To consider article-specific features regarding quality requirements, article types are defined. The article type indicates the nature of the article (e.g., standard article, variant article, custom-made, service/software, etc.). In wholesale, this is used to control and manage processes. The assignment of the article type must always align with the article.
The type of an article is constant and generally cannot be changed. Exceptions include the following cases:
Correction in the event that the article type was previously specified incorrectly.
Correction in the event that the article type is specified differently due to a new article type introduced in the DQR.
Change of the article type within spare parts (ERA, ERB, and ERC).
In general, a complete delivery of information by users is desired.
The table provides an overview of possible article types and their descriptive content.
Article type | Definition | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
Standard article | All articles are standard articles unless assigned to a different subsequent article type. | |
Spare part A | Spare parts categorized as 'fast movers,' meaning these items are in high demand. From the manufacturer's perspective, these spare parts should be readily available in the trade's inventory. In terms of the overall sales of a manufacturer's spare parts, those classified in Class A should constitute approximately 80% of the sales. | |
Spare part B | Spare parts categorized as 'slow movers,' indicating that these items are demanded, but not significantly so. The manufacturer recommends these spare parts for inventory storage on the wholesale side. In terms of the overall sales of a manufacturer's spare parts, those classified in Class B should constitute approximately 15% of the sales. | No image file required. |
Spare part C | Spare parts that are rarely ordered. The manufacturer does not recommend keeping these spare parts in inventory on the wholesale side. In terms of the overall sales of a manufacturer's spare parts, those classified in Class C should constitute approximately 5% of the sales. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Variant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrZz5WoGggk&t=18s - please enable automatic english subtitles ) | Base article, which is presented as a complete article only in its final form, combining aspects such as color, surface, handles, or materials. The following determinations apply to variant articles:
| Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. |
Custom made | Article whose final configuration is specifically determined, possibly in consultation with the customer. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Service/Software | Services can include fees such as calibration charges or measurement fees, for example. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Bundle/Set | If multiple articles are combined into one, it is referred to as a set or package. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Logistic Set | If an article is delivered in multiple logistic units that cannot be ordered independently, it is considered a logistic set. In logistic processes involving 'Logistic Set,' the components are used, and they do not possess the mass of the packaged base articles (Mass A, B, C). This information is provided for the components. Specifying sales units (VPEs) is not meaningful. | Omission of packaging and dimension details. |
Package | Non-orderable items that can be used as part of a 'Logistic Set.' As the item is only relevant for logistical processes, it does not include all details. Pricing information is not required. | Omission of standard delivery time and price details (pertains to fields: Price on request, Factory list price - Price value, Currency, Price basis, Price unit). No image file required. |
Special article | Articles, such as sample boards, that are not standard articles and cannot be assigned to any other article type are classified as special articles. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Calculation article | Calculation articles are articles that serve as the basis for determining other articles (e.g., square meters of a floor heating system). They are not orderable and are intended for the calculation or estimation of an orderable article. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Bulk material | Bulk material refer to a granular or even piece-like mixture that is in a pourable form. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |
Line price article | Article that has multiple factory list prices for various price lines. The line prices replace the standard factory list price information. The specification of 'price on request' and recommended retail prices (UVPs) is not possible for this article type. | |
Fee | The article represents a fee (e.g., calibration fee). The fee can be assigned to an article, such as a water meter. Specifying 'price on request' is not possible for this article type. Details such as logistical information, images, and documents are not required. | Omission of packaging, dimensions, weight, and package details. No image file required. |