Table of Contents

Features for Items & Categories

A feature is a basic attribute of a product item. It consists of a feature name and a feature value. A product can be defined by an unlimited number of features, which can also be inherited through the product hierarchy. Features can also be grouped together. Pimics lets you manage features directly on the Item Card. The product feature display is user-friendly and easy to work with. Features can have predefined sets of values that can be selected for an individual item. For example, the product feature Color can have values such as red, green, and black. Values can be imported from defined standards or entered by the user and marked as internal.

To create a new Feature

  1. Choose the Search icon, enter Features (Classification/Features), and then choose the related link.
  2. Click New to create new feature.
  3. On the General FastTab, fill in the fields as necessary:
    1. Press Enter to generate new Feature ID from the default No. Series or type in unique ID manually.
    2. In the Description field, enter the name of the new feature (e.g. “Color”).
    3. Fill in the Abbreviation field.
    4. In the Unit ID field, select the unit in which the feature value can be measured (for example, inch, kg, or mm). Unit Shorthand is added automatically. If there are no units available, create a new one on the Catalog Units page.
    5. In the Field Type/Field Format field, select one of the following types/formats:
      • Numeric
      • Alphanumeric
      • Logical
      • Range
    6. System status shows the state of completeness based on the data quality check.
    7. The field Search Feature ID is filled automatically.
  4. On the Values FastTab, define the list of values which specify values that could be assigned to the feature.
    1. Click a new line to create a value for this feature (e.g. “Black”, “Red”, “Yellow”).
    2. In the Value ID field, select a value or create a new.
    3. The field Description is filled automatically.
  5. On the Translations FastTab, set up the translations for the Feature.
  6. On the Allocations FastTab, you can add more information about the Feature.
Note

You can also define a feature that has no predefined options. In that case, do not create or assign any values.

Add a feature to an entity (Item/Item Group/Product Group/Chapter/Catalog Group/Class)

Features are characteristics of entities. A feature can be added to an Item, Item Group, Product Group, Class, and other entities. Entities can then be sorted, ordered, and otherwise managed based on their features.

PRECONDITIONS

To add feature to an Entity

  1. Open the list of the entity to which you want to add the Feature (for example, Product Information / Item, Item Group, Product Group, Chapter, or Catalog Group).
  2. Open the card of the entity to which you want to add the feature.
  3. On the PIM ribbon tab, choose Features.
  4. Click New to create a new line.
  5. Select the Group System Number from the list, or create a new one.
  6. In the Line Type field, select Feature.
  7. In the field Number, select the Feature from the list.
  8. If the Feature uses values, you can specify which values are available for the item:
    1. Click on the arrow in Values field and a new window is opened.
    2. In the Value Allowed field, specify whether the values can be selected as values of the feature. The list must be in Edit List mode.
    3. Click OK to save the settings. If you make changes, the Values and Possible Values fields are updated.
  9. If the feature uses values, select Value from the list. If the feature does not use values, enter the required text or number in the Value field.
  10. The Unit Shorthand field is filled automatically based on the feature.

Note: An entity can inherit features from its parent entity. For example, you can define features on an Item Group, and items then inherit those features from the Item Group, including values if needed. This is useful when multiple items share the same features. For example, an item group called T-shirt can have the features Color (red, blue, white), Size (S, M, L, XL), and Long Sleeve (yes/no). You can assign all T-shirt items to this Item Group and then specify feature values for each item separately.

In addition to inheriting features from standard item groups, you can inherit features from other related item entities using Cross Reference Types. This provides flexibility to inherit features from any related item entity when needed.

Understanding Feature Inheritance through Cross References

Cross Reference Types define relationships between items. When you set a Cross Reference Type to allow feature inheritance (with Default Inheritance set to "From"), the specified item will automatically inherit features from the referenced entity. This is useful when you have complex product relationships beyond the standard item group hierarchy.

Create or Configure a Cross Reference Type for Feature Inheritance

Before you can use feature inheritance through cross references, you need to configure the Cross Reference Type appropriately.

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for Cross Reference Types and open the relevant link.
  2. Click New to create a new Cross Reference Type, or select an existing one to modify it.
  3. On the General FastTab, fill in the fields:
    1. In the Code field, enter a unique identifier for this cross reference type (e.g., "VARIANT-INHERIT", "TEMPLATE-LINK").
    2. In the Description field, enter a meaningful description (e.g., "Variant Inheritance Link", "Template Features").
  4. Locate the Default Inheritance field and set it to From.
    • This setting enables features to be inherited from the referenced entity to the item that holds the cross reference.
  5. Save the configuration.

