The Alternate Supplier Add‑On allows a single part to be linked to multiple suppliers and supplier‑specific part numbers, while still maintaining one master part record in ORION.


This makes it easier to source parts from different suppliers without duplicating parts or splitting sales, purchasing, and stock history.

What this feature supports

With the Alternate Supplier Add‑On enabled, ORION supports:

  • Multiple suppliers per part, each with its own supplier part number and cost
  • A single master part used for selling, stock, and reporting
  • Searching by supplier part numbers as well as the master part number
  • Ordering the same part from different suppliers without creating duplicate parts
  • Selecting suppliers during Parts Ordering and Suggested Buy
  • Centralised supplier setup that applies across all parts departments

Important warning before enabling

The Alternate Supplier Add‑On replaces the existing Alternate Parts feature.


Once activated:

  • The Alternate Parts feature is permanently disabled
  • All previously mapped Alternate Parts are removed
  • This change cannot be reversed
  • If the add‑on is later removed, the old Alternate Parts mappings are not restored

Only enable this add‑on if you fully understand and accept this impact.

When to use the Alternate Supplier Add‑On

This add‑on is best suited when:

  • You want to keep a single master part number for selling and reporting
  • You order the same part from multiple suppliers (for example OEM and aftermarket)
  • You do not want supplier‑specific part numbers shown on invoices
  • Consolidated sales and purchase history is more important than supplier‑level stock tracking
  • You are comfortable managing mixed supplier stock under one master part

When not to use the Alternate Supplier Add‑On

This add‑on may not be suitable if:

  • You require strict separation between OEM and aftermarket parts
  • You need to track warranty, cost, or stock per supplier part
  • You want supplier part numbers visible to customers
  • You rely on highly accurate cost tracking per supplier
  • You perform frequent or detailed stocktakes

In these cases, creating separate part records may be a better option.

Activation

  • Add‑on required: AddOn#145 – Alternate Supplier Add‑On
  • Activation is completed by the Orion team

Activating this add‑on:

  • Disables the Alternate Parts feature
  • Enables multiple suppliers per part

Contact your Orion Account Manager to request activation.

How searching works with Alternate Suppliers

When the Alternate Supplier Add‑On is active:

  • Search Anywhere includes:
    • Master part numbers
    • Supplier‑specific part numbers
  • If a typed part number is not found as a master part:
    • ORION attempts to find an exact match against supplier part numbers

This behaviour applies when:

  • Posting parts to a workshop job
  • Ordering parts
  • Selling parts

Setting up Alternate Suppliers on a part

Alternate Suppliers are managed per part from the Parts module.

Pre‑requisites

Before you begin:

  • The Alternate Supplier Add‑On is active
  • The Alternate Parts feature is disabled
  • Suppliers already exist in ORION
  • You have access to Parts / Stock Maintenance

How to add an Alternate Supplier

  • Go to Parts → Stock Listing
  • Open the required part
  • Select the Suppliers tab
  • Click Insert
  • Select the supplier
  • Enter:
    • Supplier Part Number
    • Cost
  • Save the record

Multiple Alternate Suppliers can be added per part.

{Screenshot placeholder: Suppliers tab with Insert option}

Setting supplier priority

  • Use the Up / Down controls to order suppliers
  • The supplier at the top of the list is treated as the Primary Supplier

Important behaviour:

  • ORION always defaults to the Primary Supplier
  • Only one supplier is used per order line

Adding parts to a job

When adding parts to a workshop job:

  • Parts are always added using the Primary Supplier
  • The master part number is used on the job
  • Supplier selection happens later, during the ordering process

Even if Alternate Suppliers are configured, jobs always reference the master part.

Ordering parts using Alternate Suppliers

Ordering from configured suppliers (for example Ezyparts or Repco)

If a supplier is configured as an Alternate Supplier for the part:

  • Searching using the supplier’s part number will locate the master part
  • ORION automatically:
    • Switches the order to the selected supplier
    • Uses the supplier‑specific part number on the order

This allows staff to order using familiar supplier catalogue numbers without creating duplicate parts.

Ordering from non‑configured suppliers

If the supplier is not configured as an Alternate Supplier:

  • ORION uses the master part number
  • No supplier part number substitution occurs
  • The order is placed exactly as entered

Using Alternate Suppliers with Suggested Buy

Suggested Buy supports parts with Alternate Suppliers configured.

How it works

  • Suggested Buy defaults to the Primary Supplier
  • Users can:
    • Open a Suggested Buy line
    • Go to the Suppliers tab
    • Select an Alternate Supplier

When an Alternate Supplier is selected:

  • The order is sent to that supplier
  • The supplier‑specific part number is used

Only suppliers configured as Alternate Suppliers can be selected.

Key behaviour summary

  • One master part is always used for selling and reporting
  • Multiple suppliers can be configured per part
  • Supplier part numbers are searchable
  • Supplier selection occurs during ordering, not when adding parts to jobs
  • Only one supplier is used per order line
  • Suggested Buy respects Alternate Supplier configuration

Summary

The Alternate Supplier Add‑On provides flexibility when sourcing parts from multiple suppliers while maintaining a single master part record in ORION. It reduces duplicate parts and simplifies searching and ordering, but requires careful consideration due to its impact on stock tracking, costing, and warranty workflows.