> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/backoffice/backoffice/items-and-materials/introduction-to-items-and-materials.md).

# Introduction to Items and Materials

Understand what Items and Materials are, where you use them, and why the catalog saves time.

**Items and Materials** is the product catalog in OutSmart.

Use it to store the products, parts, and materials your team uses most.

### What the catalog helps you do

* keep one central list of products
* reuse the same item data across daily work
* avoid manual typing in work orders, quotations, and invoices

### What an item includes

Each item can contain details such as:

* item code
* description
* unit price
* barcode or EAN code
* VAT code
* visibility and billing settings

### Where you use items

You can add items in places such as:

* work orders
* quotations
* invoices

When you select an existing item, OutSmart fills in the stored data automatically.

### How you build the catalog

You can build the catalog in two ways:

* create items one by one in the BackOffice
* import many items at once with Excel or an integration

### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>What is the difference between Items and Materials?</summary>

There is no functional difference.

**Items** is the current name.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need to use the catalog?</summary>

No.

But it makes item registration faster and more consistent.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I start with a small catalog?</summary>

Yes.

You can begin with your most-used items and expand later.

</details>

### Related topics

* [**Items and Materials**](/backoffice/backoffice/items-and-materials.md)
* [**Work Orders**](/backoffice/backoffice/work-orders.md)
* [**Stock**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/stock-management.md)


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