In Katana, variants represent different versions of a product or material, distinguished by attributes like size, color, or type. Utilizing variants allows for efficient inventory management by grouping similar items under a single product or material card.
Steps to create variants
Note: If the option to create/edit an item is not available, take a look at this article regarding user permissions.
1. Enable variants for an item
- Navigate to the Items screen. 
- Select the desired product or material to open its item card. 
- Check the box labeled "Yes, this product/material has multiple variants." 
- A Variant configuration window will appear. 
2. Define variant options and values
- Variant options: Attributes that differentiate variants (e.g., Color, Size, Type). You can define up to 10 variant options. 
- Option values: Specific values for each attribute (e.g., Red, Blue for Color). Each option can have up to 40 values. 
Example: If you define "Color" with values "Black" and "White," and "Size" with values "50 ml" and "100 ml," Katana will generate four variants:
- Black / 50 ml 
- Black / 100 ml 
- White / 50 ml 
- White / 100 ml 
3. Generate variants
- Click "Generate product (or material) variants" to create all possible combinations based on the defined options and values. 
Note: Variants can only be auto-generated once during the initial setup. Subsequent edits to options or values won't automatically update existing variants.
4. (Optional) Copy variant structure from another item
- In the Variant configuration window, click "Copy variant setup from..." 
- Search for and select an existing product or material to use its variant structure as a template. 
Managing variant items
- After generation, variants appear in a table at the bottom of the item card. 
- Each row represents a variant, with columns for each variant option. 
- You can: 
Note: Safety stock for variants can be set from the Stock screen.
Editing variant configurations
- To modify variant options or values: - Click "Open configuration..." on the item card. 
- Make necessary changes in the Variant configuration window. 
 
Caution:
- Deleting a variant value will leave a blank field for variants that previously used that value. 
- Deleting a variant option removes the corresponding column from the variants table. 
Copying product recipes with variant structures
- When copying a product recipe from another item: - If the variant structures differ, Katana will prompt you to copy the variant structure along with the recipe. 
- This ensures consistency between the product's variants and its recipe. 
 
Importing variants
- Katana allows bulk importing of products and materials with variants using structured templates. 
- For detailed instructions, refer to the articles on: 
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