FAQs: What are Base Units?

FAQs: What are Base Units?

End user  ·  Yellow Dog Inventory 2026

 WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Base units are the foundation for how Yellow Dog Inventory tracks, converts, and reports every multi-size item. These answers cover what a base unit is, the benefits of using one, and whether your items need to be configured this way.

What is a base unit?

A base unit is a universal unit of measure that an item’s other sizes divide into cleanly. In an item’s configuration, the base unit is the on-hand (parent) size that displays in reporting.

Figure 1. An item configured using base unit setup.

ON HAND

DESCRIPTION / SIZE

 

0

A TO Z BUBBLES ROSE · (FL)OUNCE

 

A TO Z BUBBLES ROSE · CASE

 

A TO Z BUBBLES ROSE · BTL 750ML

 

 

Note: Ask yourself: what is a universal unit that every other size of this item divides into cleanly? That’s your base unit.

What are the benefits of using a base unit configuration?

The benefits include:

    Standardization: Base units keep inventory tracking consistent, making it easier to compare quantities across items and transactions.

    Flexibility for conversions: Base units support easier unit conversions when you create additional sizes.

Do I have to set up my items with a base unit configuration?

Starting in 2025, all newly implemented Food & Beverage clients have their inventory items configured with base units by default. If you are a Food & Beverage client who joined before 2025 and your items are not set up with base units, you are not required to update your configuration—but we strongly recommend doing so for consistency and accuracy.

How do I update my existing items to the base unit standard?

See How To: Update Items to Base Unit Configuration for step-by-step instructions.

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

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