QMI’s base unit of measure for the mouse pad (item 60017) is each (EA). The supplier, Bridgeville Industries, only sells the mouse pads in a case of 100. The Purchasing Department uses Unit of Measure Maintenance (1.13) to enter a UOM conversion for the mouse pad so the system can convert a case to a specific quantity.

To do this, the buyer defines an item-specific unit of measure of conversion that applies only to item 60017 as shown in the slide above.

To define a generic conversion—such as from Inch to Centimeter—enter IN in Unit of Measure, CM in Alternate UM, leave Item Number blank, and enter 2.54 in the UM conversion field. The system can then convert anything measured in centimeters into inches. If you wanted the system to be able to convert from IN to CM, add another conversion with CM in the Unit of Measure field and IN in the Alternate UM field and 0.394 in the UM conversion field.

What does this information from our suppler about order size indicate QMI should do about the item planning data?