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

# Prepare master data

> Create the minimum catalog, employees, and resources to launch your first manufacturing run.

Prepare only the data you need to complete the first walkthrough. The goal is to turn an order into an executable MO, without entering the company's entire operation.

Use a familiar product that is easy to recognize. Starting with an unusual case means resolving exceptions before validating the main workflow.

## Expected result

When you finish, you should have:

* a family for the product;
* a finished item associated with a family;
* the components you want to consume in the recipe;
* at least one operational employee;
* a process and a compatible production resource;
* a basic location if you will record consumption or production with stock.

## Create the minimum foundation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the family">
    Go to **Catalog > Families** and create the family for the finished item. Use a stable code and a descriptive name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the finished item">
    Go to **Catalog > Items** and create the manufacturable item. Select the family created above. Set the procurement source to **Make**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the components">
    Add the items the recipe will consume. For the first walkthrough, use a few components and simple quantities.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an operational employee">
    Go to **People > Employees** and create the person who will record shop floor work. Link a user if that person needs to sign in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a process and resource">
    Create a process, such as **Assembly**, **Cutting**, or **Packaging**. Then create a workstation, machine, line, or work center that can execute it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a basic location">
    Add an initial location if you will consume components or record produced stock. You can separate receiving, production, and dispatch areas later.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recommended decisions

| Decision | Recommendation for the first walkthrough |
| - | - |
| Family | Use a simple family with one variant. |
| Finished item | Mark it as manufacturable and use a familiar unit. |
| Components | Create only the materials whose consumption you want to see. |
| Lots | Leave them out unless traceability is essential. |
| Resource | Use a workstation or work center with a name the shop floor recognizes. |
| Employee | Create a real or test operational person the team can identify. |

<Tip>
  If you are unsure how to model a variant, first create a simple item. Correct the pattern before entering many similar families.
</Tip>

## Detailed guides

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Group items into families" icon="package-open" href="/en/guides/catalog/group-items-into-families">
    Create the family that groups items and variants.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Register an item" icon="barcode" href="/en/guides/catalog/create-an-item">
    Create the item that you sell, manufacture, consume, or store.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Register an employee" icon="user-round" href="/en/guides/people/register-an-employee">
    Prepare the person who will record operational activity.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prepare work centers and machines" icon="settings-2" href="/en/guides/manufacturing/prepare-work-centers-and-machines">
    Define processes, workstations, and compatibility to execute operations.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Next step

Once the family, items, employee, and resource exist, configure a minimum recipe for the chosen product.

<Card title="Define a manufacturing process" icon="book-open" href="/en/guides/getting-started/define-a-manufacturing-process">
  Define the structure needed to create an executable MO.
</Card>


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