The **Categories** feature allows you to organize and classify shop items in your Canvas system. Categories can include parent-child relationships (sub-categories) to provide a hierarchical structure that improves item organization and simplifies reporting, storefront navigation, and inventory management. --- ### **Accessing Categories** 1. Navigate to **Admin > Sales Item & Inventory > Sales Item Category Maintenance**. 2. The **Create or Edit Categories** interface will display. --- ### **Creating a Category** 1. **Select a Category**: - If editing an existing category, select it from the dropdown menu. - To create a new category, click **Clear/New** to reset the form. 2. **Fill in Category Details**: - **Category Name**: Enter a descriptive name for the category (e.g., "Ceramics"). - **Parent Category**: - Select **None** if it is a top-level category. - Choose an existing category from the dropdown if it is a sub-category. 3. **Save the Category**: - Click **Submit/Save** to save the category. --- ### **Editing a Category** 1. **Select the Category**: - Use the dropdown menu to select the category you want to edit. 2. **Modify Details**: - Update the category name or assign it to a new parent category. 3. **Save Changes**: - Click **Submit/Save** to apply the updates. --- ### **Deleting a Category** 1. **Select the Category**: - Use the dropdown menu to choose the category you want to delete. 2. **Click Delete**: - Confirm the deletion. Note that deleting a category will also remove its sub-categories. --- ### **Viewing Category Structure** The right-hand panel displays the category hierarchy, including: - **Parent Categories**: Top-level categories. - **Sub-Categories**: Child categories nested under their parent categories. Each entry shows: - The category name. - The number of items associated with the category or sub-category. --- ### **Best Practices** 1. **Plan Your Category Structure**: - Design your hierarchy in advance to ensure clarity and avoid redundant categories. 2. **Use Descriptive Names**: - Choose names that clearly represent the items grouped within the category. 3. **Limit Nested Levels**: - Avoid creating deeply nested categories for ease of navigation and maintenance. 4. **Regular Reviews**: - Periodically review and update categories to reflect changes in inventory or organizational needs. --- ### **Use Cases** 1. **Organizing Art Inventory**: - Use parent categories like "Art" and sub-categories like "Oil Painting" and "Sculpture." 2. **Managing Merchandise**: - Create categories like "Ceramics" with sub-categories for specific items (e.g., "Mugs," "Platters"). 3. **Streamlining Reporting**: - Assign items to categories for detailed sales and inventory reports.