1. Understanding Type A and Type B Inventory

Type A Inventory: ShareCRM provides end-to-end management of customer inventory operations, including fundamental inventory activities such as inbound, outbound, inventory checks, and transfers. It also supports business scenarios like orders, shipments, and returns.

Type B Inventory: Primarily integrates with third-party systems, typically mainstream ERP solutions. Core inventory operations (inbound, outbound, checks, transfers) are handled externally, with only final inventory results synchronized to CRM. These results then support order, shipment, and return processes.

2. Key Differences Between Type A and Type B Inventory

2.1 Object Variations

• Type A Inventory: Includes all inventory module objects:
  • Warehouse, Inventory, Batch, Serial Number, Batch Inventory
  • Inbound Order, Outbound Order, Transfer Order, Inventory Check Sheet
  • Purchase Order, Purchase Return Order
• Type B Inventory: Limited to basic inventory objects:
  • Warehouse, Inventory, Batch, Serial Number, Batch Inventory

2.2 Data Processing Methods

• Type A Inventory:
  • Inventory data is maintained and processed within CRM.
  • Stock levels update automatically based on inventory transaction documents (additions, deductions, creations, deletions).
  • Full audit trail of all inventory movements available in CRM.
• Type B Inventory:
  • Inventory data is managed by third-party systems with final results synced to CRM.
  • CRM cannot guarantee data accuracy or modify inventory records.
  • No visibility into individual inventory transactions within CRM.

2.3 Business Logic Implementation

Using Sales Orders as an example:

• Type A Inventory:
  • Order submission freezes stock in the designated warehouse, reducing available inventory.
  • Upon shipment, frozen stock is released and actual inventory deducted.
• Type B Inventory:
  • Order submission doesn’t affect frozen or available stock levels.
  • No inventory adjustments occur during shipment processing.

2.4 Target Customer Profiles

• Type A Inventory: Ideal for SMBs without ERP systems, requiring no complex financial inventory management or external integrations.

• Type B Inventory: Designed for mid-large enterprises with existing ERP solutions (Kingdee, Yonyou, SAP) needing advanced inventory costing, financial controls, and system integrations.

3. Inventory Mode Switching

picture coming soon:

• ShareCRM permits switching between Type A/B inventory modes.
• Switching triggers data clearance and module reinitialization, requiring formal “Special Customer Request” approval.
• Approved requests generate time-limited permissions (24-hour validity) for CRM administrators to execute the switch.