Specification Templates define the structure of every specification created in FoodLogiQ. They determine which information is collected, which fields are required, and what suppliers can complete or request a variance for.
Every specification must be created from a template, so at least one Specification Template must exist before you can begin creating Parent Specifications.
In this article:
Create a Specification Template
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Navigate to the Admin section of specifications by clicking on the cogwheel icon next to Specifications in the left-hand navigation menu.
- Click Add Specification Template
- Give a unique name to your specification
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Select an internal approval flow for this template.
Manage Categories
Every new Specification Template includes a set of default categories that organize common specification information.
Category descriptions appear on Parent Specifications, Child Specifications, and Variance Requests. Suppliers can view these descriptions, but they cannot edit them. Enable Category Descriptions with a check box.
When you create a new parent specification using the template, you can enter text into a text box for the desired description.
That text will be visible in the child specification but will no longer be editable.
Customizing Categories
If you want to organize information differently Add Custom Category.
Custom Categories can be rearranged to fit your needs with the 6-dot button the left side of the Category name.
Configure Attributes
FoodLogiQ provides pre-set industry standard attributes for each default category.
Add Attributes
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Click Add/Edit Attribute within a category
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Use the green plus sign to add a default attribute to your template
Use the red X to remove one
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For each attribute, you can:
Mark it Required
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Enable Allow Variance Request (lets suppliers request changes)
Tip
Default attributes cannot be added to custom categories. Use the default categories whenever possible. Create custom categories only when your business requires a different organizational structure or additional data fields.
Configure Custom Attributes
Custom Attributes are completely user-defined and may be specific to your own business. Click + Add Custom Attribute to create your own attributes.
Note
Custom Attribues can be added to default or custom categories.
Custom Attribute Details
Attribute Name vs. Key
- Attribute Name is the user-friendly value that will be displayed to the supplier who is entering the information.
- Key is intended for the database name if you are importing using the .csv template or using an API to share the information.
Within a custom attribute, there are 10 field types you can choose from:
- Selection list types: Display a dropdown menu of options. Single selection is by default, but you can allow for multiple selections if needed.
- Date: Display a calendar within the online submission form for your users to select a date. If importing products using the .csv template, the required format is “mm/dd/yyyy”.
- Decimal Number: Use when capturing a numeric value for an attribute that needs to have the option of recording decimals, such as price per case or case weight.
- Images: Use when capturing only images - the user will not be able to type.
- Text: Choose this option if you want a free-form text field.
- Whole Number: Use when requesting a numeric value for an attribute that does not require decimals.
- Yes/No: Use when asking a question where the supplier has only these two options.
- Table: Use when displaying "one-to-many" or even "many-to-many" relationships. A single row representing a feature can effectively encapsulate multiple associated sub-features, dependencies, or states within dedicated columns, ensuring all relevant attributes are immediately visible, organized, and traceable. See:
Custom Tables
You can add up to 7 columns for each table by clicking “Add Column,” specifying the data type (Text, Whole Number, Yes/No), and indicating with a check box whether the information is required or allows for a Variance Request. Columns can be dragged and dropped into the desired order. The first column is required to be a text field.
Locking Templates
The Template State is used to control when the specification sheet can be assigned to a location.
- Unlocked: To edit the template and the Master Specification created with the template, maintain the template unlocked.
- Locked: Once the specification sheet has all the information required, lock the template to assign the specification sheet to internal or external locations.