> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.solutioo.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.solutioo.de/shopware/shopware6_en_us/master-data-management/item-categories.md).
# Item Categories
Item categories structure your product catalog and are synchronized between Business Central and Shopware.
### 1. Categories in Business Central
#### 1.1 Category structure
Business Central uses categories for structuring. The categories are displayed hierarchically. Enter "*Categories"* in the search field to reach the corresponding menu.
#### 1.2 Creating categories
Enter the term *"Item Categories"* in the Business Central search field to go directly to the corresponding menu. There, click *"+ New"* to create a new category. Then fill in the *"Code", "Description"* and (if required) *"Parent Category"* fields. Technically, specifying the *"Code"* is already sufficient; the other fields serve to provide better structure and clarity.
Code: Unique category code
Description: Category name for display
Parent Category: Parent category for the hierarchy
#### 1.3 Assigning a category
* Open the [*"Item Card"*](#upload-to-shopware) of the product you want to assign to a category.
* Under *"Item Category Code"*, select the category you want.
* How do I create a category? See the previous section: ["1.2 Creating categories"](#id-1.2-creating-categories)
Item Card menu item
### 2. Category synchronization
#### Initial download
During the initial download, all categories are imported from Shopware into Business Central:
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
The Shopware categories are retrieved.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Corresponding BC item categories are created.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
The Shopware ID is stored for the mapping / assignment.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
#### Upload to Shopware
New categories from BC can be uploaded to Shopware:
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Create a new [*"item category"*](#id-1.-categories-in-business-central) in BC.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
In the **Item Category Card** area, open: *"Actions"* :right: *"Shopware"* :right: *"Upload category"*
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
The category is created under the configured parent category.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% hint style="info" %}
The **parent category ID** in the inventory settings determines where new categories are created in Shopware.
{% endhint %}
### 3. Shopware extensions
The Item Category Card has been extended with the following fields:
Shopware ID:
Assigned Shopware category ID
Web Category:
Flags the category for Shopware
### 4. Category mapping / category assignment
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Automatic mapping" %}
After the initial download, categories are mapped/assigned automatically based on:
* **Shopware ID** (highest priority)
* **Category name** (if no ID is available)
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Manual mapping" %}
* Open the *"Item Category Card"*.
* Enter the *"Shopware ID"* manually.
* Save your changes.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
### 5. Tips for day-to-day use
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Category structure" %}
* Keep the hierarchy flat (max. 3-4 levels).
* Use meaningful names.
* Avoid special characters in codes.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Synchronization" %}
* Create categories in Shopware first.
* Use the initial download for the mapping.
* Check the category assignments regularly.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
### Frequently asked questions
#### Can an item be assigned to several Shopware categories?
Yes. The "SOUSHW Shopware Categories" field stores several categories separated by pipes (field length up to 2000 characters). During the upload, all stored categories are assigned to the product; use the drill-down to see the full category paths, and AssistEdit to open the category selection.
---
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