We have two views of entering variant lines on sales orders and purchase orders.
If you work with item variants in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you have two ways to enter variant lines on sales orders and purchase orders: the matrix view and the item variant order line. The matrix view gives you a compact two-dimensional overview, but lets you enter quantities only. The item variant order line uses a list view that shows more lines, but adds extra information such as unit of measure, unit price, currency code, and inventory.
Both views serve the same purpose. You add, modify, or change lines and enter quantities. Choose the matrix view when you want a quick overview with fewer lines. Choose the item variant order line when you need more detail per item.
Both functions work the same way on sales orders and purchase orders.
Two ways to enter variant lines in Business Central
When you handle items with variants, entering each variant as a separate line gets tedious. Business Central gives you two tools to speed this up: the matrix order view and the item variant order line. They share the same purpose but present the data differently.
The matrix order view for a compact two-dimensional overview
The matrix view displays your variant items in a two-dimensional grid. On an existing sales order, you select a line and open the matrix order view. If you have four lines, for example, they appear in a compact two-dimensional layout rather than as separate rows.
In this view you can change quantities or enter new ones. That is the limit of what it does. It is all about entering quantities. The advantage is the overview: fewer lines and a clear two-dimensional structure that makes it easy to see what you are working with.
The item variant order line for more detail per item
The item variant order line, which we call the item variant order, has the same purpose: adding new lines, modifying lines, and changing lines. The difference is that it presents everything as a list.
In the list view you see all the items and all the possible variants for those items. Because there is no matrix column structure, you naturally get more lines to scroll through. In return, you get more information. Scroll right and you can see unit of measure, unit price, currency code, and inventory. There are also hidden columns you can add to the view if you need even more detail.
You work line by line. For each item or line, you enter or modify the quantity. If a line shows five and you need eight, you change it to eight. When you press OK, the lines update on the order, exactly as they do with the matrix view.
The same functionality on purchase orders
On the purchase side it works exactly the same way. You create a new purchase order for any vendor, find your item, and then choose the item variant order line instead of the matrix. You get the list view.
From there you enter the quantity on each item and see the full specification. If you have three dimensions on the item, all of them appear as columns. For example, size shows up as its own column alongside the others. You add the quantities and press OK.
The trade-off is straightforward. The item variant order line is enriched with more information, but you have more lines to keep track of. The matrix view gives you a tighter overview but only lets you enter quantities. Pick the one that fits the task in front of you.
Q&A
What is the difference between the matrix order view and the item variant order line in Business Central?
The matrix order view shows variant items in a compact two-dimensional grid and lets you enter quantities only. The item variant order line uses a list view that shows more lines but adds detail such as unit of measure, unit price, currency code, and inventory, plus hidden columns you can add.
Can I use these views on both sales orders and purchase orders?
Yes. Both the matrix order view and the item variant order line work the same way on sales orders and purchase orders.
What extra information does the item variant order line show?
When you scroll right, the list view shows unit of measure, unit price, currency code, and inventory. You can also add hidden columns for more detail. If an item has multiple dimensions, each dimension appears as its own column, such as size.
When should I use the matrix view instead of the item variant order line?
Use the matrix view when you want a quick, compact overview with fewer lines and only need to enter quantities. Use the item variant order line when you need more detail per item, even though it means more lines to scroll through.
How do I save changes after entering quantities?
Enter or modify the quantities and press OK. The lines update on the order in both the matrix view and the item variant order line.