Overview
Item Data Sheets and Specifications work together to provide a centralized source for product information.
When an Item is associated with a Specification, shared product data is managed on the Specification. This makes the Specification the single source of truth for that information.
The Item Data Sheet itself has not changed. The same tabs, attributes, and layout remain available, but the Data Sheet is accessed from the associated Specification.
What Has Changed?
Previously, product data could be maintained in both an Item Data Sheet and its associated Specification.
Now, when an Item is associated with a Specification, shared product data is managed on the Specification.
This helps reduce duplicate data entry and makes it easier to identify the current product information.
What Happens to Existing Data?
Existing Item Data Sheets and Specifications are updated automatically.
- Approved Specifications and approved Item Data Sheets that are already connected remain connected.
- In-process records are connected to the appropriate in-process Specification and Data Sheet when one exists.
- When needed, an in-process Specification can be created so Data Sheet information can be associated without changing an approved Specification.
- Archived Specifications and Item Data Sheets remain unchanged.
- No manual data migration or re-entry is required.
How to Access the Data Sheet for an Associated Item
When an Item is associated with a Specification, you can access its Data Sheet from either the Items tab or the associated Specification.
From the Items Tab
Step 1: Open the Item
Go to the Items tab and open an Item that is associated with a Specification.
Step 2: Select Data Sheet
Select the Data Sheet area.
A message appears indicating that you are being redirected to the Specification Data Sheet.
Select Continue to Specification Data Sheet.
Note: The first time you are redirected, a message explains the change. You can skip this message for future access.
Step 3: Review the Specification Data Sheet
You are taken to the Data Sheet associated with the Specification.
From a Specification
You can also access the Data Sheet directly from an associated Specification.
Step 1: Open the Specification
Go to Specifications and select the appropriate specification area, such as Packaging. Open the associated Specification.
Step 2: Open the Data Sheet from the associated Specification.
Select the Data Sheet area within the Specification.
The Data Sheet is available as part of the Specification and continues to provide the existing Data Sheet functionality.
What Happens to Items Without a Specification?
If an Item is not associated with a Specification, you can continue to access and manage its Item Data Sheet as before.
What Happens to Data Sheet Version History?
When an Item is associated with a Specification, the Specification version becomes the primary version going forward.
Previous Data Sheet versions are preserved and remain available through Data Sheet Version History.
What Has Changed About Specification Creation?
The Specification creation process has not changed.
You can continue creating Specifications and associating them with Items as part of the existing workflow.
For more information, see Create a New Specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to manually connect my Item Data Sheet to a Specification?
No. Existing connections are updated automatically.
Will my existing Item Data Sheet information be lost?
No. Existing information is preserved.
Is the Item Data Sheet being removed?
No. The Item Data Sheet remains available with the same tabs, attributes, and layout.
What happens if my Item is not associated with a Specification?
You can continue to access and manage the Item Data Sheet as before.
Does this change how I create a Specification?
No. The Specification creation process remains the same.