What Are Matrix Items?
Matrix items are incredibly useful when you’re managing products with multiple variations, think T-shirts in different sizes and colors, or in this case, bouncy balls. Matrix items save you time by allowing you to manage all those variations from one central template.
Exploring an Existing Matrix Item
To start, let’s take a look at a matrix item that’s already been set up in Acumatica. From the main menu, we’ll go to:
Inventory → Template Items → T
We’re looking at a demo T-shirt here. Under the Configuration tab, you’ll see how attributes are defined — in this case, Color and Size. These determine the matrix structure with Color as the row and Size as the column. You’ll also see the inventory and description segments built using those attributes.
Next, under Item Creation, you’ll find where we select which size and color combinations to generate. At the top, you can choose to Create Matrix Items or Update Matrix Items if changes were made.
Better Inventory Starts Here
Setting Up Your Own Matrix Item: Bouncy Ball
Now, let’s walk through setting up a brand-new matrix item — a bouncy ball in different sizes and colors.
Step 1: Create the Attribute
Navigate to Attributes via the universal search or under Common Settings.
- Name it: Ball Size
- Description: Bouncy Ball Size
- Type: Combo box
- Values: Small, Medium, Large
- Then hit Save.
We’ll use an existing color attribute (from our earlier T-shirt example), so we won’t create a new one for that.
Step 2: Update the Item Class
Now, we head to Item Classes. Let’s update the class called “Other”:
- Add the attributes: Ball Size and Color
- Set the category to Variant
- Set default column to Ball Size
- Set default row to Color
- Inventory ID will follow attribute values (so, for example: Large-Black)
- Save your changes here.
Step 3: Create the Template Item
Back under Template Items, click + New and name it Bouncy Ball. Choose the item class “Other” and set the default cost (let’s say $5).
Then go to the Configuration tab and make sure all attributes are properly displaying. Fill in the Description Segment, and hit Save.
Now to the fun part — head to the Creation tab. You can select All Colors and All Sizes (or uncheck any combinations that aren’t available). Once you’re happy with the selections, click Create Matrix Items.
Voilà! You’ll now see all your bouncy ball variants automatically created — ready to be stocked, sold, and tracked.
Simplify Variations, Speed Fulfillment
Efficiently Manage Products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP system that centralizes accounting, inventory, sales, and customer data to help businesses run more efficiently.
A matrix item is a template-based inventory item that allows you to manage multiple variations from a single setup.
Use matrix items when you sell products with multiple variations, so you can manage them from one central template instead of creating separate items manually.
Yes, if your Acumatica instance is integrated with your eCommerce platform, matrix items can sync keeping inventory levels and product details accurate.
Yes. Each variation created from a matrix item is treated as its own inventory item, allowing you to track stock levels, sales history, and fulfillment individually.
You can reuse existing attributes across different matrix items.
Yes. You can use the Update Matrix Items option to add or remove variations, change pricing, or adjust attributes.
Inventory IDs are typically generated based on attribute values. You can customize the format under item class settings.
Retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and service-based businesses use Acumatica to streamline operations and scale more effectively.
Contact us to see a demo or speak with an expert. We’ll guide you through setup and show you how to simplify and automate your operations.
