Inventory Calculations

Configure intelligent inventory deduction rules using the Formula Builder to handle complex product configurations and material requirements.

Overview

TimberCloud's inventory calculation system lets you define exactly how inventory should be deducted based on product configurations, dimensions, and options. This is essential for businesses that:

• Sell products in different units than they stock (e.g., sell by sqft, stock by sheet)
• Need to account for waste/yield in fabrication
• Have complex material requirements based on customer specifications

The same step-based Formula Builder you use for product pricing also drives inventory calculations — learn it once, use it everywhere.

Note: Inventory management is part of TimberCloud's advanced product features, available on the Build plan and up. Multi-warehouse / multi-location stock and inventory audits require the Production plan (or Enterprise). See Subscriptions & Plans for the full breakdown.

Using the Formula Builder

The Formula Builder uses an intuitive, step-by-step approach: you assemble operands (fields, numbers, measurements, and so on) and join them with operators to describe the deduction.

Operand Types

Operators

Tip: When you describe pricing in the product Pricing tab, the same builder also offers an AI Formula Assistant — type a plain-English description (e.g. "charge per square foot plus 10% waste") and it generates the step-based formula for you. Today that plain-English assistant is exposed on the pricing surface; the inventory deduction builder is the same engine but is configured by hand, step by step. See the AI Pricing Assistant and the full Formula Builder reference for details.

Available Measurements

Pre-built calculations for common units handle conversions automatically:

Input Mapping

When you add a measurement, you map which line item fields provide its inputs through the visual interface.

Configuring Formulas

Where to Configure

Inventory formulas are configured on the Product Attribute:

1. Go to Products → Attributes.
2. Select your attribute.
3. Find the Inventory Formula section.
4. Click an inventory field to open the builder.
5. Build your formula with the visual, step-based builder. Click Create Formula (or Edit Formula if one already exists).
6. Save.

Common Patterns

Area-Based Calculations

For sheet goods, flooring, fabric, or panel products:

Scenario: Customer orders by square feet; you stock by sheet or unit.

Formula Steps:

1. Add Measurement → Square Feet.
2. Map width and height to line item fields.
3. Add Operator → × (multiply).
4. Add Field → qty.

Result: Calculates total square feet ordered.

Linear Calculations

For trim, molding, lumber, or wire products:

Formula Steps:

1. Add Measurement → Linear Feet.
2. Map length to a line item field.
3. Add Operator → × (multiply).
4. Add Field → qty.

Result: Converts length from inches to feet and multiplies by quantity.

Volume Calculations

For concrete, mulch, gravel, or bulk materials:

Formula Steps:

1. Add Measurement → Cubic Feet.
2. Map width, height, and depth to line item fields.
3. Add Operator → × (multiply).
4. Add Field → qty.

Result: Calculates total cubic feet ordered.

Board Feet

For lumber inventory and sales:

Formula Steps:

1. Add Measurement → Board Feet.
2. Map thickness, width, and length to line item fields.
3. Add Operator → × (multiply).
4. Add Field → qty.

Result: Calculates board feet using the lumber-industry standard formula.

Adding Waste Factors

Account for material waste in cutting, fabrication, or installation:

Static Multiplier

Add a fixed percentage of waste:

1. Create your base calculation.
2. Add Operator → × (multiply).
3. Add Number → 1.10 (for 10% waste).

Example: Square Feet × qty × 1.10

Waste Factor Measurement

Use the built-in waste calculation:

1. Add Measurement → Waste Factor.
2. Map the quantity field.
3. Set the waste percentage (e.g., 10).

Dynamic Waste with Conditionals

Different waste for different scenarios:

1. Add your base calculation.
2. Add Operator → × (multiply).
3. Add Conditional:
   • If: width > 48
   • Then: 1.15 (15% waste for large panels)
   • Else: 1.10 (10% waste for standard)

Conditional Logic

Handle different scenarios with If/Then/Else:

Based on Dimensions

If width > 48
  Then: 1.15 (15% waste for large pieces)
  Else: 1.10 (10% waste for standard)

Based on Product Options

Access selected option values using dot notation:

If material.hardness > 5
  Then: 1.20 (20% waste for hard materials)
  Else: 1.10 (10% waste for soft materials)

Comparison Operators

Variables Available

Line Item Fields

Direct access to customer-entered values:

• qty — Quantity ordered
• width — Item width
• height — Item height
• depth — Item depth
• length — Item length
• Custom line item fields you've defined

Product Option Values

Access selected attribute values using dot notation:

attribute_name.part_name

Examples:

• material.thickness — Selected material's thickness value
• edge_banding.price_per_ft — Edge option's price
• finish.coverage_sqft — Finish coverage rate

The same dot notation works in pricing formulas, so the field references you learn here carry over directly.

Quick-Start Templates

The builder includes common formula templates:

Formula Examples

Plywood Sheets

Deduct sheets based on area (32 sqft per sheet):

Square Feet × qty ÷ 32

Lumber Boards

Calculate board feet for inventory:

Board Feet × qty

Edge Banding (per edge)

Calculate linear footage for edges:

Perimeter × qty ÷ 12

With Dynamic Waste

Panel cutting with size-based waste:

(Square Feet × qty) × (If width > 48 Then 1.15 Else 1.10)

Testing Calculations

Before Going Live

1. Save your formula.
2. Create a test order with known dimensions.
3. Verify the calculated deduction matches what you expect.
4. Test edge cases:
   • Minimum values (qty = 1, small dimensions)
   • Maximum values (large orders)
   • Decimal values (10.5, 3.14)
   • Boundary conditions

Debugging Tips

1. Check field names — Ensure formula references match line item fields exactly.
2. Verify mappings — Confirm measurement inputs map to the correct fields.
3. Test simple first — Start with a basic formula, then add complexity gradually.

Troubleshooting

Incorrect Results

• Verify formula logic step by step.
• Check field mappings in measurements.
• Confirm unit conversions are correct.
• Review operator order — use groups if needed.
• Check for rounding if precise values are expected.

Formula Not Working

• Ensure all inputs are mapped — measurements need every input.
• Check for empty fields — missing values default to 0.
• Verify the formula has valid steps — at least one operand is needed.
• Test with simple known values first.

Best Practices

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic formulas and add complexity as needed.
2. Use Measurements: Pre-built measurements handle unit conversions correctly.
3. Test Thoroughly: Verify with real order scenarios before going live.
4. Document Logic: Note why specific waste factors or multipliers are used.
5. Group Complex Math: Use parentheses to enforce the correct order of operations.

Related Topics

• Formula Builder — Complete formula builder reference (operands, measurements, variables, AI assistant)
• AI Pricing Assistant — Generate step-based pricing formulas from plain English
• Inventory Overview — Inventory system introduction
• Inventory Management — Stock operations and tracking
• Product Pricing — Use the same Formula Builder to price your products
• Parts — Configure product components