If you sell items with variant codes across intercompany setups, you can carry those variants all the way through the purchase order process. When you create a purchase order against an intercompany vendor, you can either type in the variant code directly on the purchase line or pick it from the Item Availability by Intercompany view. Once you release the order, the matching sales order is created in your supply company with the variant code already in place on the line.
This means the variant information stays consistent between the buying company and the supplying company without any manual rekeying. You see the projected inventory per location and per variant before you commit, so you can choose the right one up front.
Creating an intercompany purchase order with variant codes in Business Central
The process starts in your sales company. Create a new purchase order and select your intercompany vendor. Enter the requested receipt date, then add the item you want to purchase and type in the quantity.
At this point you can enter the variant code directly on the purchase line if you already know which one you need.
Checking item availability and variants by intercompany
Instead of guessing the variant, you can use the Item Availability by Intercompany view to see the projected inventory in your supply company. This view shows you the different locations, and it also lists the variant codes available for the item.
From here you select the variant you want and confirm. The variant code is then added to the purchase line automatically, so you do not have to type it in separately.
Releasing the order and the sales order in the supply company
Once the purchase line has the correct item, quantity, and variant code, release the order. Switch over to your supply company and refresh the view. The newly created sales order appears, and the order line carries the same variant code that you selected on the purchase side.
The variant information flows through the whole intercompany transaction, keeping both companies aligned on exactly which variant is being bought and sold.
Q&A
Can you use variant codes on intercompany purchase orders in Business Central?
Yes. When you create a purchase order against an intercompany vendor, you can add a variant code on the purchase line. The variant code then carries over to the sales order created in the supply company.
How do you check inventory for a specific variant before placing an intercompany order?
Use the Item Availability by Intercompany view. It shows the projected inventory in your supply company, broken down by location and by variant code, so you can choose the right variant before committing.
Do you have to enter the variant code manually on both the purchase order and the sales order?
No. When you select the variant on the purchase line and release the order, the sales order in the supply company is created with the same variant code already on the line.