The system offers two basic ways to enter material on an order.

By Product

You select the product category, then enter the product ID to tell the system specifically what product you are entering. Then, you enter quantity and related details for the product. 

By Characteristics

You select the product category, then enter the details or characteristics of the product. Characteristics can be different for different product categories, but for rebar, these would include bar diameter, grade, coating, and similar fields. Based on the characteristics entered, the program finds a match in your defined products. The system automatically populates the Product Description and leaves the Product field blank. 

You can use either method for any product, but the most common practice is to:

  • enter non-rebar items by product
  • enter fabricated rebar items by characteristic

You can easily enter non-fabricated rebar, such as stock length bars, using either method. Refer to Fabricated vs. Non-Fabricated Rebar.

Notes:

  • When you enter an item by product, the system automatically disables fields that are required for the specified product. For example, if you enter the product RB0460 - Rebar Black # Grade 60, the system will automatically populate and disable the Material, Texture, Coating, Grade, and Diameter fields. The ability to change these fields is the primary reason it is often easier to enter rebar items by characteristics rather than by product. 
  • When you enter an item by characteristics, the program will validate and force you to complete enough of the characteristic fields in order for it to find a unique match among your defined products.