Product Classes (Procedures)

Product Classes (also called “Procedures” in the interface) let you group SKUs together and apply special handling rules during order processing. You can use classes to control how orders are packed, add special services, apply weight limits, and more.

Why Use Product Classes?

Automated Processing

Apply special handling rules automatically when orders move from Pending to Processing.

Group Products

Organize related SKUs into logical groups for easier management and special handling.

Custom Rules

Set up packaging rules, weight limits, label requirements, and no-mix policies per class.

Service Tracking

Track which products require special services and bill accordingly.

Accessing Product Classes

1. Navigate to Catalog

   Go to Inventory > Catalog from the main menu (or access /catalog_list.php directly).

2. Click Procedure Button

   In the Catalog toolbar, click the Procedure button. This opens the Product Classes interface in a new tab.

3. View your classes

   You’ll see a list of all Product Classes (Class_Sellerlist.php) with their ID, Name, Description, Enable status, and Date.

4. Filter by status

   Use the radio buttons at the top to filter by Enable = True or Enable = False.

Quick Access

You can also access a simplified list view by clicking Simple List at the top of the Class List page (procedure_list.php), which shows only enabled classes with additional information like # SKUs, Cost, and Price.

Creating a Product Class

1. Click Add

   Click the Add button at the top of the Class List page.

2. Enter class details

   • Name Procedure: Enter a descriptive name for the class (e.g., “Fragile Items”, “Heavy Products”)
   • Description: Add details about what this class is for
   • Enable: Status is set to “true” by default (hidden field)

3. Choose SKU assignment method

   • Manual: Leave “All SKUs by Default” unchecked to manually add SKUs later
   • Automatic: Check “All SKUs by Default” to automatically include all SKUs in your account

4. Click Add

   Click the Add button to create the class. If you selected “All SKUs by Default”, the system automatically adds all your SKUs to this class.

All SKUs by Default Warning

When you enable “All SKUs by Default”, the system automatically includes all current SKUs and any new SKUs you create in the future. This is useful for default procedures that apply to everything, but use carefully.

Viewing Class Details

1. Click the class ID

   From the Class List, click the ID number of any class.

2. Review information

   The class view shows:

   • Class name and description
   • Enable status
   • Creation date
   • List of characteristics and rules configured
   • Information about SKUs included (if “Default All SKUs” is enabled)

3. Access related functions

   From this view, you can:

   • Edit the class
   • Duplicate the class (copy to create a similar one)
   • Delete the class (if no longer needed)
   • Add a new procedure

Duplicating a Class

To create a new class based on an existing one:

1. Open the source class

   Click the ID number of the class you want to copy.

2. Click Duplicate Procedure

   This creates a copy of the class with all its settings.

3. Modify the copy

   Update the name, description, and any other settings as needed for the new class.

How Classes Work in Order Processing

When orders move from Pending to Processing, the system checks if any items belong to enabled Product Classes:

Common Class Rules

Label Ready & No Mix

Prevents mixing Label Ready items with other items in the same box.

No Mix

Ensures items from this class are not mixed with items from other classes.

No Mix by Package Type

Separates items based on their package type during packing.

Weight Limit

Applies maximum weight restrictions for boxes containing these items.

Class Characteristics (Caracteristicas)

Product Classes can have characteristics assigned to them:

• Category: Type of product
• Storage Requirements: Special storage needs
• Export Information: Details for international shipping
• Service Charges: Additional costs for handling these items
• Pricing: Cost and price information for services

These characteristics are evaluated during order processing to apply appropriate rules and charges.

Best Practices

Use Descriptive Names

Name classes clearly to indicate their purpose (e.g., “Hazmat Items”, “Oversized Products”).

Enable Only Active Classes

Set Enable = false for classes you’re not currently using to avoid processing delays.

Test Before Enabling

Create and configure a class with Enable = false, test thoroughly, then enable it.

Document Special Rules

Use the Description field to explain what rules this class applies and why.

Review Regularly

Periodically review your classes to ensure they’re still needed and configured correctly.

Limit Default Classes

Use “All SKUs by Default” sparingly - having too many default classes can slow order processing.

Searching and Filtering

The Class List page provides search capabilities:

• Basic Search: Enter keywords to search by Name, Description, or Enable status
• Search Options:
  • Exact phrase: Finds the exact text you enter
  • All words: Finds records containing all the words (in any order)
  • Any word: Finds records containing any of the words
• Filter by Status: Use the Enable radio buttons to show only enabled or disabled classes
• Show All: Click Show all to clear filters and see everything

Troubleshooting

Class Not Applied to Orders

Problem: Orders are not following the rules set in a Product Class.

Solutions:

1. Check Enable status

   Make sure the class has Enable = true. Disabled classes are not evaluated during order processing.

2. Verify SKU membership

   Confirm the SKU is actually part of the class. Click the class ID and review the SKU list.

3. Check for conflicts

   If a SKU belongs to multiple classes, the system may prioritize one over another based on processing rules.

4. Review class characteristics

   Ensure the characteristics (features) are properly configured for the desired behavior.

Can’t Add SKUs to Class

Problem: Unable to add SKUs to a Product Class.

Solutions:

1. Check if Default is enabled

   If “All SKUs by Default” is enabled, you cannot manually add/remove SKUs - the class automatically includes everything.

2. Verify permissions

   Make sure you have permission to edit the class and manage SKUs.

3. Check SKU existence

   Confirm the SKU exists in the system before trying to add it to a class.

Orders Processing Slowly

Problem: Orders are taking longer to move from Pending to Processing after adding classes.

Solutions:

1. Review active classes

   Too many enabled classes can slow processing. Disable classes you’re not actively using.

2. Check Default classes

   Multiple “All SKUs by Default” classes force the system to evaluate every SKU against multiple rules.

3. Simplify characteristics

   Complex characteristic configurations take longer to evaluate. Simplify where possible.

Class Deleted by Mistake

Problem: Accidentally deleted a Product Class.

Solution: Unfortunately, deleted classes cannot be recovered. You’ll need to recreate the class and its configuration manually. This is why it’s important to document your class settings.

Related Features

Next Steps:

• Product Management - Manage individual SKUs
• Catalog Overview - View and edit product inventory
• Creating Products - Add new SKUs to your catalog

See Also:

• Order processing uses classes to apply rules during Pending to Processing
• Distribution Centers can be linked to classes for routing decisions