Catalog data file (items.csv)

The Catalog data file, also known as items.csv, is used to add or update SKUs within your inventory.

Each row defines a new or existing SKU, and its associated description, quantity measure type, and thresholds for use in the Inventory dashboard.

The values that are contained within the file are used to update your catalog within the Inventory. For example, if catalog values that are contained within the Inventory differ from that in the file, then the values that are contained within the file are applied.

Usage considerations

  • Any file name can be used.
  • The file header contents and column order must be identical to the sample template. No empty columns for spacing are permitted.
Restriction:
  • English is the only supported language for inventory content.
  • No deletion is possible.
  • Files must not contain more than one reference to a particular SKU within a particular Inventory Location.

    While still valid, this action will result in one of the conflicting references being applied within the Inventory. The reference that is applied cannot be predetermined.

Sample template

A sample of the items.csv is as follows.
PARTNUMBER PRODUCT_DESC QUANTITYMEASURE MIN_THRESHOLD MAX_THRESHOLD INVENTORYSYSTEM TRACKINVENTORY MAXBOOFFSET LAGTIMEOFFSET RESERVETIMEOFFSET BACKORDERLIMIT
LT-FNTR-0001-0001 Product Info C62 25 100
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Column descriptions

PARTNUMBER
Mandatory: The PARTNUMBER, or part number, is the unique identifier for a SKU. Once a part number is used on your store front, it is a best practice to use a new part number, instead of recycling one that was previously used for merchandise.
PRODUCT_DESC
The PRODUCT_DESC, or product description, provides a short description of the SKU. This description is displayed within your inventory dashboard only, and is not associated with the description that is provided and displayed on your storefront.
Restriction: You cannot include commas in your product description, as this is the delineation character that is used within the items.csv, and will result in errors when the file is uploaded.
QUANTITYMEASURE
The QUANTITYMEASURE, or quantity measure, corresponds with a unique code in Commerce+ that defines how the SKU is measured in terms of quantity. For example, deli meat is measured by weight in grams or kilograms, whereas fabric is measured by length, typically yard or meter. Each specific unit of measure is categorized and must be defined per SKU.

By default, when left undefined, your item is assumed to be a single unit (a typical product, such as a piece of clothing), and the code C62 is used.

The quantity measure is displayed for each SKU within the Inventory dashboard.

For more information on quantity measure, see in the HCL Commerce Version 9.1 documentation.

MIN_THRESHOLD
Mandatory: Defines the minimum threshold for the SKU. When the inventory level for this SKU at an Inventory Location drops below this set amount, a below threshold indicator is displayed for this SKU on the Inventory dashboard.
MAX_THRESHOLD
Mandatory: Defines the maximum threshold for the SKU. When the inventory level for this SKU at an Inventory Location exceeds this set amount, an above threshold indicator is displayed for this SKU on the Inventory dashboard.
INVENTORYSYSTEM
Defines the inventory system that is used with the associated SKU. This is an integer value.
Accepted values include:
  • 1 for ATP.

    If this value is set, then the SKU can be backordered by site users. This functionality can be overwritten and disabled at a store level.

  • 0 for non-ATP.

    If this value is set, then the SKU cannot be backordered by site users. This functionality cannot be overwritten, or enabled, at the store level.

If left unspecified, the default value is 1.

TRACKINVENTORY
Defines whether the Inventory is used to track inventory for the SKU. This is a character value.
Accepted values are:
  • Y or y for yes, or enabled.

    The inventory for this SKU is tracked by the Inventory. Only items that are in-stock or are configured for ATP can be added to a shopping cart and purchased on storefronts.

  • N or n for no, or disabled.

    The inventory for this SKU is not tracked by the Inventory. The item can be added to a shopping cart and purchased on a storefront without any inventory check.

If left unspecified, then tthe default value is enabled.

MAXBOOFFSET
Defines the maximum amount of time an ATP-enabled item can be purchased in advance of the delivery of expected stock. This is an integer value, measured in seconds.

If left unspecified, the default value is 7776000 seconds, or 90 days.

LAGTIMEOFFSET
Lag time offset refers to the amount of time (in minutes) set aside to account for delays or time gaps in a supply chain, production schedule, or delivery system to prepare the SKU for an order. It represents a delay between two events or activities.

If this value is not provided, the default value is set to 0. This means no lag time is applied to the SKU unless otherwise specified.

This is an Integer value, measured in minutes.

RESERVETIMEOFFSET
Reserve time offset gives a way to set the amount of time that a specific product can be held and considered unavailable for sale. This is usually because it has been allocated to a customer order that has not yet been shipped, thus placing a temporary hold on that inventory.

If not explicitly provided, the default value for RESERVETIMEOFFSET is 7776000 minutes.

This is an Integer value, measured in minutes.

BACKORDERLIMIT
A backorder limit is the number of units or the amount of an item a business will accept as a backorder when the item is out of stock. In inventory management, a backorder happens when a customer orders a product that is not available, but the business plans to fulfill the order once the product is restocked.

This is an integer value.