Sales Channels
A channel is an optional code used to identify the distribution channel through which the sales quote, order, or invoice originated. Channels are created with Generalized Codes Maintenance (36.2.13) for the field so_channel.
Example: Sample, Export, OEM, Distributors, and Warranty
• Deviates from normal sales and cost of goods sold accounts in Product Line Maintenance
• Redirects sales and cost of goods sold monies to the general ledger
• Works with Customer Type associated with the customer, which is another optional code classifying customers by type, such as RET for retail customers and WHSL for wholesalers
The basic account structure for tracking sales and cost of goods sold is defined in Product Line Maintenance.
Using Sales Account Maintenance, you can modify the account code structure for sales and cost of goods sold by any combination or Product Line, Site, Customer Type, and Channel.
Channel
Validated against predefined values entered in Generalized Codes Maintenance, if any
The system uses the combination of site, product line, customer type, and sales channel to determine what sales and cost of goods sold general ledger accounts to use.
• Cost of goods sold amounts are posted by the Sales Order Shipment or Pending Invoice Maintenance functions
• Sales amounts are posted by the Invoice Post and Print
Site, product line, and channel can be entered on the sales order. Customer type is accessed automatically based on the customer ship-to address.
Example: You can selectively split out sales amounts for the general ledger in much more detail. If you supply medical products, you can track sales to customer type Hospital separately from sales to customer type Doctor. Or, you can track Retail channel sales separately from Wholesale channel sales at each site.
Note: If no specific accounts are entered here, sales are posted by product line. If you do not use channel or type, but want to set up accounts by site, leave channel and type blank.
