How supplier linkage and unlinked stock work

Supplier linkage connects an inventory item to the supplier who normally provides it. This is optional, but it makes stock records more useful.

What supplier linkage means

• A linked item has a preferred supplier.
• An unlinked item has no preferred supplier selected.
• You can still use an item without a supplier.
• Linking one helps organise where stock comes from.

Why linking suppliers helps

• You can review stock by supplier.
• You can see which supplier provides which item.
• You can prepare supplier-based purchase workflows later.
• You can identify unlinked stock and tidy your records.

What to do if no supplier is linked

• Open the item.
• Use Add supplier if the supplier does not exist yet.
• Use Link supplier in edit page if the supplier already exists.
• Save the item after choosing the preferred supplier.

When leaving an item unlinked is acceptable

• The item is bought from many different places.
• The item is old and no longer actively purchased.
• You do not know the supplier yet.
• You are adding stock quickly and will clean it up later.