Blackpurl supports having the same part number assigned to multiple vendors. This lets you purchase, track, and return parts across different vendors while keeping cost, retail price, and First In / First Out (FIFO) inventory information separate for each.
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When the same part number exists in Blackpurl with two different vendors, Blackpurl creates a separate Part Record for each. For example, part number ABC123 can appear twice in your parts list — once for each vendor — with its own cost, retail price, and FIFO tracking.
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When you search for a part number that has multiple Part Records under different vendors, Blackpurl displays all matching records and shows the vendor for each result. This applies across all search contexts in the system.
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A Global Part Search for a part number such as ABC123 lists every Part Record with that number, with the relevant vendor shown alongside each result. Search results also indicate the storage location of the part, for example "Part Shed."
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When searching for a part in the Parts & Accessories section of a Customer Order, the search results list all Part Records matching that part number and display the vendor for each one, so you can select the correct record for your intended supplier.
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Blackpurl automatically recognises when other Part Records in the system share an identical part number and groups them as Related Parts. This lets you switch to an alternative vendor's record from within a Customer Order line item.
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To view and select a related part:
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1. On a Customer Order, go to the Parts & Accessories section and search for the part you want to add. Select it to add it as a line item.
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2. Click the line item to select it, then click View related parts at the bottom of the line item.
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​3. The Related Part Selection window opens and lists all Part Records with the same part number, identifying each by its vendor relationship — for example, "Other Vendor."
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​4. Tick the checkbox next to the part you want to use, then click SELECT to swap to that record.
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Blackpurl allows you to place a Vendor Order (VO) for a part from a vendor other than the one listed on the Part Record — without needing to create a second Part Record. The original Part Record is not changed, and all stock movement continues to be recorded against it.
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For example, if a Part Record shows the vendor as "Buy Parts from Here" but you want to order the part from a different vendor such as "Jhon Smith," Blackpurl would normally prevent this because Jhon Smith is not the vendor on the Part Record. To work around this, use the Add From Another Vendor button on the VO.
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To order a part from a different vendor:
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1. Create a VO for the vendor you want to order from.
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​2. Click Add From Another Vendor. The cursor moves to the part search field.
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3. Search for the part you want to add to the VO and click to select it.
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​4. The part appears on the VO. Adjust the quantity and any other details as needed.
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Two things remain unchanged after this process:

Blackpurl also allows you to return parts to a vendor other than the one listed on the Part Record. For full details, see How to Create a Vendor Return for Parts and How to Report on Vendor Returns (no longer available).