The graphical inventory profile in Business Central lets you see the supply and demand for an item over time. By default, it shows the open orders and journal lines together with the current starting inventory. You can also enable the item history to see how the profile looked historically, which makes it easier to judge whether your planning parameters are set correctly.
To see only the current situation, leave the include inventory history option unchecked. The profile then shows your open orders, the journal lines you have selected, and the starting inventory.
To see the full picture, check the include inventory history option. The profile then displays both posted and open documents, so you can see previous sales orders and production orders alongside future ones.
Viewing the graphical item profile in Business Central
The graphical profile gives you a clear view of the supply and demand for an item. By default, the item history is not included, so the checkmark is off. In this state, the profile shows all the open orders and the lines from journals if you have selected them, plus the current starting inventory.
Including item history in the inventory profile
If you want to see how the profile looked historically, you select the include inventory history option. This displays both the historical entries and the open entries together.
When you do this, the starting inventory changes. The calculation subtracts and extracts all the old demand and supply, so you get a different starting point that reflects the full timeline. You can then see a previous sales order, a previous production order, and so on, and in the future part of the profile you see upcoming production orders and sales orders.
Using the profile to optimize item planning
This view shows both posted and open documents, which gives you a clear graphical picture of the historical profile for the item. You can use it to judge whether you are planning the item well enough, or whether you need to change the planning parameters. It is a useful tool for optimizing the item profile.
Q&A
Does the graphical item profile include item history by default?
No. By default the item history is not included and the checkmark is off. The profile then shows only the open orders, selected journal lines, and the current starting inventory.
How do I see the historical inventory profile for an item?
Select the include inventory history option. The profile then displays both historical and open entries, showing previous sales orders and production orders alongside future ones.
Why does the starting inventory change when I include the item history?
When you include the history, the calculation subtracts and extracts all the old demand and supply. This gives you a different starting inventory that reflects the full timeline rather than just the current situation.
What can I use the graphical item profile for?
You can use it to judge whether you are planning the item well enough and to decide whether you need to adjust the planning parameters. It gives you a clear graphical view of both posted and open documents over time.