Add Cross Reference to an Item for Feature Inheritance

Once the Cross Reference Type is configured for feature inheritance, you can create cross references on items that will inherit features from their related entities.

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for PIM Items and open the relevant link.
  2. Open the item card that will inherit features from another entity.
  3. Navigate to the Cross References section (or similar section depending on your setup).
  4. Click New to create a new cross reference line.
  5. In the Cross Reference Type field, select the Cross Reference Type you configured with Default Inheritance set to "From".
  6. In the Reference Item/Entity field (or similar field name), select the item entity from which you want to inherit features.
  7. Save the cross reference.
  8. The item will now automatically inherit features from the referenced entity according to the Cross Reference Type configuration.

View and Manage Inherited Features

Features inherited through cross references will appear on the item's feature list along with any features directly assigned to the item. You can:

  • View inherited features: Open the item's Features section to see both directly assigned and inherited features.
  • Override inherited values: You can specify different feature values for your item while keeping the inherited features, allowing you to customize inherited features at the item level.
  • Disable inheritance: If needed, you can remove the cross reference to stop inheriting features from that entity.
Note

Features inherited through cross references are in addition to any features inherited from the standard item group. If an item inherits the same feature from multiple sources (item group and cross reference), you can manage which values apply to your specific item.

Important

Cross Reference Type inheritance is only active when the Cross Reference Type has Default Inheritance set to "From". Verify your Cross Reference Type configuration if features are not inheriting as expected.

Product Features

Users can define a feature directly on items or categories. However, we recommend that you first create the feature definition.

Create features on item groups

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for Item Groups and open the relevant link, or access Product Information > Item Groups. Then open an Item Group card.
  2. Go to the Features FastTab.
  3. In the action bar, select Manage > New Line.
  4. Fill in the Description field, for example Color, and the Value field, for example Green. When you leave the field, a new record is created if no other feature with the same description exists.
Note

All items that have this item group set as Standard Item Group will inherit features defined at the standard item group level (see Categories). Also, inheritance of features must be allowed – for more details read about inheritance.

prod-features-1

Repeat the previous steps to define all required features for the current item group.

Create features on items

Items assigned to a specific item group will automatically inherit features from the item group if feature inheritance is enabled for those items. However, if you want to define specific features for items regardless of their item group, you can do so for each item just as you did for the item group. To define features for multiple items at once regardless of their item group, select those items in the item list and then access Features just as you would for a single item.

Create features for multiple items belonging to the same item group

  1. On the item group card, select Features by Items (action bar > More options > Related > Classification > Features by Items).

prod-features-2

  1. A new page opens where you can see the matrix, with items in the columns and features on the lines, provided that several items are attached to the item group.
  2. Fill in the values, such as Red or Green, in the cells for the relevant combinations of items and features.

prod-features-3

Close the page. You can now open individual item cards to review the specified features.

Titles

Features can be organized into sections to improve customer experience in the channels.

Create Title line

  1. In Item Product Features, click New or select an empty line.
  2. As Line Type, select Title.
  3. Fill in the description.
Note

All following product features are indented by one space. This indentation is only for internal organizational purposes and is not included in external publications.

Feature Groups

Feature Groups are lines that consist of multiple features. Feature Groups have the same list of features on every item or category, unlike Titles, which can differ. A typical example of a Feature Group is Size, which can consist of features such as Width, Height, and Depth. Before you can use a Feature Group, you need to define it.

Create Feature Group line

  1. In Item Product Features, click New or select an empty line.
  2. As Line Type, select Feature Group.
  3. Select a Feature Group from the list or create a new one.

Feature Value Set

Pimics uses a Feature Value Set to define different allowed values on different items or categories for the same feature. A typical use case is colors: different products can be available in different colors, but the allowed color set can vary by product group or type. In that case, create a Feature Value Set for each product type.

Create Feature Value Set

Before you create a Feature Value Set, define all values on the feature first. See To create a new Feature. The steps below show how to define it on items; similar steps can also be used for categories.

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for PIM Items and open the relevant link.
  2. Select an item where you want to define a different set, and then select Features.
  3. Select a line with a feature that already has defined values.
  4. In the Values group, select Create Value Set.
    1. A new set is created, and the Value Set field receives a new value.
  5. Select See Values and change the Value Allowed field.
  6. Close the Product Features page.
  7. Select another item that will use the same values and select Features.
  8. Set the Value Set field to the same value created in step 4.1.
    1. Both items now use the same values.

