Matrix Overview
The SapphireOne Matrix is commonly referred to as a colour-style matrix in the manufacturing industry. Typically, fashion apparel utilises a size-colour-style matrix for all their inventory, which also includes footwear. Manufacturers and retailers often employ a master product to identify inventory and then arrange a multidimensional grid that aligns size, colour, and style with the master inventory item. Once a size-colour-style matrix is established in SapphireOne, the Master ID, also known as the Parent ID, serves as the header, with the various sizes, colours, and styles listed beneath it. Each inventory item remains distinct.
The power of the SapphireOne size-colour-style matrix lies in its simplicity. By entering the Master ID and pressing the Tab key, it automatically brings up a matrix similar to a spreadsheet. You can then tab or click on the desired item and enter quantities into the corresponding grid. Alternatively, you can tab through each cell to add quantities or use a barcode scanner to scan the barcodes, which populates the quantity at the end of the grid.
Once the Order Client Invoice (OCI) or Order Vendor Invoice (OVI) is generated, the finished product is received by the client or vendor in the form of a Matrix Invoice. This invoice displays only one master line, which lists the various quantities, colours, and styles for a Vendor or Client Invoice. The advantage for the recipient is that the master item appears as a single line, which then shows the different sizes, quantities, and styles within that line. This method creates a condensed and simplified invoicing process for both clients and vendors. The Matrix also allows for the establishment of Items of Column Name and Row Name as a template and category for the Table Matrix.
A fashion matrix, or ‘Colour – Size Matrix,’ refers to the system by which fashion, footwear, and/or apparel retailers track product variants in a grid format. These manufacturers, distributors, and retailers manage their product variants by creating a multidimensional grid. This process involves aligning the colours of a stock line against the sizes. A matrix is an efficient tool not only for entering stock by size and colour but also for assessing variants for re-ordering and transfer purposes.
Matrix Inquiry
This Matrix Inquiry is directly linked to the creation of Table Items on the Controls Page within an Inventory Inquiry. The necessary Row and Column headings must be established here prior to creating table items in a Base Inventory Inquiry.
Selecting New 
, Modify 
or Look 
allows the user to add or Modify an individual Table entry.
The SapphireOne Matrix Data Entry initially presents you with a standard sales purchase Data Entry screen, where you add your inventory Matrix ID. We always select the Master ID Inventory item for the Matrix, which is a non-diminishing inventory item.
After selecting the Master ID – which is the non-diminishing ID – the user enter a quantity and press the Tab key. You will then be presented with the screen shown below. This screen enables you to adjust sizes and colours within the Matrix if necessary.
After you have selected ‘Process’, the subsequent screen seen below is presented. The layout will automatically adjust to a grid format based on the number of sizes and colours you have configured. This grid features a vertical column on the left and horizontal rows across the top, which together form the matrix. In the example provided below, the item is categorised by colour in the vertical column on the left, with the various stock quantities, such as size and quantity, displayed from left to right along the horizontal rows.
As a user, you may click on each cell to input a quantity manually. Alternatively, for a more streamlined approach, you can utilise the Tab key to navigate through the cells sequentially. By pressing Tab, SapphireOne will highlight the cell corresponding to a specific size and colour, allowing you to enter the desired quantity. Pressing Tab again will advance you to the next cell for a different size and colour combination. Once you have inputted quantities for all sizes and colours, simply select ‘Process’. This action will amalgamate all the individual entries into a single line item, applicable to both sales and purchases.
Once the matrix setup has been processed, it will be available within a matrix inquiry under the “Inventory Mode” dropdown in the inventory.
By selecting Modify or Look or simply double-clicking a line, the user is presented with the item matrix details screen. If “Modify” has been selected, tags may be added to the matrix reference.
Advanced Matrix Functionality
SapphireOne has introduced enhanced functionality to the Matrix inventory, allowing for the addition of new sizes and colours that are not yet available but are intended for the upcoming season. For example, during the current season, it is possible to indent and order new colours and sizes for delivery in time for the next season. It is important to note, however, that the prices for these items will be subject to an increase. The new indented inventory will be priced according to the newly indented price list. Upon the release date of the new season, all Matrix prices associated with that Master ID will automatically adjust to reflect the updated pricing.
When entering a matrix that contains indent items, selecting the ‘Process’ button will automatically create the matrix item. New colours and sizes that are indented will be created as separate line items. This functionality applies to all Data entry QCIs, OCIs and SCIs. Additionally, SapphireOne has the capability to automatically adjust all prices for new Quotes/Orders/Sales. For example, on 1 October, prices in the Price Book will change from $110 to $130. Items marked as indented will automatically be updated to the new price of $130, eliminating indented items from the table matrix.
In the Price Book, a table identifier is included for items that will experience a price increase on a specified future date. This identifier is separate from the indent marking, ensuring that indented items are already set to the new price. Only pre-existing items that are part of the table will see a price increase.
A rule within the Price Book automatically clears the indent flag from items on a specified future date. When processing, the master code will separate new items from the matrix and display them as individual lines with individual prices.
Discontinued items can be removed from the matrix and sold at a discounted price. When selecting the ‘Process’ button, if any colours or sizes that are indent have quantities, they will automatically be split off as individual line items within the invoice, clearly identifying the new colour and new price as individual lines on the invoice.
Indent and Table are included in the Price Book selection, allowing users to set an indent and table with a new price in the Price Book. All new orders for indented items will use this price. Quotes/Orders/Sales invoices marked as indent will also use this price, assuming an indent price has been set.
To facilitate management of the matrix, a Remove/Reassign to Table Tool has been included. This tool allows users to remove a style or colour from a table or re-add all items from that style/colour back to the table. However, it does not permit the addition of items that have never been part of a table to a related table.
These enhancements to the SapphireOne Matrix system are designed to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in inventory management, ensuring that your organisation remains competitive and responsive to market trends and customer needs.
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