How To: Create a Packaging Stock Item
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Packaging stock items are used within Khaos Control to represent packaging materials such as:
- Boxes
- Cartons
- Pallets
- Envelopes
- Containers
- Reusable packaging
These items can then be used during the Sales Invoice Manager Packing stage to record and manage the packaging used when despatching orders.
This article explains how to create and configure a packaging stock item.
Create a Packaging Stock Item
- Open a Stock screen.
- Press Ctrl+N or click New.
- Enter the required stock item details.
Configure the Properties Tab
Open the Stock Detail Properties tab and complete the relevant fields.
Stock Code
Enter a unique stock code for the packaging item.
Description
Enter a clear description of the packaging item.
Examples:
- Small Box
- Large Carton
- Standard Pallet
- Mailing Envelope
Stock Type
Set the Stock Type to Packaging.
Depending on your setup, this may appear as:
[ Packaging | Packaging ]Using a dedicated Packaging stock type makes it easier to identify packaging items during the Packing stage.
Buy Price
Enter the cost of purchasing the packaging item.
Sell Price
Enter a selling price if the packaging is chargeable to the customer.
For example:
- Returnable pallets
- Beer barrels
- Packaging deposits
If the packaging is not sold separately, this can usually be left at £0.00.
Stock Value
Enter the stock value to be used when calculating Cost of Sales (COS).
Avg Weight (Optional)
Enter the average weight of the packaging item.
This is particularly important if courier selection or delivery charges are based on calculated shipment weight.
Important: Khaos Control supports any weight system that uses factors of 10, such as grammes or kilogrammes. However, the same unit of measure must be used consistently throughout the system.Do not mix grammes and kilogrammes between:Using mixed units will result in incorrect calculations.
Safe Level (Optional)
Enter the stock quantity at which the packaging item should appear on stock replenishment reports.
Min Level (Optional)
Enter the stock quantity at which the packaging item should appear within the low-stock warning area of stock reordering screens.
Reorder Qty (Optional)
Enter the quantity normally ordered when replenishing stock.
This is often referred to as the economic reorder quantity.
Min Reorder Qty (Optional)
Enter the minimum quantity your supplier will allow you to order.
Reorder Multiple (Optional)
Enter the quantity multiple that packaging is normally purchased in.
Example:
- Boxes purchased in packs of 25
- Pallets purchased in quantities of 10
Configure the Options Tab
Open the Stock Detail Options tab.
Stock Controlled
Leave Stock Controlled enabled if you want Khaos Control to monitor packaging stock levels.
Packaging Item
Tick Packaging Item.
This setting identifies the stock record as packaging and makes it available for packaging-related functionality, including the Packing stage in Sales Invoice Manager.
Configure the Accounting Tab
Open the Stock Detail Accounting tab.
Tax Rate
Select the appropriate tax rate for the packaging item.
This enables Khaos Control to calculate VAT correctly for purchases and sales involving the item.
Configure Suppliers (Optional)
Open the Stock Detail Suppliers tab.
If required, use this area to:
- Assign a preferred supplier.
- Record alternative suppliers.
- Maintain purchasing information.
For more information, see How To: Set a Preferred Supplier.
Save the Packaging Item
Once all required information has been entered:
- Press Ctrl+S or click Save.
- The packaging stock item is now ready for use.
Cost of Sales Considerations
Some businesses choose to exclude packaging costs from their Cost of Sales calculations.
Where this is required, packaging purchases should be posted to a separate purchase nominal account.
For more information, see:
Additional Information
Well-configured packaging items can help you:
- Track packaging stock levels.
- Improve stock replenishment processes.
- Record packaging costs accurately.
- Calculate shipment weights more accurately.
- Support automated courier selection and delivery charge calculations.
- Improve warehouse packing efficiency.
For the best results, create a dedicated Packaging stock type and maintain packaging items in the same way as your regular stock records.