---
title: Assigning units of measure and vendor references to products
description: Learn how to link units of measure (UOM) to products and create vendor references for alternative purchase units in Paragon.
---

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April 30, 2026

# Assigning units of measure and vendor references to products

## Learn how to link units of measure (UOM) to products and create vendor references for alternative purchase units in Paragon.

Before you can use alternative packaging units (like boxes or pallets) on your orders, you must define how these units relate to your products. Ensure you have already created your units and conversion tables in the system settings before following these steps.

### Setting the base unit of measure

The first step is to define the primary unit in which you manage and sell your product.

1. Navigate to the **product** module and open the desired item.
2. Locate the **unit of measure** field.
3. Select the base unit (e.g., **Piece** or **Each**). This represents the smallest unit of sale to your customer.

### Creating vendor references for alternative units

If you purchase an item in a different unit than you sell it (for example, you sell by the piece but buy by a box of 12), you must create a vendor reference.

1. Open the product and navigate to the **references** (Relatie) tab.
2. Click the **edit** button, then click **create**.
3. **Reference type:** Select **Vendor**.
4. **Reference ID:** Search for and select the specific supplier you purchase from in alternative units.
5. Click **next**.
6. Locate the **unit of measure** field in the reference details and select the purchase unit (e.g., **Box of 12**).
7. Click **finish** to confirm your entry, then click the **save** icon to finalize the record.

> **Tip:** You can create multiple references for the same supplier if you purchase from them in various units (e.g., both individual boxes and full pallets).

### Using units in transactions

Once these references are set up, Paragon uses the conversion tables to automatically calculate stock levels and pricing when these units are selected in:

- **Purchase orders:** To specify how many boxes or pallets you are ordering from a supplier.
- **Sales orders:** To handle bulk sales or specific customer packaging requirements.

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