Generic Item Schema Review
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Key: OFBIZ-562
URL: http://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/OFBIZ-562
Project: OFBiz (The Open for Business Project)
Issue Type: Wish
Components: product
Reporter: Chris Howe
Priority: Minor
The current data model treats inventory item and fixed asset as if they have
nothing in common. And because there is nothing generic binding the physical
item they have even been separated into the notion that the fixed asset
physical item is dependent on accounting and the physical inventory item is
dependent on product. There is a bit of confusion because of the naming of the
entities.
Of course fixed asset is an accounting term, however I believe the accounting
data model has overstepped it's role on the physical item. Applications that
have to do with accounting should have no concern on whether the fixed asset
was moved from storage area A to facility B, as long as ownership hasn't
changed. Likewise accounting shouldn't be concerned on when the last time the
item classified as a fixed asset was washed or serviced (however it should be
concerned with the charges for those washings and services) In business these
departments that take care of these things are different. The dock workers
care about what isle the item is stored at; the maintenance department cares
about the servicing of the equipment; the bean counter is only concerned about
the depreciation of the item and the receipts.
Because the physical item classified as the fixed asset is an accounting data
schema, the product entity depends on accounting. This should not be. Because
the physical item is in the accounting schema, manufacturing is now dependent
on accounting. This also, should not be. This model prevents Apache OFBiz
from supporting the rental of items as well as modularization. Both are
features that would greatly enhance the value of Apache OFBiz.
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