Item Attributes

Attributes provide:

A fixed set of features (attributes).
A fixed set of units with the conversion calculations prefilled.
A description generator with an option to override it.

The fields in fixed attribute sets cannot be removed or renamed. Only their values can be edited.

Edit Custom Attributes Interface

Edit Custom Attributes interface showing attribute groups and their attributes — Custom Item Attributes Interface

Buttons Explained

Button	Description
Auto Height Checkbox	If checked, it expands the row to include the entire lookup list. If unchecked, it collapses the row to show only the first item on the lookup list.
Add/Edit	Lets you edit or add entries.
Save	Saves any changes.
Menu	Layout

Fields Explained: Groups

Note

All the custom attributes for items must be added to a group.
A group can have as many attributes as needed.
It is better to create many groups with fewer attributes each than one long group, which can be difficult to manage.
The group feature was introduced in October 2025, and existing custom attributes are automatically added to a group named Attributes.

Field	Description
Field Chooser (*)	Add or remove columns.
ID	The system-generated number for the attribute group.
Name	Enter a name for the group.
Code	Enter a brief description of the group.
Description	Enter the group’s description.
	Deletes the group. You must delete all its attributes before you can delete the group.

Fields Explained: Attributes

Info

Fields marked in blue (✎) can be edited.

Field	Description
Field Chooser (*)	Add or remove columns.
ID	The system-generated number for the attribute.
Group	The name of the attribute group.
OrderID	The system-generated number for the order of the entries.
Caption	Enter the caption shown to users.
Editor	Select an attribute option from this list: Text: Accepts any text. Number (0 Decimals): Accepts an integer. Number (2 Decimals): Accepts a number with two decimals. Number (4 Decimals): Accepts a number with four decimals. Combobox (Fixed): An entry must be selected from the lookup list. Combobox (Edit): An entry may be selected or entered manually (entries entered manually are not added to the lookup list). Lookup SQL: You can write an SQL query to create a lookup list. Right-click the entry and select View/Edit Lookup SQL.
Lookups	Applies only to the Combobox editors. Enter the lookup list, one entry per line.
Created	The date on which the entry was created.
Updated	The date on which the entry was updated.
Updated By	The user who updated the entry.
SQL	A checkbox. Checked if a valid SQL query exists.
	A menu with the following options (also available when you right-click the entry): View/Edit Lookup SQL: Write an SQL query that creates the lookup list from its output. Available only if Lookup SQL is the selected Editor option. Clear Attribute Values on Items: Clears all the values on items for that attribute. Use it when the Editor field is changed and the options selected for items are no longer valid. Move Up Ctrl + U: Moves the entry one line higher. Move Down Ctrl + D: Moves the entry one line lower. Delete Ctrl + Delete: Deletes the custom attribute.

Estimating

Info

The Attributes tab has only one Estimating option to add.
BOS automatically chooses the estimating option below that matches the item’s Extension Type.
The Attributes button next to Add also removes attributes.

Estimating (Materials or Assemblies)

Field	Description
Qty Type	The Quantity Type determines how the Quantity field is used in calculating the unit cost.
Description	A checkbox. If checked, the Item’s Description appears in the Estimate’s Description.
Waste %	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the percentage that is wasted during production.
Round Up	A checkbox. If checked, rounds the price up.
Min Qty	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the minimum quantity that can be ordered.
Adj%	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the percentage the Cost Price must be adjusted by.
Unit	Select a unit from the lookup list. A unit is required.

Estimating (Tasks)

Field	Description
Qty Type	The Quantity Type determines how the Quantity field is used in calculating the unit cost.
Qty	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the quantity that is needed.
Description	A checkbox. If checked, the Item’s Description appears on the Estimate’s Description.
Setup (Hrs)	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the time it takes to set up the production.
Speed (Qty/Hr)	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the quantity that can be produced per hour.
Adj%	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the percentage the Cost Price must be adjusted by.
Cost Centre	Select a Cost Centre from the lookup list.
Fixed Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the fixed cost.
Unit Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the unit cost.
Min Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Minimum Cost.

Estimating (Outwork)

Field	Description
Qty Type	The Quantity Type determines how the Quantity field is used in calculating the unit cost.
Qty	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the quantity that is produced.
Description	A checkbox. If checked, the Item’s Description appears on the Estimate’s Description.
Adj%	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the percentage the Cost Price must be adjusted by.
Supplier	Select a supplier from the dropdown list.
Fixed Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the fixed cost.
Unit Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the unit cost.
Min Cost	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Minimum Cost.

Estimating (Costing)

Field	Description
Description	A checkbox. If checked, the item’s description appears as part of the Estimate’s Description.

Constraints

Field	Description
Type	Select Sheets or Reels.
Max Depth	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Maximum Depth.
Max Width	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Maximum Width.
Margin – Top	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Top Margin.
Margin – Bottom	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Bottom Margin.
Margin – Side	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the Side Margin.

Substrate Waste

Field	Description
Type	Select Sheets or Reels.
Setup (units)	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the number of Setup Units required.
Run%	Enter a number with up to two decimal places for the percentage that is wasted during the run.