Let’s take a look at the fields in the master data information setup that has to do with item variants.
When you enable item variants in the master data information setup in Business Central, you unlock three fields that control how variants behave on your order documents. This article explains what each field does and how they work together so you only maintain prices and quantities in one place.
The variant matrix column code defines which master data specification you use as columns in the matrix view. In a typical apparel scenario you set size as the column, but you can also use length, color, or another dimension that fits your products.
The auto update price from Style Master field pulls prices from the style master onto every variant line created in the matrix view. You maintain the price once on the style master, and it applies automatically to all generated lines.
The block for edits quantity on style master order lines field prevents you from changing the quantity directly on the order line when the item is a style master. You enter quantities through the variant matrix instead.
The matrix view has a maximum capacity of 15 columns. Keep this limit in mind when you decide which specification to use as your column dimension.
The three item variant fields in master data information setup
Once you check mark the item variant option in the detail setup, three fields appear:
- Variant matrix column code defines the column dimension used in the matrix view.
- Auto update price from Style Master controls whether prices are pulled from the style master.
- Block for edits quantity on style master order lines controls whether you can edit quantities directly on the order line.
All this functionality works the same way on both purchase orders and sales orders, just like the rest of the master data functionality.
How the variant matrix column code works
The variant matrix column code determines which master data information specification serves as the columns when you open the matrix view. In the scenario shown here, the setup uses size as the column. You could instead set length, set, or colors as the column dimension depending on how your items are structured.
One practical constraint applies: the matrix view supports a maximum of 15 columns. If your specification has more values than that, you need to plan accordingly.
How auto update price from Style Master works
When you open the matrix view from a purchase or sales order, the system creates many variant lines at once. With auto update price from Style Master enabled, the price comes automatically from the style master. You only need to maintain the price on the style master, and it applies to all the lines created from the matrix view.
If item 7000 has a sales price, and you enter the variant handling for that item, the prices shown in the matrix view come straight from the style master. On the purchase side you see the direct unit cost, and on the sales side you see the sales price. When you press OK, the lines are imported back to the order document with the price coming from the style master.
How block for edits quantity on style master order lines works
When you check mark the block quantity field, you can no longer change the quantity directly on the order line if the item is a style master. For example, if item 7000 is a style master, the quantity field is locked and you cannot click into it. For an item that is not a style master, you can still enter the quantity field as normal.
This keeps quantity handling consistent: when an item is a style master, you set quantities through the variant matrix rather than directly on the line.
Q&A
How many columns can the variant matrix view display?
The matrix view has a maximum capacity of 15 columns. Choose your column dimension with this limit in mind.
Where do I maintain prices when I use auto update price from Style Master?
You maintain the price only on the style master. The price then applies automatically to all variant lines created in the matrix view, both purchase and sales orders.
Why can’t I edit the quantity on an order line?
If you enabled the block for edits quantity on style master order lines field and the item is a style master, the quantity field is locked on the order line. You set quantities through the variant matrix instead.
Does this variant functionality work on both purchase and sales orders?
Yes. The item variant functionality works the same way on purchase orders and sales orders, like the rest of the master data functionality.