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Sample Category

The Sample Category section enables administrators to define and manage classifications for product samples across the platform. These categories are essential for organising sampling workflows, improving reporting, and streamlining sample-related approvals and tracking—ensuring consistent categorisation across Styles and Orders modules.

Sample Category

Sample categories represent the distinct types of product samples used throughout the platform—such as Proto Sample, Salesman Sample, Fit Sample, and Pre-Production Sample. By managing these centrally in Site Settings, teams can standardise how samples are classified, reported, and tracked across style requirements, order requirements, and sample reports.

The Sample Category section allows you to create a consistent set of sample classifications that can be used across Style › Sample Requirements, Style › Sample Reports, Order › Sample Requirements, and Order › Sample Report. Proper configuration ensures that sample data remains traceable, aligns with your development stages, and supports accurate reporting and approval workflows.

Sample Category

Quick Check - Before You Start
  • Confirm naming matches how merchandising refers to protos, fits, and PP samples so style and order sample tabs stay intuitive.
  • Configure categories before users build Style › Sample Requirements so Sample Type lists stay consistent.
  • If a category ever appeared on a report, Disable rather than delete when retiring it.

Managing Sample Categories

Add Sample Category

  1. Click the Add New button at the top left.
  2. Enter the name for the new sample category in the pop-up form.
  3. Click Save to add it to the list.

Add Sample Category

Edit Sample Category

  1. Click the pencil icon next to the category you wish to modify.
  2. Update the name in the pop-up window.
  3. Click Save to apply the changes.

Edit Sample Category

Delete Sample Category

Single Deletion

Click the trash icon next to a category and confirm the action in the pop-up.

Single Delete Sample Category

Bulk Deletion

Select the checkboxes for multiple categories, then click the main delete icon that appears at the top of the table.

Bulk Delete Sample Category

Disable Sample Category

  • If a category is no longer active but needs to be retained for historical data, change its status from Enabled to Disabled.
  • Disabled sample categories will not appear as options in other parts of the system (e.g., sample requirements, sample reports).
  • This can be done directly in the list or via the toggle in the Edit pop-up.

Disabled

Best Practice

It is best practice to Disable categories that have been used previously. Deleting a category with historical associations can lead to data inconsistencies.

Other Actions

  • Filter – Toggle the view between Enabled and Disabled categories. Filter
  • Export – Download the current category list as an .xlsx file. Export
  • History – Export a detailed change log of all edits and deletions in .xlsx format for auditing purposes. History

Table Flexibility

Users can tailor the table layout using the following controls:

Feature Description
Sort by Ascending or Descending Reorder categories by clicking on any column header.
Pin Column Lock important columns in place whilst scrolling.
Autosize This Column Automatically resize the specific column to fit its content.
Autosize All Columns Applies autosizing on all columns.
Choose Columns Show or hide individual table columns.
Reset Columns Return the table to the default configuration.

Customise Table

Sample categories are used across several modules. For detailed guidance, refer to:

Topic Description
Style › Samples Overview of the Samples tab—managing sample requests, tracking, and approvals throughout the product development lifecycle.
Style › Sample Requirements Define sample types, sizes, colours, and quantities per style; sample categories appear as Sample Type options.
Style › Sample Reports Generate and track sample documentation; reports include a Sample Category field for categorisation.
Order › Sample Requirements Define sample needs per order; select Sample Type from categories configured in Sample Category.
Order › Sample Report Create and manage sample reports for orders with Sample Category classification.
Site Settings › Style › General Settings Configure default sample requirements for new styles; options reference sample categories.

Tip

  • Use clear, consistent naming (e.g., Fit Sample, Salesman Sample, Proto Sample) to streamline filtering and reporting across the platform.
  • Disable unused sample categories instead of deleting them to retain historical context and maintain audit trails.
  • Configure sample categories before adding sample requirements to ensure correct field mapping.
  • Regularly review your category list and disable any that are no longer in use to keep the active list relevant.
  • Linking sample categories to approvals and costing enhances data traceability and provides a clearer picture of the sample's journey through the workflow.

Troubleshooting

Why is my sample type missing on a style or order requirement row?

Disabled categories are hidden from new selections even though history may still reference them.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Open Site Settings › Company › Sample Category and check Filter.
  2. Enable the category or create a replacement name, then refresh the requirement screen.
Why can I not delete a sample category?

Historical sample reports and requirements may still point at the category.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Use Disable instead of delete when the category was ever used.
  2. Download History before bulk clean-up to capture the old label.
How do defaults in Style General Settings relate to this list?

Style › General Settings references these categories when seeding new styles.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Add or fix the category here first.
  2. Revisit Style General Settings to confirm the default still matches operational needs.