Items & attributes

Learn how to set up items, configure attributes, and handle common scenarios like tracking units, photos, serial numbers, and expiration dates.

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How do I set units of measurement for my items?

Go to Data Center > Attributes and create a new attribute called "Unit." You can then enter the unit (e.g., box, lb, kg, ml) for each item.

Can I use decimal values for inventory quantities?

Yes. BoxHero supports decimal values like 1.9 or 0.28, which is useful when working with weight, volume, or partial units. For more details, see Partial Tracking with Decimals.

How many attributes can I add?

There's no limit — you can add as many attributes as you need.

Can I upload multiple photos for a single item?

Yes. Create separate File-type attributes for each photo (e.g., "Front View" and "Side View"), each with its own uploaded file. Add them under Data Center > Attributes.

Can I add an attribute for locations?

You can, but we recommend using the dedicated Locations feature instead. Locations are designed for tracking physical sites like warehouses or stores and update easily as items move. Attributes are better suited for details that rarely change.

Locations

Can I change an attribute’s type after creating it?

Attribute types can't be changed directly. Instead, create a new attribute with the desired type, use Edit via Excel to copy data from the old attribute to the new one, then delete the original.

What happens to past transactions if I edit or delete attributes?

Updates to an item's name, attributes, or pricing automatically apply to all past transactions, so your Transactions history always reflects the most current information. To audit when a specific change was made, open the item and go to More (...) > Attribute History.

I accidentally deleted an item attribute. Can I get it back?

Yes — contact Support and we'll help you restore it.

Can I track inventory by serial number or lot number?

BoxHero is built around fixed items, where each item has a unique barcode and SKU plus custom attributes (size, color, manufacturer, etc.). To track by serial or lot number today, register each variation as a separate item.

Since BoxHero's pricing is based on total item count, we recommend deleting outdated serial or lot entries that are no longer in use.

A dedicated feature for assigning lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates directly to items is in development, with public release planned for 2026.

For early access to a sample team, email [e-mail] with the subject "Stock Details Beta."

Can I track expiration dates?

Not with a dedicated feature yet — but you can add expiration dates as a custom attribute. Alternatively, check out our sister app BEEP, which is built specifically for expiration date tracking.

Why am I getting an error on item names when importing from Excel?

Check your item identifier under Settings > Team > Excel Import Settings. If you're not using barcodes, switch the identifier to SKU.

If the issue continues, contact Support with a screenshot of the error.