Work Order Vs Backorder

There is no easy answer.

For items not in the database, we use a non-inventory item 'SO' and have the sales staff enter the item details in the description of the 'SO' item. This procedure requires someone to review all open orders with an 'SO' item, create the real item then revise the open WO - delete the SO line item, add the actual item, save changes. If the item isn't in the database, you'll need to create it before you can generate a PO.

The trouble with having SO and other items on the same WO is this: the cashier creates the WO, tenders any deposit, then must recall the WO to perform the partial pick up required to invoice the in-stock item being purchase at the time. It's not exactly a quick turnaround at the register.

I don't believe that Back Orders will work with non-inventory items.

Best of luck, Tom

"Steve" wrote:

In my opinion the manager at the store should just create the item that is missing and then sell it [linked to appropriate supplier]. If you are in an HQ environment we have an add-on that allows you to create the item at both store and HQ.

Thanks guys for your feedback. Unfortunately we are a small operation usually staffed by one person at a time, therefore a manager may or may not be there. I'm afraid that some of my staff won't be able to smoothly go through the workorder process (combined with in stock items.) I may have to think of a way of combining written special orders with RMS, although that seems counterintuitive.

Has any> In my opinion the manager at the store should just create the item that is

My store has been using SOTracker from Digital Retailer for 8 months and we love it. We used to use a paper notebook for special orders and now we're completely paperless. There is a new version of SOTracker due to be released this month and I'm hoping it will be even more powerful.