Using the Order Matrix to create Sales Order or Supply Orders

The order matrix in the master data information functionality lets you create sales orders directly from the item list in Business Central. You enter quantities on multiple item lines and turn them into sales order lines in one go.

You can attach the lines to an existing sales order or create a new sales order header on the fly.

The order matrix shows extra columns compared to the standard information matrix. You see inventory quantity, purchase order quantity, and sales order quantity, and you can filter these on a location.

If you have the Reverse Planning app, the order matrix also lets you create supply orders. Without the app, the supply order actions are hidden and you can only create sales order lines.

Reverse Planning uses a quick journal where you carry out action messages to create purchase orders, production orders, or assembly orders, depending on the item’s setup.

Creating orders from the item list with the order matrix

With the master data information, you can create both supply orders and demand orders if you also use the Reverse Planning app. The order matrix works from the item list. It looks like the information matrix you may know from other functions, but it is built so you can create many order lines on either sales orders or supply orders at once.

You import lines the same way as in the standard information matrix. In a simple example, you can import lines based on the item description, for instance pulling in a range of bikes.

Extra columns for inventory, purchase, and sales quantities

The order matrix adds columns that the standard information matrix does not have. You get inventory quantity, purchase order quantity, and sales order quantity. You can add a location filter in the header, so the inventory, purchase, and sales figures all reflect that location.

This gives you the overview you need before deciding what to order. You might see that one item has 170 on sales order and 89 in inventory, and from there enter the quantity you want to order, for example 100 or 30 pieces.

You can also click the lookup on a field to see the basic information for the item or the SKU card. That shows the reorder quantity, reorder point, lot size, and similar details, so you can make a more informed decision. If you would normally order or sell 80 of an item, the card helps you confirm that.

Creating sales orders from the matrix lines

Once you have entered quantities, you can create a sales order directly from those lines. You select Related and then Create order, which creates the sales order lines.

You have two options when creating the lines. You can attach them to an existing sales order by selecting a header number, or you can create a new sales order from the lookup if you are building a fresh order.

When you create a new sales order, you select a customer number and the system generates a sales header. The matrix then takes the lines you entered and applies them to that order. If you add more quantities to other lines later, you can run create sales order again and apply them to the same sales order.

Creating supply orders with the Reverse Planning app

If you have the Reverse Planning app, you can also create supply orders from the order matrix. Without the app, the last three actions are hidden, so you can only create sales order lines.

When you create supply orders, the function checks the item card or stock keeping unit card to determine whether the item is a purchase item, a production item, or an assembly item. It then creates the right type of order accordingly.

The Reverse Planning app shows a quick journal that works like the planning or requisition worksheet. From this view, you select Carry out action message, and the system creates orders for the items in the quantities you entered. It gives you a simple overview for creating supply orders.

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