Transparent IDs
Transparent IDs give us information about an item; its type and use. Each transparent ID should be clearly defined: that is, each part of ID should represent a corresponding part of the item.
Let’s take a look at transparent IDs. We’ll be using 10-digit IDs. The first three characters represent the product group, that is, the group in which the item belongs. The remaining seven characters will be used for the item itself, and can also include information about the manufacturer of the item. Before using transparent IDs, you must clearly define what each part of an ID will represent.
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Initial letter
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2nd and 3rd letter
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Group
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C
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coffee
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IN
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instant
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GR
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ground
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ES
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esspresso
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F
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food
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CA
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cakes
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SW
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sweets
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Now let’s use this classification to create IDs: chocolate chip cookies will be assigned the ID: FCACHOCCHP; cinnamon raisin cookies will be assigned the ID: FCACINRAIS.
Transparent IDs make it easy to search for items in the Items register and enter items in documents. Now let’s take a look at what the example we used to explain non-transparent IDs would look like if we used transparent IDs:
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ID
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Item
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Category
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PBTRARA15
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Water bottle, 1.5 L
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PBT
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PBTUNIC15
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Ice tea light 1.5L
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PBT
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MLPLMYOGP
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Yoghurt, plain
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MLP
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VHSBAE240
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Videotape cassette ASF I-320
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VHS
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VHSDPE120
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Videotape cassette DOMI E-120
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VHS
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Notice how transparent IDs help us recognize items. Of course, you can create your own system for classifying items. All you need to do is decide what particular parts of ID represent: category, secondary category, manufacturer, etc.
For example, you could use the first part of an ID to specify the manufacturer or item use. The possibilities are endless... You can create a classification that suits the particular needs of your company. This is why transparent IDs are used whenever possible.