than or equal to
• LIKE Contains
• NOT LIKE Does not contain
• Starts with Begins with text
• Ends with Ends with text
• IS NULL Empty/null value
• IS NOT NULL Has a value

4. Inline Editing

Edit product details directly in the table:

1. Click the Edit Icon

   Click the pencil icon next to the product row you want to edit.

2. Row Becomes Editable

   The row fields become editable text boxes and dropdowns.

3. Make Your Changes

   Update the fields you want to change.

4. Save or Cancel

   • Click the checkmark icon to save changes
   • Click the X icon to cancel without saving

Limited Editing

Inline editing only supports basic field updates. For complex edits like managing bins, serials, or lots, use the Catalog Overview interface.

5. Export Products

Export your product catalog in various formats:

CSV Export (Standard)

1. Click “CSV” Export Link

   Located at the top of the page.

2. Download Begins

   Your browser downloads a CSV file named Inventory_Products.csv.

3. Open in Spreadsheet Software

   Open the file in Excel, Google Sheets, or any CSV editor.

CSV Export (Large Catalogs)

For catalogs with more than 1,000 products:

1. Click “Export Products” Button

   From the Catalog Overview toolbar, or use URL parameter ?export2=csv2.

2. System Checks Catalog Size

   • If less than 1,000 products: Downloads immediately
   • If more than 1,000 products: Redirects to Reports section

3. Use Export Products Report

   For large catalogs, go to Reports > Export Products to generate the CSV in the background.

Background Processing

Large exports are processed in the background so you can continue working. You’ll receive the file in the Reports section when complete.

Excel Export

1. Click “Excel” Export Link

   Located at the top of the page.

2. Download Begins

   Your browser downloads an Excel file named Inventory_Products.xls.

3. Open in Microsoft Excel

   Open the file in Excel or compatible software.

Amazon TXT Export

For Amazon-compatible inventory files:

1. Use URL Parameter

   Navigate to /Inventory_Productslist.php?export=txt.

2. Download TXT File

   File downloads as Amazon_QOH.txt in Amazon’s expected format.

3. Upload to Amazon

   Use this file for Amazon inventory updates.

6. Add New Product

Add a new product from this interface:

1. Click “Add Record” Link

   Located at the top of the page.

2. Fill Out Product Form

   Opens /Inventory_Productsadd.php with all product fields.

3. Enter Required Fields

   At minimum, provide:

   • SKU: Unique product code
   • Description: Product description
   • Account ID: Your account (auto-filled)

4. Click “Add” Button

   Product is created and you return to the product list.

Modern Add Interface

For a better experience with image upload, attribute management, and validation, use the Add SKU button from the Catalog Overview interface.

7. View/Edit Individual Products

Open a single product’s detail page:

1. Click the “View” Icon

   Click the eye icon next to any product row.

2. Product Detail Page Opens

   Opens /Inventory_Productsview.php with full product details.

3. Click “Edit” to Modify

   Opens /Inventory_Productsedit.php for detailed editing.

4. Save Changes

   Click “Save” to update the product.

8. Copy Product

Duplicate an existing product:

1. Click the “Copy” Icon

   Click the copy icon next to the product row.

2. Add Product Form Opens

   All fields are pre-filled with the source product’s values.

3. Change the SKU

   Required: You must provide a unique SKU for the new product.

4. Modify Other Fields

   Update description, quantities, or other fields as needed.

5. Click “Add” Button

   New product is created with the copied values.

Pagination

Navigate through large product lists:

• First: Jump to the first page
• Previous: Go to the previous page
• Page Numbers: Click a specific page number
• Next: Go to the next page
• Last: Jump to the last page

Records Per Page: Change the dropdown at the top to show 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000 records per page.

Column Filtering

Each column header has a filter box:

1. Click the filter box under any column header
2. Enter filter text to search within that specific column
3. Press Enter to apply the filter
4. Clear filter by deleting the text and pressing Enter

Tip: You can filter multiple columns simultaneously to narrow down results.

Best Practices

Use Modern Interface First

Use the Catalog Overview for day-to-day product management. Reserve this legacy interface for exports and advanced searches.

Export for Backups

Regularly export your product catalog to CSV as a backup. Store these exports securely for disaster recovery.

Filter Before Exporting

Use filters and advanced search to narrow down products before exporting. This creates smaller, more focused export files.

Verify SKUs Before Adding

Always check that a SKU doesn’t already exist before adding a new product. Duplicate SKUs will be rejected.

Use Advanced Search for Complex Queries

When you need to find products based on multiple criteria (e.g., all products from a specific supplier with QtyGood > 0), use Advanced Search.

Be Careful with Inline Editing

Inline edits save immediately. Double-check your changes before clicking the checkmark icon.

Troubleshooting

Export Redirects to Reports Page

Problem: When clicking “Export Products”, you’re redirected to the Reports section instead of getting an immediate download.

Solution:

1. This is Normal for Large Catalogs

   Catalogs with more than 1,000 products are processed in the background.

2. Go to Reports Section

   Navigate to Reports > Standard Reports or Reports > Export Products.

3. Generate Export Report

   Run the “Export Products” report to create your CSV file.

4. Download When Ready

   The system will notify you when the export is complete, or check back in a few minutes.

Advanced Search Returns Too Many/Few Results

Problem: Advanced search isn’t returning the expected products.

Solution:

1. Check Your Operators

   Ensure you’re using the correct comparison operator (e.g., LIKE for partial matches, = for exact matches).

2. Verify Field Values

   Make sure your search values match the exact format in the database (e.g., “Y” not “Yes” for serial numbers).

3. Clear and Retry

   Click “Clear” to reset all advanced search criteria and start over.

4. Try Basic Search Instead

   For simple searches, the basic search box is often faster and easier.

Cannot Add Product - SKU Already Exists

Problem: Error message “SKU already exists” when trying to add a new product.

Solution:

1. Search for the Existing SKU

   Use basic search to find the product with that SKU.

2. Update Existing Product

   If this is the correct product, edit it instead of creating a new one.

3. Use a Different SKU

   If you need a separate product, choose a unique SKU code.

4. Check for Typos

   Verify the SKU doesn’t have extra spaces or different capitalization.

Inline Edit Not Saving

Problem: Changes made via inline editing don’t seem to save.

Solution:

1. Click the Checkmark Icon

   Make sure you clicked the checkmark (save) icon, not just clicking away from the row.

2. Check for Error Messages

   Look for validation error messages displayed above the table.

3. Verify Permissions

   Ensure your account has edit permissions for products.

4. Use Full Edit Page

   Click the “Edit” icon to use the full product edit page for more complex changes.

Related Features

Recommended for Modern Product Management:

• Catalog Overview - Modern product management interface with advanced features
• Creating Products - Add new products with full feature support
• Product Classes - Organize products into classes for automation
• Product Attributes - Manage custom product attributes

Also Available:

• Product Families - Create product bundles and kits (synsets)
• Suppliers - Manage product suppliers and dropshippers
• Distribution Centers - Assign products to distribution centers

---

This legacy interface remains available for backward compatibility and specific export scenarios. For the best user experience and access to modern features, we recommend using the Catalog Overview interface for daily product management tasks.