This is what happens in the video
When you set up intercompany trade in Business Central, you control how item numbers are matched between companies through the item number type on your intercompany partner. You have four options: internal number, common item number, cross-references, and vendor item number.
Use internal number when both companies use the same item numbers, so no mapping is needed. Use common item number when the numbers differ and you want to enter a shared number on each item card. Use cross-references to map item numbers to your intercompany vendor on the item card. Use vendor item number to rely on the vendor item number already stored on the item card.
You set these item number types separately for outbound sales and outbound purchase on the intercompany partner.
Where you set the item number type on the intercompany partner
On the intercompany partner, you find two settings that control how item numbers are handled: the outbound sales item number type and the outbound purchase item number type. For each of these, you can choose between four options:
- Internal number
- Common item number
- Cross-references
- Vendor item number
Internal number: when both companies share the same item numbers
If you choose internal number, the item numbers are the same in both companies. You don’t need to do any mapping. This is the simplest option and works when your companies already use an identical item numbering scheme.
Common item number: mapping items that have different numbers
If your item numbers are not the same across companies, you need some form of mapping. With the common item number option, you set up a common item number on each item. For every item, you enter the common item number that both companies recognise.
Cross-references: linking item numbers to your intercompany vendor
If you want to use cross-references, you go into the cross-references on the item card and set up the item number for your intercompany vendor. This lets you map your own item to the corresponding number used by the partner company.
Vendor item number: using the number already on the item card
The last option lets you use the vendor item number that is already stored on the item card. If you maintain vendor item numbers as part of your normal item setup, you can reuse that information for intercompany trade.
Summary of the four item number types
Those are the four types you can use when working with items in intercompany: internal number, common item number, cross-references, and vendor item number. Which one you choose depends on whether your item numbers match across companies and how you already maintain item information.
Q&A
What item number types can I use for intercompany trade in Business Central?
You can use four item number types: internal number, common item number, cross-references, and vendor item number. You set them on the intercompany partner for both outbound sales and outbound purchase.
Which item number type should I use if both companies use the same item numbers?
Use internal number. Since the item numbers are identical in both companies, you don’t need to do any mapping.
How do I handle items that have different numbers in each company?
Set up a common item number on each item card. You enter the common number that both companies recognise, which maps the items between the companies.
How do cross-references work for intercompany items?
On the item card, you go into cross-references and set up the item number for your intercompany vendor. This links your item to the number the partner company uses.
Can I reuse the vendor item number for intercompany trade?
Yes. Choose the vendor item number option to use the vendor item number that is already stored on the item card.