---
title: "Unit of Measure"
slug: "unit-of-measure"
description: "Why is Unit of Measure important, and how to create a Unit of Measure? Step by Step guides containing all the information that you need to know to help you understand Canary7"
updated: 2025-07-31T13:22:00Z
published: 2025-07-31T13:22:00Z
canonical: "help.canary7.com/unit-of-measure"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.canary7.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Unit of Measure

## 📏 Understanding Unit of Measure (UOM)

## What is a Unit of Measure?

A **Unit of Measure (UOM)** defines how the quantity or measurement of an item is expressed. It helps specify the different ways items can be stored, handled, and shipped within the warehouse.

- The standard UOM for most items is typically **Each**, with a Factor of **1**.
- Items can have multiple UOMs to represent packaging or handling units, each with a corresponding **Factor** that indicates how many base units it contains.

**Example:** An item might be stocked and shipped as:

- **Pallet** (Factor: 96)
- **Carton** (Factor: 12)
- **Each** (Factor: 1)

This means one pallet equals 96 individual items, and one carton equals 12 individual items.

## How to Access Unit of Measure in Canary7

1. Go to the **Navigation menu**.
2. Use the **search bar**, type **"Unit of Measure"**, and select it.

Alternatively, navigate via: `Configuration > Functional Area Setup > Inventory Control Setup > Unit of Measure`

## Adding a Unit of Measure

Click on the Red Action Button![red action button](https://cdn.document360.io/4ed7d884-d42a-4c7e-a949-08033b57dc86/Images/Documentation/red%20action%20button.png), this will bring up a drop-down menu, and select "Add"

![add uom](https://cdn.document360.io/4ed7d884-d42a-4c7e-a949-08033b57dc86/Images/Documentation/image-1664022435079.png)

### Enter in Mandatory Fields

![add uom fields](https://cdn.document360.io/4ed7d884-d42a-4c7e-a949-08033b57dc86/Images/Documentation/add%20uom%20fields.png)

- Click on **Add** to create a new UOM.
- Fill in the **mandatory fields**, including:
  - **Name:** Enter a clear and descriptive name for the UOM.
  - **Description:** Optionally add more details for clarity.
  - **Factor:** Specify the quantity this UOM represents relative to the base unit (e.g., 12 for a carton).
  - **Active:** Ensure this checkbox is ticked so the UOM will be available in the system. If unchecked, the UOM will be hidden and unavailable.
- Once completed, click **Submit** to save the new Unit of Measure.

### Additional Tips and Best Practices for Users

- **⚖️ Always Confirm Factor Accuracy** The Factor value is critical. An incorrect factor can cause inventory, picking, or shipping errors. Double-check that it reflects the exact quantity relationship to the base unit.
- **🔄 Consistency Across Systems** Ensure your UOM setup in Canary7 matches those used in your ERP or other integrated systems to prevent data mismatches or errors during data exchange.
- **📦 Use Meaningful Names** Use clear and standardised names like “Each”, “Carton”, “Pallet” so everyone in the warehouse understands them instantly.
- **🛑 Deactivate Unused UOMs** Instead of deleting UOMs, deactivate those no longer in use. This preserves historical data integrity but keeps your active list clean.
- **📊 Understand UOM Impact** Be aware that UOM affects inventory counts, reporting, and wave/job creation logic — changing UOMs can have downstream effects.
- **❓ Troubleshooting Tips** If picking or inventory counts seem off, verify UOM factors and usage throughout the system.

Once you have selected and entered the required fields, click on the submit button![submit button(1)](https://cdn.document360.io/4ed7d884-d42a-4c7e-a949-08033b57dc86/Images/Documentation/submit%20button(1).png) to add.

Text that informs the user of what the field is.