Product Catalog Management
Product Catalog Management
Overview
The Product Catalog serves as the central repository for all product information within your Sampleful organization. This comprehensive management system enables Product Managers to define, configure, and maintain the complete product portfolio with detailed specifications, market assignments, and operational parameters.
Product Information Architecture
Core Product Data
Basic Product Information
- Product Name: Primary identifier for the product
- Trade Name: Commercial or branded name (optional)
- Description: Physical description for customs and shipping
- Commodity Code: International trade classification code
- Product Value: Cost per unit for customs and duties
Quality and Compliance
- Minimum Shelf Life: Days remaining before expiration (default: 180 days)
- Recertification Sample Size: Minimum quantity needed for retesting
- Special Notes: Alerts such as “Decommercialized” or “On-hold”
- Certificate of Analysis: Quality documentation requirements
Storage and Handling Requirements
- Storage Temperature Range: Nominal temperature for easy sampling (e.g., 20-25°C)
- Minimum Temperature: Critical low temperature threshold (°C)
- Maximum Temperature: Critical high temperature threshold (°C)
- Container Requirements: Specific packaging or container needs
- Special Preparations: Handling or preparation instructions
Physical Characteristics
- Appearance: Visual description of the product
- Shipping Restrictions: Transportation limitations or requirements
- Container Requirements: Packaging specifications
Market Assignment Configuration
Approved Markets
Products can be assigned to multiple approved markets:
- Select from predefined market list
- Configure market-specific restrictions
- Set regional compliance requirements
- Define market priority levels
Market-Specific Settings
- Regulatory compliance requirements per market
- Regional pricing variations
- Local handling requirements
- Market-specific documentation needs
Product Management Operations
Adding New Products
Step 1: Basic Information Setup
- Navigate to Products section in Management area
- Click “Add New Product” button
- Enter core product information:
- Product name (required)
- Select trade name if applicable
- Add physical description for customs
- Enter commodity code for international shipping
Step 2: Quality Parameters
- Set minimum shelf life requirements (days)
- Define recertification sample size if applicable
- Enter product value for customs calculations
- Add any special handling notes
Step 3: Storage Configuration
- Define optimal storage temperature range
- Set critical temperature thresholds (min/max)
- Specify container requirements
- Document special preparation needs
Step 4: Market Assignment
- Select approved markets from available list
- Configure market-specific requirements
- Set shipping restrictions by region
- Define compliance documentation needs
Step 5: Review and Activation
- Review all entered information for accuracy
- Verify market assignments align with business strategy
- Confirm compliance requirements are complete
- Save and activate the product
Editing Existing Products
Accessing Product Records
- Search by product name or trade name
- Filter by market assignment or status
- Sort by creation date or last modified
- Use advanced filters for specific criteria
Modification Procedures
- Select product from catalog list
- Click “Edit Product” to access modification form
- Update required information in relevant sections
- Review impact of changes on existing inventory
- Save changes and update related records
Impact Assessment
Before making changes, consider:
- Existing inventory records using this product
- Active requests containing this product
- Market compliance implications
- Shipping and handling procedure updates
Product Status Management
Active Products
- Available for new requests
- Visible in product selection menus
- Included in inventory management
- Subject to regular quality reviews
Inactive Products
- Hidden from new request selection
- Existing inventory remains trackable
- Historical data preserved
- Can be reactivated when needed
Special Status Indicators
- On Hold: Temporarily unavailable due to quality issues
- Decommercialized: Removed from commercial availability
- Pending Approval: Awaiting regulatory clearance
- Discontinued: Permanently removed from catalog
Trade Name Integration
Trade Name Assignment
Products can be linked to registered trade names:
- Select from existing trade name registry
- Inherit regional approvals from trade name
- Apply trade name-specific requirements
- Maintain trademark compliance
Display Logic
Product display adapts based on trade name assignment:
- If trade name matches product name: Display trade name only
- If trade name differs: Display “Trade Name Product Name”
- No trade name: Display product name only
Market Configuration
Market Selection Process
- Review available approved markets
- Assess regulatory requirements per market
- Evaluate operational capabilities per region
- Select appropriate markets for product distribution
Regional Compliance
Different markets may require:
- Specific documentation standards
- Regulatory certifications
- Labeling requirements
- Testing protocols
- Import/export restrictions
Market-Specific Restrictions
Configure limitations such as:
- Quantity restrictions per region
- Shipping method requirements
- Documentation prerequisites
- Regulatory compliance checkpoints
Quality Management Integration
Shelf Life Management
Products automatically track:
- Manufacturing dates from inventory
- Expiration calculation based on retest dates
- Minimum shelf life compliance checking
- Automated alerts for approaching expiration
Recertification Requirements
Configure testing protocols:
- Define minimum sample size for retesting
- Assign default recertification sites
- Set testing frequency requirements
- Track certification status
Temperature Monitoring
Products with temperature requirements:
- Monitor storage conditions at fill sites
- Alert on temperature excursions
- Track temperature history for quality compliance
- Generate temperature compliance reports
Operational Integration
Inventory Connection
Products link directly to inventory management:
- Track stock levels across multiple fill sites
- Monitor lot numbers and expiration dates
- Automate reorder point calculations
- Generate inventory reports by product
Request Processing
Product configuration affects:
- Request validation and approval
- Inventory allocation decisions
- Shipping method selection
- Documentation generation
Fulfillment Workflows
Product specifications determine:
- Handling procedures at fill sites
- Packaging requirements
- Shipping carrier selection
- Documentation requirements
Reporting and Analytics
Product Performance Metrics
Track key indicators:
- Request frequency by product
- Fulfillment success rates
- Market demand patterns
- Customer satisfaction scores
Quality Analytics
Monitor quality indicators:
- Shelf life utilization rates
- Temperature compliance statistics
- Recertification success rates
- Quality incident tracking
Market Analysis
Analyze market performance:
- Regional demand distribution
- Market penetration rates
- Compliance success by region
- Regulatory issue frequency
Best Practices
Product Configuration
- Maintain complete and accurate product specifications
- Regular review of quality parameters and compliance requirements
- Consistent naming conventions across product catalog
- Comprehensive documentation of special requirements
Market Assignment Strategy
- Align market selections with business objectives
- Consider regulatory complexity when assigning markets
- Balance market coverage with operational capabilities
- Regular review of market performance and requirements
Quality Management
- Set conservative shelf life requirements to ensure quality
- Establish clear recertification protocols
- Monitor temperature compliance across all sites
- Maintain current certification documentation
Change Management
- Document all product configuration changes
- Assess impact on existing operations before modifications
- Communicate changes to relevant teams and stakeholders
- Maintain historical records for audit and compliance
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Product Not Available for Requests
- Verify product status is “Active”
- Check market assignments match request location
- Confirm inventory exists at appropriate fill sites
- Review any special status flags or restrictions
Quality Compliance Issues
- Review shelf life settings and calculation logic
- Verify temperature requirements are properly configured
- Check recertification site assignments and capabilities
- Ensure Certificate of Analysis requirements are current
Market Access Problems
- Confirm market is properly configured and active
- Review regulatory requirements and compliance status
- Check regional restrictions and limitations
- Verify shipping methods are available for destination
The Product Catalog Management system provides the foundation for accurate, compliant, and efficient sample fulfillment operations. Proper configuration and maintenance ensure customer satisfaction while meeting regulatory requirements and operational objectives.