Customer Levels

Customer numbers can be defined at three levels.  You must select one of these levels for defining all customer information.  The same flag both controls customer level and determines if there is a single base currency for the system (global level), of if a different base currency can be defined for each company or company/location.  Note that you can set the flag to location level and still define the same base currency for each location.

You can select one of the following customer/currency levels:

·     Global.  Each customer has a unique customer number in the system.  Thus, only the customer number is required on application screens.  The customer's credit information and A/R account balance are stored on one record, which reflects transactions with all entities in your organization.

·     Company.  Each company within your organization assigns its own customer numbers.  Thus, you must enter both a company number and customer number on application screens.  Each company within your organization maintains its own record of the customer.  Credit information, such as the receivables balance and the credit limit, is maintained individually by each company that conducts business with the customer. 

·     Company/Location.  Each financial location within your organization assigns its own customer numbers.  Thus, you must enter a company, location, and customer number on application screens.  Each location within your organization maintains its own record of the customer.  Credit information, such as the receivables balance and the credit limit, is maintained individually by each location that conducts business with the customer. 

Note:    If the global level is used, you will set the customer's credit limit for the entire organization.  This will allow you to review the total balance the customer owes your organization.  You will not be able to determine what is owed to each company or location in your organization, except by reviewing the individual invoices.  Credit checking will occur at this consolidated level.

If the company level is used, then you will set a credit limit and will carry a receivable balance at the company level.  The credit check function will not consider accounts receivable balances at other companies within your organization.

Also note that customer statements will be generated for each customer record.  For example, an individual statement will be sent to the customer from each company/location if you define customers at the location level.  If you define customers at the global level, then one statement will be sent to the customer from your entire organization.  In general, you will want to set the customer level to the level at which the credit function is performed for your organization.

Note:    The customer/currency level is set on Reference File category 133 using the Base Currency Level flag.  This flag is set during installation and CANNOT be changed once you have begun using the system.