Here we explain the different levels of categories that can be viewed in Avero, how they are determined (by POS or Avero), how they can be changed, and what to do if there is an issue.
Minor Categories
Minor categories are the most specific category level, after which only individual items are more specific. For example, you may have the Minor Category of 'Appetizers' in the Major Category of 'Food'. Minor categories only exist in some, not all POS Systems. If you select Minor Category to run a report in Avero and your POS does not supply Minor Categories, you will see the Major Categories repeated here.
Minor Categories are determined by your POS Configuration and cannot be changed by Avero.
Question: Why do I see my Minor Categories listed with numbers in parentheses, as CATEGORY (11111)?
This behavior occurs when you have multiple categories with the same name. We typically only display the name of a Category, but when multiple categories have the same name we provide the ID in the parenthetical to allow for differentiation. The hierarchy can be viewed most clearly in the Category Sales Report, when selecting Global Categories you'll see the Major and Minor categories and how they roll up to each other.
This is often seen in Toast POS as there is one level of Sales Category and many options for Menu Groups, which are Minor Categories in Avero.
- If your Major Category (In Toast this comes from you SALES CATEGORY) has multiple Minor Categories (in Toast this comes from your MENU GROUPS) you will see Menu Group Name (Sales Category ID)
- This means in Toast you have a SALES CATEGORY with multiple MENU GROUPS named the exact same
- You can update the quantity or names of your Menu Groups in Toast and see the change reflected in Avero
Major Categories
Major Categories are the broad or 'parent' categories for POS Systems that have two levels of Categories, such as Micros 3700. For POS Systems that only have one level of Categories, such as Aloha or Toast, they feed to the Major Category in Avero and this is the filter that should be used.
Major Categories are determined by you POS Configuration and cannot be changed by Avero.
Global Categories
Global Categories are added by Avero for easy roll-up reporting across a group or when a POS only delivers a single category level. Global Categories are limited to: Food, Beverage, Retail, Misc, Other.
If you are using a POS with only one level of Category, such as Aloha or Toast, this allows you to make specific categories in your POS (like 'Salads' and 'Entrees') and use Avero's Global Categories for high level revenue reports such as Beverage vs Food.
Global Categories are automatically applied by Avero and can be adjusted by Avero Support. If you see a category reporting to the wrong Global Category, open a ticket for Avero Support to adjust. Avero Support cannot edit Major or Minor Categories, these must be adjusted in your POS.
Custom Categories
Custom Categories are an Avero feature that allows you to create categories out of any individual items you want that may not be linked in the POS. This can be used for contests (putting together signature drinks, desserts, and add-ons like sides for a server sales contest) or for specialized reporting (only items coming from the 'Grill' station, only high-margin menu items).
To create custom categories, see our guide: Custom Category & Item Alias
Custom Categories are user-managed and not changed by Avero Support.