Add new value into Feature Set

The value must first be created in Feature Values and then defined in all feature sets.

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for Features and open the relevant link.
  2. Select a feature where you want to change values and open the card page.
  3. In the Feature Values group, create a new line.
    1. The value is created in all sets.
    2. Whether the value is allowed or disabled by default is defined in Catalog Setup by the New Feature Value in Sets field.
  4. Select Value Set Matrix to show all value sets.
  5. Define whether the new value is allowed or disabled for each set.

If you have more than 20 sets, it is better to open Value Sets, select the lines where you want to change the value, and then run Value Set Matrix. In that case, the matrix is filtered for the selected lines.

Working with Item Attributes

Product Features in Pimics are designed to replace the standard Business Central Item Attributes. While we recommend working exclusively with Product Features, you can enable automatic synchronization to Item Attributes when required by other extensions or integrations.

Important

Product Features are the master data source. When synchronization is enabled, Pimics automatically updates Item Attributes whenever you work with features. Never manually edit Item Attributes directly when synchronization is active.

Understanding the Synchronization Process

When you enable synchronization, Pimics automatically maintains Item Attributes in the background as you work with Product Features. This happens automatically when you:

  • Create or update a feature definition
  • Add or modify product features on items or categories
  • Change feature values
  • Delete features

The system transfers the feature name, description, unit of measure, and values to Business Central's Item Attributes structure, creating the necessary relationships automatically.

Note

Synchronization only affects new changes after it's enabled. Existing data is not updated retroactively. Translations are not synchronized and must be managed separately in Item Attributes if needed.

Enable Synchronization

You can control synchronization globally or for individual features.

To enable synchronization globally:

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for Catalog Setup and open the page
  2. Locate the synchronization settings in the Allocations group
  3. Choose whether to synchronize all features by default:
    • Yes - All features will synchronize to Item Attributes automatically
    • No - Features remain only in Pimics unless individually enabled (recommended default)
  4. Close the page
Note

Changing this setting affects only future features. Existing features and data are not impacted until you modify them.

To control synchronization for specific features:

  1. Using Alt+Q, search for Features and open the list
  2. Open the feature card you want to configure
  3. In the Details group, set the synchronization preference:
    • Default - Follow the global setting from Catalog Setup
    • Yes - Always synchronize this feature, regardless of global setting
    • No - Never synchronize this feature, keep it only in Pimics
  4. Close the page

This allows you to keep most features in Pimics while selectively synchronizing only those required by other systems.

Working with Synchronized Features

Once synchronization is enabled, simply work with your features normally. The system handles Item Attribute updates automatically in the background.

When you:

  • Create a feature → Pimics creates the corresponding Item Attribute
  • Update feature details → Pimics updates the Item Attribute with the same information
  • Add feature values → Pimics creates Item Attribute Values linked to the feature
  • Assign features to items → Pimics maintains the Item Attribute Mapping

Everything happens automatically without additional steps.

Restrictions and Important Considerations

Polyvalent Features cannot be synchronized

Features with Polyvalent enabled cannot synchronize to Item Attributes. The system will prevent you from:

  • Enabling synchronization on a Polyvalent feature
  • Making a synchronized feature Polyvalent
  • Using global synchronization when Polyvalent features exist with default settings
Warning

Once synchronization is enabled for a feature, both systems maintain the relationship. If you need to modify the feature structure (like changing the unit of measure), those changes must be manually updated in Item Attributes as well. Consider carefully which features truly need synchronization.

What is synchronized:

  • Feature names and descriptions
  • Feature values and their descriptions
  • Units of measure
  • Relationships between features and items

What is NOT synchronized:

  • Translations (manage separately in Item Attributes if needed)
  • Feature history and audit information
  • Advanced Pimics-specific configurations

Migrating Existing Item Attributes

If you already have data in Item Attributes before implementing Pimics, you should migrate that data into Product Features to maintain a single source of truth. The process is available under Assisted Setup.

Tip

Contact Allium support for guidance on migrating existing Item Attribute data to Product Features. The migration process depends on your data volume and structure.

Feature Matrix

Feature Matrix is an Excel-like grid that lets you see all items and all features assigned to them in a single view.
The matrix can also be transposed.

Filtering

To filter by features:

  1. Click List View.
  2. Select Filter By PIM.
  3. In the Type field, select Feature.
  4. In Field Name, select one of the available options.
  5. In Field Value, either enter a value manually or select one from the list.
  6. Click OK.
Tip

If you want to filter by a specific feature and its value, set the first filter row to Field Name = Description and use the second row for the specific value tied to that feature.

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