In this article, we explain how the Shared Catalog (Franchise-Driven Master Catalog) works, what it allows you to control, and how to configure it properly.

Note:
Shared Catalog settings can only be configured from the Parent / Corporate location.

The Shared Catalog feature allows one location (for example, Corporate or Warehouse) to act as the Primary Source of product information for other franchise locations.

This ensures:

• Consistent product data across locations
• Centralized control of pricing and cost
• Automatic updates when product details change
• Reduced manual catalog maintenance for franchisees

If you do not want to use a franchise-driven shared catalog, you can leave the Primary Source set to Franpos Master Catalog.

How to Enable Shared Catalog

1. Select a location to act as the Primary Source (e.g., Warehouse or Corporate).
2. Enable the toggle: Show this location as Shared Catalog

Once enabled, additional configuration options will appear.

Shared Catalog Settings Explained

Allow to Copy Items from Shared Catalog

Allows franchise locations to copy products from the shared catalog into their store catalog.

When Copying Item – Use Product Price / Product Price

Defines which price value will be applied when a store copies a product from the shared catalog.

When Copying Item – Use Product Cost / Vendor Cost

Defines which cost value will be applied when copying items from the shared catalog.

Copy Items for Existing Vendors Only

When enabled, items can only be copied if the receiving store already has the vendor created.

Show Products in Shared Catalog for Existing Vendors Only

Displays only products linked to vendors that already exist in the receiving store.

Automatic Update Options

These settings control whether changes made in the shared catalog automatically update connected items in franchise locations.

• Update Cost Automatically – Updates product cost in all connected stores when cost changes in the shared catalog
• Update Price Automatically – Updates price in all connected stores when price changes
• Update Vendor Automatically – Syncs vendor assignment changes
• Update Vendor Details Automatically – Syncs vendor contact and detail updates
• Update Product Brands Automatically – Syncs brand assignments
• Update Brand Details Automatically – Syncs brand information changes
• Update Sale Info Automatically – Syncs sale price, start date, and end date

Hide Save Button for Products Copied from Shared Catalog

When enabled, franchise locations cannot manually override shared catalog product settings. This ensures strict corporate control over product data.

Secondary Source

Select None if you want to disconnect your franchise locations from the Franpos Master Catalog.

Connecting Existing Items to Shared Catalog

Franchise stores can connect their existing products to the shared catalog in bulk.

Navigate to:
Batch Actions → Connect to Shared Catalog

Once connected:

• Franpos automatically links the local item to the shared catalog item
• Automatic update rules begin applying
• Price, cost, vendor, brand, and sale information sync according to configuration

How It Works Operationally

When an item is connected to the Shared Catalog:

• The Corporate location becomes the master source of truth
• Franchise stores inherit controlled product settings
• Automatic updates keep catalogs synchronized
• Manual discrepancies are minimized

This structure is especially useful in franchise models where corporate requires centralized control, while stores maintain operational independence.