This article is for users who are new to Launchmetrics' Samples, and who need a general overview of the app and how to get going.

1.0 | Purchase Hardware

Sample labels are an integral part of the Samples app and is key in ensuring accurate tracking of your inventory. Before diving into the Samples app, ensure that you have ordered the right hardware for your sample tracking needs. The exact hardware you will need to purchase will depend on how you and your Launchmetrics Implementation Specialist or Customer Success Manager have defined your setup.

My Supplies Overview ➝

This article outlines the hardware needed for traditional barcode printing and scanning. Purchase links can be found at the bottom of the article

RFID Printing Supplies ➝

This article outlines the hardware needed for RFID printing and scanning

1.1 | Hardware Setup

Once your hardware has arrived, you'll need to install it onto your computer and configure your site to print to it.

Printer Setup Overview ➝
This article outlines all of the steps required to install and connect your printer to your Samples app. Note that you may need your company's IT for help along the way.

You can choose to customize what fields are printed on your barcode label. Speak to your Customer Success Manager or Support Specialist for more information.

RFID Printer Setup ➝

This article outlines the steps to install your RFID Printer

Samples Mobile app ➝

This article outlines where to find the mobile app and what features are available on it.

2.0 | Site Configuration

This step may require the help of your Implementation Specialist or Customer Success Manager. 

Below outlines the types of things you may need or want to configure before getting started.

2.1 | Departments

A department is defined as a particular grouping of inventory samples. Typically this is defined at the team level. Some examples of departments are as follows:

• By Location: New York Showroom, Paris Showroom, Tokyo Showroom, etc
• By Product Team: Womenswear, Menswear, Leathergoods, etc
• By Department: Sample Library, Merchandising, PR, Marketing, etc

There are additional configuration options that are available to set at the Department level. 

2.2 | User roles & privileges

Users can be assigned to a single User Role. A User Role controls the permissions that user have.  The Samples app comes with a default set of User Roles but they can be fully customized.

A User Role can be assigned to an Account Type. An Account Type controls the navigation configuration for those User Roles. 

 Learn more about User Privileges, Roles & Account Types ➝ 

2.3 | Sample Data Fields

You may want to customize the Sample data fields that are available in your Samples app. 

Find the Sample Field Manager within your username dropdown menu. 

You must have the right user privileges in order to see this option.

Here you can alias your fields, define which fields are Locked List, Required for Inventory, Required for Master List, you can also add custom fields.

2.4 | Sample Scannable Fields

Additionally, there are 4 optional custom scannable fields that can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the Launchmetrics Barcode when scanning. These must be enabled by you Launchmetrics Customer Success manager.

• External SKU
• Custom Barcode
• External Serial
• External RFID
  
  

Learn more about scannable fields →

2.5 | Master List

Think of the Master List as your product catalogue. The Master List is department agnostic and requires a single unique identifier. The default unique identifier is SKU, but you can choose whatever code you prefer. 

Master List can only be enabled by your Launchmetrics Admin.

Additionally, you can choose to enable Master List Cascade effect which would push any updates from the Master List to live inventory. You can precise which fields you want to cascade.

2.6 | Sample Prices

You have the option to enable currencies at the site & department level. 

Learn more about Sample Prices & Currencies ➝

3.0 Importing Samples

Launchmetrics offers several ways to import samples. Each import method have their own level of flexibility

Learn how to manually create samples  ➝

This method should only be used for ad hoc sample creation. Master List Samples cannot be created this way. 

Learn how to use Excel Import ➝ 

The most common way to import by downloading a blank template and then re-importing it.

Learn about importing via FTP integration  ➝ 

FTP importing supports the mapping of columns to fields, field defaults and formulas.

API integration

Requires developer resources to build custom connectors. Speak to your Customer Success Manager for more information.

3.1 Verifying Sample Inventory

Imported inventory aka "Unverified Samples" represents samples that are not yet in your physical possession but that you expect to receive. This can be in the form of a purchase order or a delivery from your supplier.

Note that you can begin using unverified inventory in Requests and Reservations

Depending on your original import method you may be required to pass through this step.

Learn how to verify imported inventory via Sample Manager  ➝

Learn how to verify imported inventory via the Samples Mobile app  ➝

Verify Inventory using the Scan to Verify page — This page must be enabled by your CSM and allows you to scan the barcode in order to verify into inventory. Once enabled, you should find it in the main navigation under Import > Scan to Verify

3.2 Copy from Master List

Utilize your Master List when you need to create new inventory. There are 2 ways to copy from Master List

Sample Manager

Under Sample Status, choose Master List.Queue the samples you wish to copy into inventory. In the Queue options dropdown, click Copy to Inventory, define the quantity.

FTP integration

You can create a mapping using the processing engine called Create Inventory from Master List

4.0 Managing Looks

If you use looks in your workflow, you can define what looks belong to your samples.

Learn how to create new Looks ➝

Learn how to plan your Requests using the Look Calendar ➝

5.0 Create a Send Out

Send Outs actually perform several functions but at the most basic level they allow you to create sample deliveries from one place to another.

Learn how to create Send Outs ➝

Learn more about Delivery Memos here ➝

5.1 Create a Request

You may choose to start your workflow at the request level. Using Requests could serve several functions. 

• You can use it to track what samples were requested (vs what samples were actually sent).
• You can use it as a layer between the team that is requesting the sample (for either internal or external use) vs the team who are responsible for fulfilling it such as Warehouse or Showroom
  
  

Learn how to create a request here ➝

Learn more about how to use Request Manager here ➝ 

Learn about how to convert a Request to a Send Out here ➝

5.2 Returning/Receiving Samples

When processing returned or received samples from another department, scan the sample barcode or delivery document barcode to confirm samples.

Learn more about returning samples here ➝

5.3 Checking Overdue Samples

Part of the Sample Management job is chasing borrowers to ensure they are back in time for the next shipment. 

Learn more about managing Overdue Deliveries ➝

6.0 Reporting

Understanding your sample usage can provide powerful insights into your Sample usage to help you be more efficient and effective in your work.

Learn more about the Sample Performance Report ➝

This report provides aggregated data about sample usage

Learn more about the Send Out Report ➝

This report provides a detail of every sample sent out

Other optional features

Sample Physical Location tracking ➝

Inventory Audits ➝