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Getting Started

Adding items and SKUs

Your item master drives every pallet split, pick list and label in Fast WMS. This guide shows the fields that matter when you add an item — and how to load hundreds of SKUs at once.

4 min read Updated July 2026

An item in Fast WMS carries more than a code and a name. It also holds the packaging and pallet rules that the receiving, storage and picking screens rely on. Get these right once and every downstream transaction just works.

Adding a single item

  1. Open the Add Item screen and enter a unique item code and description. The code is what appears on barcodes and reports.
  2. Set the unit of measure. Choose the base UOM the item is counted in — pieces, kilograms, litres, and so on.
  3. Define carton and piece packaging. Fast WMS tracks a transport unit (carton/case) and a consumer unit (loose piece). Set the conversion so scanning a carton adds the right number of pieces.
  4. Enter pieces-per-pallet. This is the quantity that fills one pallet. Fast WMS uses it to split a received quantity into individually-numbered pallets at goods receipt.
  5. Flag lot and expiry tracking for items that carry batch, production or expiry dates — essential for FEFO and cold-storage items.
  6. Save. The item is now available to receive, store, pick and dispatch.

Bulk-importing many SKUs

If you are onboarding a large catalogue, do not key items one at a time. Fast WMS can seed the item master from an Excel import — prepare a sheet with your codes, descriptions, UOM and packaging, and load them all in one pass. You can optionally seed items while importing an order.

Watch out for

An incorrect pieces-per-pallet value is the most common item-master mistake. Too low and Fast WMS creates too many pallets from one receipt; too high and pallets look over-full. Verify it against how the item is actually palletised on your floor.

Related articles
Setting up your first bin structure Capturing lot and expiry at GRN Lot & expiry tracking feature Getting started checklist

Frequently asked questions

What is pieces-per-pallet used for?

It tells Fast WMS how to split a received quantity into pallets at goods receipt. Set it accurately for each item before receiving stock.

Can I import items in bulk?

Yes — Fast WMS can seed the item master from an Excel import, which is far faster than adding SKUs one by one.

Loading a big catalogue?

We can help you shape your import sheet and validate packaging and pallet rules so your first receipts are clean.

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