Reusing Stock Item Codes that were previously used and then deleted

Reusing Stock Item Codes that were previously used and then deleted

- info provided by Jason

Issue:
If a Stock Item code is used, and then that Stock Item is discontinued and then deleted, if you try to create a new Stock Item and reuse that same code, the message Code cannot be used as it belongs to a Deleted Item displays.

Explanation:
Codes from deleted items can't be re-used, because it could interfere with historical reports. We need the stock item's information in the database, even if it is deleted, because a sales report for a period when it wasn't deleted might contain sales of that item, and we need its details to display.

This is why we recommend discontinuing items only. In practice, the difference between a discontinued item and a deleted item is minimal in terms of database footprint, but you can un-tick discontinue on the item if you wish to use it again.

If you are 100% sure you want to use the same code again, you can use the clear data utility to remove the deleted stock item from the database. This will cause any reports or journal entries that contained this item to show Deleted Item in its place.

Note: Clear Data will not be able to delete Indirect Items.