Multiple products associated with one component

[dallen]

I've searched and can't find the exact problem i'm trying to solve - any thoughts would be much appreciated - or if it has been covered somewhere previously do let me know!

We currently have 'dummy' products with component/attribute/choices for 'A' and 'B' which link to the specific 'real' products. We need to add the option to order 'both'. So I'd like to be able to associate both 'real' products to the 'both' option. Obviously it is not possible to directly associate two products with one permutation.

I know there are work arounds - however the site is linked to our company's main stock control/ordering/sales/financials system and customer details and sales orders are exported from actinic and imported directly into this system. It works like a charm at the moment! This means that any work arounds I can think of are not an option for us!

What i need actinic to do is add both 'real' products to the cart when the 'both' option is selected.

Thanks in advance!

[TraceyHand]

I've tried this before and was told that it's not possible (for stock control purposes) to offer choices as
Product A
Product B
BOTH

and associate them.
I even set up a hidden product with 2 components of product A and product B and set this hidden product as my associated product for the BOTH option and it didn't work (and was confirmed by support that it was outside Actinic's capability to do so )

I'd be interested to know if anyone has a solution to it though

editted to add my original query about this HERE
I'm assuming it still isn't functional in V8 as the product I used to use it on still doesn't work as I'd set it up above (or didn't til I removed it from the catalog a month or so ago)

[leehack]

On reading my first thought was a product with a 'non optional' component, however it was subject to about 4 seconds thought, so probably complete boulder dash.

[TraceyHand]

hmm...so a product with a second product "tagged on"?

still not 100% sure that'll work as an associated product for stock control though...for the same reasons as my set up didn't.. (which was similar as a main product with 2 components)

worth a try though

[dallen]

Genius!

Nice one Lee!

It appears to work (offline anyway) perfectly.

Setup is now:

Dummy Product

Component

Attribute

Option A

Option B

Option Both

[Hidden]Real Product A
[Hidden]Real Product B
[Hidden]Dummy Product Both

Component

Real Product A (as 1 attribute, 1 choice, associated)

Component

Real Product B (as 1 attribute, 1 choice, associated)

With 'no order line for main product' and 'sum of component prices' options selected for both Dummy Products. Need to set the price of Dummy Product Both manually if you want the correct (i.e. double) price to show in the drop down options for non-hidden Dummy Product.

Will upload the site later and see if it works throughout the order process - don't see why not though!

Should be added to the AUG if it works I reckon!

Thanks again Lee!

[leehack]

Cool if it works, let us know.

[TraceyHand]

That's exactly how I had it set up.
Check your stock levels on Product A and product B when the "BOTH" option is ordered though to make sure it is 100% depleting the stock as the "both" option is ordered.
Sorry but I'm sceptical and I still don't think it works

[leehack]

If the 'both' option is linked to a product which is Product A with Product B as a forced component, is that not different to your attempt?

We shall know soon anyway, given your knowledge in this area, i'm not holding my breath or arguing, that's for sure.

[dallen]

I'll never know if it updates the stock in Actinic accurately I'm afraid Tracey - all our stock control is taken care of externally. Actinic always allows ordering no matter what - we contact the customer after the order is placed to let them know delivery time scales (dependent on whether it's coming from our warehouse or straight from the supplier).

[TraceyHand]

If the 'both' option is linked to a product which is Product A with Product B as a forced component, is that not different to your attempt?

yes, it is.
And I could tell you with 99% certainty that it would reduce the stock for Product A but NOT Product B

We shall know soon anyway,

apparently not as the OP won't know anyway
And here's me thinking that the accurate stock control was important

[TraceyHand]

I'll never know if it updates the stock in Actinic accurately I'm afraid Tracey

well, in that case I'll help you out and tell you it won't!

Feel free to prove me wrong

[dallen]

If the 'both' option is linked to a product which is Product A with Product B as a forced component, is that not different to your attempt?

I think Lee's right - instead of linking to Product A with Product B as forced component link to Dummy Product Both with Product A and Product B as 2 forced components (no order line for Dummy Product Both). That should work for Actinic stock maintenance i think...

[TraceyHand]

I think Lee's right - instead of linking to Product A with Product B as forced component link to Dummy Product Both with Product A and Product B as 2 forced components (no order line for Dummy Product Both). That should work for Actinic stock maintenance i think...

you'd think, yes

but does it?

You say you don't know!
I say I *do* know and it doesn't!

It'll control stock levels of your "dummy product both" (if enabled..but no reason to) but it WON'T control the stock levels of its components (ie Product A and B)

OK I'm done arguing this now
I've said my bit!

[leehack]

And here's me thinking that the accurate stock control was important

LOL it is Tracey, that's why he took the bugger out of actinic's control.

[dallen]

And here's me thinking that the accurate stock control was important

heh - it is - we just don't let actinic handle it