# Configure Product Categories

_Administrator Guide › Configuration › PM settings_

![Configure Product Categories](https://atloriaassets.blob.core.windows.net/assets/a438221c-c1af-407c-b9e6-a56c986db846/cec45321047dc99081927fb1ffd233eb.png)
*Product Categories — Configurations › PMSettings › Product Categories*

## Overview

Use **Product Categories** to maintain the category structure used for products in the PM area. Administrators configure categories when setting up product classification for the company, including categories for storable products and other product types. Use this page when a new category is required or when existing category records must be reviewed.

## Before you start

You must be signed in before you can access the **Product Categories** page.

> **Note:** The Product Category entry form enforces four required fields. Provide values for all required fields when creating or updating a category.

## Steps

1. In the main navigation, select **Configurations**, then select **PMSettings**, and then select **Product Categories**.

2. Review the existing Product Category records. Use the displayed category information, including **Category Code**, to identify the category record that requires configuration.

3. To begin configuring a new Product Category record, select **New**.

4. Complete the required information in the new Product Category entry form. Ensure that entries comply with the format validation applied to four fields.

5. Return to the **Product Categories** list and verify that the category is available in the configured category records.

## Tips & cautions

> **Warning:** Where format validation is applied, use only the accepted special characters: underscore (`_`), hyphen (`-`), period (`.`), and ampersand (`&`).

> **Tip:** Review existing category records before adding a new one to help maintain a consistent category structure.

## Troubleshooting

- You cannot access **Product Categories** → You are not signed in → Sign in, then navigate through **Configurations > PMSettings > Product Categories**.

- A category entry does not pass validation → A required field is incomplete or a validated field uses an unsupported format → Complete all required fields and use the accepted special characters where needed.

- You need to add another category → The existing list does not contain the required category → Select **New** to begin a new Product Category entry.

## Result

The **Product Categories** workspace is available for maintaining Product Category configuration records.

## Related pages

- [Configure PM Statuses](doc:pmstatuses)
- [Configure Product Serial Combination](doc:product-serial-combination)
- **Configuration — Learning Path**
- [Configure 2 Factor Authentication](doc:2-factor-authentication-guide)
- [Configure Account Managers](doc:account-managers)
- [Configure Attachment Categories](doc:attachment-categories)
- [Configure Branches](doc:configuration-company-branchs-edit-record)
- [Configure Flags](doc:flags)
- [Configure Frequent Currencies](doc:frequent-currencies)
- [Configure Market Segments](doc:market-segments)
- [Configure Product Types](doc:product-types)
- [Configure Products](doc:products-guide)
- [Configure Custom Fields](doc:custom-fields-guide)
- [Configure Dashboard settings](doc:configuration-dashboard-settings-edit-record)
- [Configure Dynamic Validation](doc:dynamic-validation-guide)