> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://prohelp.assetpanda.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://prohelp.assetpanda.com/settings/account-management/collections/categories.md).
# Categories
The **Categories** collection enables you to group related records based on specific criteria, such as the type of asset. For example, you can create categories for cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. You can also customize the data captured for each category. For example, the data you collect for a mobile phone (such as the phone number) would differ greatly from the data you collect for a laptop. You can also require specific fields to have values for some categories, but remain optional for others.
When adding new categories, users can select existing category fields or add new ones, ensuring each category record contains relevant information.
Two types of categories can be configured:
* Serialized categories represent assets that are tracked individually, such as cameras.
* Consumables reflect items that are tracked as a group, without individual asset tagging or tracking, such as HDMI cables. With consumable assets, you track the quantity of item on hand and the minimum quantity required for the asset. You can also transfer assets in the category between locations.
## Add a category
1. Perform one of the following steps to display the module pane:
* In the navigation pane, click the **Account Switcher** 
and then select the appropriate account and module.
* Click :house: to display the module pane.
2. Under **Collections**, select **Categories**.
3. Click **Add**. The **Add new category** pane is displayed.
4. Enter the **Category name**.
5. Select an option to specify whether the category represents a **Serialized asset** or **Consumable**.
6. For consumable categories, specify the following values:
* **Quantity on hand**: Enter the number of assets you have.
* **Minimum Quantity**: Enter the minimum number of assets to maintain. Notifications can be displayed when the quantity falls below the minimum quantity.
Consumable categories are listed with the  icon.
7. To add fields to associate with the category.
1. Select **Add new field**.
2. Enter the **Field name**.
3. Select the **Data type** for the field.
4. If the field requires unique data, select **Set as unique field**.
5. To display explanatory text for the field, select **Add helper** text and then enter the **Helper text**.
6. Click **Save**.
7. Repeat steps a-f for each field.
8. For each category field, select whether to **Include** the field or whether the field is **Required** when adding assets to the category.
9. Click **Save.** The category is displayed in the **Categories** list.
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## Add a category field
As new fields are required, you can add them and then specify the categories for which the field applies.
1. Perform one of the following steps to display the module pane:
* In the navigation pane, click the **Account Switcher** and then select the appropriate account and module.
* Click :house: to display the module pane.
2. Select **Categories.**
3. Perform one of the following tasks:
* Hover over a column heading, select , and then select **Add field to left** or **Add field to right**.
* After the last column in the page, select 
.
The **New field** pane is displayed.
4. Enter the **Field name**.
5. Select the appropriate **Data type**. See [Field Types](/settings/account-management/fields.md).
6. To require unique values for the field, select **Set as unique field**.
7. Click **Save**. The field is displayed in the Categories list.
8. Associate the new field with categories:
1. Select the category to associate with the field. The category's details are displayed.
2. In the field list, select select whether to **Include** the field or whether the field is **Required** when adding assets to the category.
3. Click **Save**.
4. Repeat steps a-c for each category that needs the new field.
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