SyteLine Global Item Master Management Guide
A global item master strategy ensures consistency in item numbering, descriptions, units of measure, and planning parameters across all SyteLine sites. Without centralized governance, each site creates its own item records leading to duplicate part numbers, inconsistent descriptions, and unreliable cross-site reporting. This guide covers the architecture and configuration for managing a unified item master in a multi-site SyteLine environment.
Centralized Item Creation Workflow
In a global item master model, new items are created at a designated master site and then replicated to consuming sites. The master site owns the item record in the item table including the part number, description, unit of measure, commodity code, and default planning parameters. SyteLine does not natively include a built-in global item master replication feature, so organizations typically implement this through Infor ION document flows, custom IDO extension methods, or database-level replication. The item request workflow allows site users to submit new item requests that are reviewed and created centrally.
- Designate a master site that owns the canonical item record with authoritative descriptions and attributes
- Implement an item request workflow where site users submit new item requests for central review and approval
- Use Infor ION Sync.ItemMaster BODs to replicate approved items from the master site to all consuming sites
- Configure item numbering sequences at the enterprise level to prevent duplicate part numbers across sites
- Maintain a cross-reference table mapping local item aliases to the global item number for legacy system integration
Cross-Site Attribute Synchronization
Once items exist across sites, keeping attributes synchronized is critical for accurate planning and reporting. Global attributes like description, unit of measure, commodity code, and hazmat classification must remain consistent, while site-specific attributes like default warehouse, planner code, and safety stock can vary. The synchronization mechanism should distinguish between global (centrally controlled) and local (site-managed) attributes, preventing sites from overwriting enterprise-standard values while allowing local customization where appropriate.
- Classify item attributes as global (centrally managed) or local (site-managed) in a governance matrix
- Use Infor ION data flow rules to push global attribute changes from the master site to all receiving sites
- Protect global attributes from local modification using IDO property-level security or custom validation logic
- Allow sites to maintain local attributes such as planner code, buyer, and replenishment parameters independently
- Schedule nightly synchronization jobs to detect and report attribute drift between master and site-level records
Item Master Governance and Quality Controls
Governance ensures the global item master remains clean, consistent, and reliable over time. Establish data stewardship roles with clear ownership for item creation, modification, and retirement decisions. Implement validation rules that enforce naming conventions, required attributes, and data completeness at the point of entry. Regular data quality audits identify duplicate items, missing attributes, and inconsistent classifications that degrade reporting and planning accuracy.
- Assign data steward roles with authority over item creation, modification, and retirement decisions
- Enforce naming conventions and description standards through IDO validation rules on the Items form
- Run monthly duplicate detection reports comparing descriptions, vendor part numbers, and specifications
- Implement item lifecycle states (Active, Pending Obsolescence, Obsolete) with automatic planning parameter updates
- Track item master change history using SyteLine audit trail configuration on the item table for compliance
Establish a governed global item master across your SyteLine sites. Contact Netray for a data quality assessment and governance framework design.
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