Mengeneinheit
Also: ME, Mengeneinheiten, Maßeinheit Artikel, Artikelmengeneinheit, Einheit, Bestandseinheit
AI-generated
A unit of measure defines the unit in which item quantities are recorded, posted, and invoiced in the system – for example piece, kilogram, carton, or pallet. It is part of the item master and forms the basis for correct conversions between purchasing, warehousing, and shipping.
Key facts
- A unit of measure defines how item quantities are recorded and posted in the system – it is a mandatory component of the item master.
- Conversion factors are stored between the base unit of measure and additional units (purchasing, storage, shipping) and must be updated whenever packaging changes occur.
- Incorrect or missing conversions are a common cause of posting discrepancies in warehousing and billing.
- Units of measure govern not only postings but also barcode assignments, picking quantities, and EDI exchanges with partners.
What is a unit of measure?
A unit of measure (UoM) is the defined measurement unit in which an item is managed in systems such as ERP or WMS. It specifies how stock is counted, requirements are planned, orders are posted, and invoices are issued. Typical units of measure are piece (PC), kilogram (KG), liter (L), meter (M), carton (CT), or pallet (PAL). Without properly maintained units of measure, errors arise in postings, price determination, and physical picking.
How does this work in practice?
In most ERP and WMS systems, a distinction is made between a base unit and additional units that build on it:
- The base unit of measure is the smallest accounting unit in which an item is managed – for example, piece.
- Purchasing, sales, and storage units may differ from this and are linked via conversion factors, such as 1 carton equals 12 pieces or 1 pallet equals 48 cartons.
- Conversion factors are master data and must be maintained, versioned, and updated whenever packaging changes occur.
This hierarchy is often referred to as the packaging hierarchy or unit ladder. It controls which unit is posted when a barcode is scanned, how picking orders are stated in terms of quantity, and how advance shipping notices and invoices are exchanged with suppliers and customers.
What matters when selecting and maintaining units of measure?
Three questions should be clarified before setup:
- Which unit is the leading one? The base unit should be chosen so that all relevant business processes – inventory, billing, planning – can be mapped without constant conversion.
- Who maintains the conversion factors, and how are changes documented? Packaging changes from suppliers are a frequent source of errors; a clear master data maintenance process is essential.
- How are units of measure linked to barcodes and labels? An EAN on a carton must be unambiguously assigned to one unit so that scanner-based processes post correctly.
How flexibly a system supports multiple parallel units per item varies by vendor. Some systems allow item-specific conversion factors, while others work only with global unit classes. This should be evaluated during system selection.
Related terms
- Artikel
An item is the smallest uniquely identifiable unit in warehousing, procurement, and ERP – described by master data such as name, dimensions, weight, and identification numbers. It forms the basis for planning, order picking, and inventory management.
- Artikeleinheit
The item unit defines the unit of measure in which an item is managed, posted, and handled within the system. It forms the basis for consistent inventory management, picking, and pricing.
- Artikelnummer
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Bewegungsdaten
Movement data captures all transactions and physical goods movements in the logistics process – from goods receipt and stock transfers to dispatch. It contains timestamps, quantities, locations and the units involved, and forms the basis for transparency, control and analysis in warehouse and…
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.