📋 Variation Management Guide for Tably
🔍 Overview
In Tably, variations (option sets) allow you to create customizable options for your products. For example, you might create a "Size" variation with options like "Small," "Medium," and "Large," or a "Toppings" variation with options like "Cheese," "Pepperoni," and "Mushrooms."
This guide will help you understand how to effectively manage variations in your Tably system, based on your specific implementation.
✅ Creating Effective Variations
Best Practices
# | Practice | Description |
---|---|---|
1️⃣ | Use Clear Names | Choose descriptive variation names that clearly communicate purpose (e.g., "Pizza Toppings" instead of just "Toppings") |
2️⃣ | Organize Options Logically | Arrange options in a logical order which is maintained by the sort_order field |
3️⃣ | Keep Option Lists Focused | Each variation should have a specific purpose with related options only |
4️⃣ | Be Specific | Use specific terminology to avoid confusion (e.g., "12oz Cup" instead of "Small") |
5️⃣ | Use Location Assignments | Assign variations to specific locations using the availabilities system |
Common Variation Types in Tably
Type | Examples |
---|---|
🔍 Sizes | Small, Medium, Large |
🌡️ Temperatures | Hot, Iced, Room Temperature |
🍓 Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry |
🧀 Add-ons | Extra Cheese, Bacon, Avocado |
🍳 Preparation Methods | Well-done, Medium, Rare |
⚙️ Customizations | No Ice, Extra Spicy, Light Sugar |
🧩 Managing Tably Variations
Key Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
🔄 Sorting | Click column headers to sort variations by ID, name, or status |
🔍 Filtering | Use the status filter to show only active or inactive variations |
🔎 Search | Quickly find variations by typing in the search box (searches name and description) |
📍 Location-Based | Variations are filtered by your selected location |
Variation Status
Status | Description |
---|---|
🟢 Active | The variation is available for use in products |
⚪ Inactive | The variation is hidden from selection when creating/editing products |
🔄 Drag-and-Drop Options
When creating or editing a variation in Tably, you can:
Action | How To | Result |
---|---|---|
↕️ Reorder | Use the drag handle (≡) | Changes display order for staff and customers (updates sort_order) |
➕ Add | Click the "Add Option" button | Creates a new option field |
🗑️ Remove | Click the trash icon | Deletes an unwanted option |
Note: Options will appear to customers in the same order you arrange them in the editor, maintained by the sort_order field in the database.
🚀 Advanced Features
Location-Based Variations
Tably's variation system is location-aware:
Feature | How It Works |
---|---|
📍 Location Assignment | Variations can be assigned to specific locations |
🔎 Filtered View | You'll only see variations relevant to your selected location |
🔄 Consistent Experience | Variations are consistent across all devices at the same location |
Variation Implementation Details
Database Entity | Purpose |
---|---|
option_sets |
Contains the main variation information (name, description, status) |
options |
Individual options within a variation set, with sort order |
entity_availability |
Connects variations to specific locations |
🔧 Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
Issue | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
🚫 Duplicate Options | System validates unique option names | Use unique names or add modifiers (e.g., "Small (8oz)") |
🔍 Variation Not Showing | Location assignment issue | • Verify the variation is assigned to your current location • Check active/inactive status |
🗑️ Cannot Delete | Variation in use | Remove from all products first |
🎯 Quick Solutions
If you need to... | Do this... |
---|---|
📝 Edit a Variation | 1. Click the Edit button 2. Make your changes 3. Click Update |
🔄 Reorder Options | Drag and drop using the handle (≡) |
❌ Remove an Option | Click the trash icon next to it |
🔍 Find a Variation | Use the search box to search by name or description |
💡 Need Help?
If you encounter any issues with the variation system:
- Check that you have the correct permissions (admin or specific variation permissions)
- Verify that your selected location is correct
- Contact system administrator if issues persist
Pro Tip: 🌟 Creating logical, well-organized variations improves both the staff experience and customer satisfaction!