Catalog items troubleshooting
Goal
Unblock common failures when creating, activating, editing, or archiving SKUs and related catalog masters.
Who it is for
Clerk and manager.
Common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 422 SKU required | Catalog setup SKU policy is Manual and SKU left blank | Enter a SKU or switch policy to Auto (needs catalog.admin) |
| Base / service unit required | require_base_unit / require_unit_on_service | Create a unit under Units, then select Base unit |
| Cannot set item Active | Require barcode and/or primary image | Add barcode (catalog.manage_barcodes) and/or media (catalog.manage_media) |
| Bundle save fails | No components / nesting too deep / component not stockable | Add components; respect max nesting; use stockable components |
| Duplicate SKU | SKU already used | Choose another code |
| Costing method rejected | Tenant disallows override, or first stock movement locked it | Ask admin about allow_item_costing_override; do not change after movements |
| Unit conversions tab errors | allow_unit_conversions off | Enable in Catalog setup or keep only base unit |
| Cannot archive | Discontinue reason required | Pick a reason from Catalog setup catalog |
| Brand / category missing on SKU form | By design | Edit the product model (Catalog); assign brand & categories there |
| Category delete fails | Has child categories | Remove or reassign children first |
| Incomplete variant axes | Setup requires every axis | Fill all axes on the model / variant |
| Item “not sellable” on documents | Lifecycle blocked or Sellable off | Fix lifecycle / capabilities on General |