Tally Items

There are a number of types of "tally" items. This topic explains what types are available as well as how they are used. Currently, we offer nine (9) types of tallies: pull-to-length, random length, fixed length, lot/location, sheet metal, lineal, hardwoods, U/M tally, and Unit Tally. Below are a summary the types, please use the links and following topics for more in-depth information.

Pull to Length

A "pull to length" tally is typically used with items sold by length (molding/trim, etc.). With this tally type, a list of items (child/member items) is linked with the tally item. Each item would represent a different length of the same item. Child (member) items are actual items and can be sold/received independently from the tally they are linked with. These child/member items normally maintain on-hand and other quantities and have their own pricing. In this case, the tally item is used temporarily for selection only. Once selection is completed, the member/child items replace the "tally" in the item grid.

Random Length

A "random length" tally involves a single item that is sold by length (lineal foot, for example). There are no child items in this case. This type of item is used when an product is sold in varying lengths and only one SKU is maintained for that item. This could also be used for molding or any other item sold based upon varying lengths. Random length tallies require entry of quantities and lengths by the user. These are used to calculate the total length being sold. An overall on-hand is maintained for this type of item. There is no record maintained for the individual quantity-lengths, these figures are only used when calculating a total quantity (for sale, receipt, etc.).

Fixed Length

The "fixed length" tally is linked with child (member) items similar to the "pull to length" type but also has similarities to the "random length" tally. In this case, the tally item determines pricing, not the member items -- and -- the member items do not replace the tally SKU in the item grid (child items are hidden from view and referenced as quantity-length comments in the Tally item's description). The members of this type of tally are still independent items which may be sold or received on their own.

Lot/Location

This type is significantly different from the other types and is used in cases where a single item must be grouped into distinct units. This tally type was designed to be used with brick. Due to variations as a result of manufacturing, a particular brick product can vary in appearance despite the fact that the brick is technically the same product/type. For this reason, grouping and tracking bricks that match can be important. This tally type offers a way of tracking different "lots" which represent brick (or other goods) that were manufactured together. In addition, this tally type provides a way of designating the location where quantities of each lot are located (display area vs. brickyard, etc.).

Sheet Metal

The "Sheet Metal" type allows the user to enter either a total lineal quantity or detailed quantity-lengths similar to a random length tally. The only difference from the random length type is that sheet metal lengths may be entered using both feet and inches. The length in feet and inches is listed on printed documents (assuming detailed quantity-lengths were specified); however, the overall quantity is recorded as a decimal (for example, 1 - 1' 3" piece of sheet metal would show an overall quantity of 1.25). There are no child items with this type of tally, so the intended use for this type is for cases where the same product is sold in varying lengths (where length is the only dimension or quality of the product that differs). It would be necessary to define a separate sheet metal item for each variety. Typically, a sheet metal tally would be assigned a default unit of measure of square foot.

Lineal

A lineal tally combines some of the features of the lot/location, sheet metal, and fixed length types. Lineal tallies are comprised of user-defined preset lengths which are not items, but maintains limited information regarding quantities for each length defined. A custom or "cut" length may also be defined allowing for odd sizes and special orders. Preset lengths must be received in full lengths; however, they can be "cut" at Point of Sale and priced either by the cut length or the full length the cut was made from. These tallies may be used with purchasing and receiving, physical counts, and most Point of Sale transactions that involve item-entry (sales, orders, direct ship, etc.).

Hardwood Tally

This type of tally is provided for the sale of exotic hardwoods which are generally sold in small quantities to hobbyists, but could be applied to other product types if they have the same requirements. Often, these woods are available in a number of different species as well as dimensions. The purpose of this tally is to sell a variety of sizes using a single item SKU. Since hardwoods can vary in price, each species and depth would be its own unique tally. Depth is the one constant dimensional value with this type of tally. This is necessary if pricing is assigned to the tally item.

U/M Tally

A "U/M" or Unit of Measure Tally involves a single item allowing a tally involving quantities for more than one of the item's measures. For example, if an item was sold by the pallet, case, and individual pieces, you could have a tally where quantities of each unit are represented as a single line item in a transaction.