Dimensional inventory refers to inventory that is identical in composition and function, but varies along one or more dimensions. In this case, it is more efficient to stock and process transactions for a single item number with varying dimensions rather than attempting to track each dimension as a separate part number. Examples of dimensional inventory items include lumber, piping, and sheet stock.

In Catalyst, each item can have an unlimited number of dimensional records. Each dimensional record is defined according to three dimension fields - thickness, width, and length. If an item is identified as dimensional on the Item Master, Catalyst requires a dimension to be specified whenever the item is used, including all inventory transactions. The dimension becomes an inventory attribute that allows the on-hand quantity to be maintained for each dimensional record.

A Restock flag on the dimensional record is used to indicate whether partial lengths of the dimensional item should be placed back into stock when entering a material issue transaction. The restock amount is calculated during material issue when the actual length of the material issued is greater than the length listed on the shop order bill-of-material. The “leftovers” are returned to stock based on the restock length and closest matching dimensional inventory item. For example, suppose 2 x 4 x 12 yellow pine lumber was listed on the bill of material for the manufacture of a certain roof truss. Due to a material shortage, 2 x 4 x 16 pieces were actually used on the job. If the Restock flag was set on the 2 x 4 x 12 dimensional record, the 2 x 4 x 16 pieces would be issued from stock and the leftover 4 foot pieces would be placed back into stock under the dimension most closely matching the 4 foot length. The restock is calculated based on the length dimension only. It does not apply to either the thickness or width dimensions. In addition, the restock transaction is not performed on a material backflush transaction.