Superseding Parts enhances ALERE by tracking superseding and superseded inventory items. Whenever an Item number is entered (in Sales, Purchases and Inventory) a browse list of all related superseded and superseding items and their QOH is displayed. This enhancement provides an easy way to use and not reorder superseded items for inventory. This enhancement also reduces lost sales by supplying the superseding item number at the time the Sales Order or Purchase Order is being created. 

Alternate Parts enhances ALERE by tracking alternate inventory items. This reduces lost sales if there is no inventory on hand for the ordered item, but an alternate item is available from inventory. Alternate items are usually found in inventory when duplicate brands are stocked. 

Use (Substitute) Items enhances ALERE to provide a simple technique for handling a situation where sales of multiple item numbers are satisfied by shipments of a "generic" inventory item. Example: A Mercedes, BMW, Ford and Buick may use the same front wheel inner ball bearing, but they each have their own item number and very different prices. The seller may prefer to stock "generic" ball bearings, but he wishes to sell the bearings under the vehicle manufacturer’s item number. When an order is entered or shipped for one of these bearings, the inventory level of the "generic" inventory is affected, but the invoice will show the vehicle manufacturer’s item number. In addition, the SO and Invoice show the price for vehicle manufacturer’s item number, but the cost is that of the "generic" item number.