How To: Swap the On-Hand (Base Unit) Size

How To: Swap the On-Hand (Base Unit) Size

End user  ·  Yellow Dog Inventory 2026

 WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The on-hand (parent) size is the base unit—the unit Yellow Dog Inventory uses to track on-hand quantity and to convert every purchasing and counting size. When an item with multiple sizes is set up with the wrong base unit, you can swap the base unit to the correct size. This is most common for Food & Beverage and Concessions items, but any item with multiple sizes can need it.

Caution: Swapping the base unit cannot be undone and you cannot swap the base unit on an item that already has transactional history. Swap only on a new item with little or no history—ideally during initial setup or early implementation. If a Physical Inventory is in progress, remove it first, then recreate it after the swap to keep counts and costing accurate.

 PREREQUISITES

Confirm the following before you begin:

•    Inventory Items > Item Lists set to Visible

•    Inventory Items > Edit Base Unit set to Visible

•    Inventory Items > Edit Base Unit > Swap Base Unit set to Yes

•    The item has little or no transactional history.

•    No Physical Inventory is in progress for the item.

 STEP BY STEP

Swap the base unit

1.  Go to Item Management > Inventory Items, then select the item.

2.  Select Edit Base Unit.

3. Select the size you want as the base unit, then click Swap Base Unit.

4.  Select Yes.

5.  Click Yes, do it now.

6.  Select Yes, I’m finished.

Figure: An item configured correctly, with the base unit set as the on-hand (parent) size.

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Last reviewed: June 2026  ·  Applies to: Yellow Dog Inventory 2026

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