Supplier substitutions are normal. Duplicate inventory records do not have to be.
The goal is flexibility at the scanner without sacrificing one clear count.
The ingredient is the thing being counted
If a recipe uses strawberry powder, the count should answer how much usable strawberry powder is available. Splitting that answer across preferred and substitute brands makes ordering and recipe usage harder to trust.
The package still needs an identity
KitchenInvy keeps a preferred brand, approved alternates, and multiple removable barcode entries on one item. Scanning any approved package finds the same operational record.
Why duplicate prevention matters
A barcode should resolve to one item. KitchenInvy checks inventory-wide when a barcode is added and stops a duplicate immediately, with a clear warning that identifies the current item mapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do alternate brands create separate counts?
No. Approved alternate brands and their barcodes stay attached to the same inventory item and quantity.
What happens if a barcode already belongs to another item?
The barcode is rejected when it is added, and the user is told which item already owns it.
