About variants
Important
This content is archived and is not being updated. For the latest documentation, see Microsoft Dynamics 365 product documentation. For the latest release plans, see Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform release plans.
Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack
You can define a product as a product master. After you define a product master, you can use dimensions, such as size, color, and style, to define product variants. For example, a particular shirt might have variants that are combinations of size, color, and style.
To create a product variant, you must define at least one product dimension for a product master. You can also rename dimensions.
For more information about products and product masters, see Key tasks: Define products. For more information about product dimensions, see About product dimensions.
After you define dimensions, you can set up variant groups. For example, a size group that is named Men's Shoes contains the specific sizes in which men’s shoes are available. Alternatively, a color group that is named Television contains the specific colors in which television sets are available, such as Gray, Silver, and Black.
You can assign a variant group directly to a product. However, to save time, you can assign the variant group to a category in a retail hierarchy. Then, when you assign a new product to the retail hierarchy, the variant group is assigned automatically to the product.
To create product variants, you must complete the following tasks:
Set up dimensions, such as size, color, and style.
Set up variant groups.
Assign variant groups to a retail hierarchy.
Create a product master and variants.
Note
If you do not set up bar codes for the variants, cashiers must enter the product master, and then select the variant. If you want cashiers to be able to enter variants directly, set up bar codes for the variants. For more information, see About setting up bar codes.