> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.claruswms.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a Customer

> How to add new customer profiles with codes, names, addresses, and external references for streamlined order management.

## Overview

Customer profiles store the essential details used across orders and receipts. Once created, customer information automatically populates on associated documents.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the Customers menu">
    Go to the **Settings** menu and select **Customers**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a new customer entry">
    Click **New** to open the creation form.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in customer information">
    Provide the following:

    * **Code** -- a unique identifier for the customer
    * **Customer Name** -- the full name
    * **Shelf Life Min/Max** -- optional, no current functional effect
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add additional details">
    After saving, additional options appear:

    * **External References** -- link external identifiers for the customer
    * **Customer Address** -- enter the address (it will auto-populate on orders and receipts)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>Ensure the Code and Customer Name are accurate, as they are crucial for identifying the customer throughout the system.</Warning>

<Info>Adding a customer address ensures it automatically appears on all associated orders and receipts.</Info>

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What details are mandatory?">
    You must provide a unique **Code** and the **Customer Name**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is the Shelf Life Min/Max field important?">
    No. This field is currently optional and has no functional impact.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will the address appear on orders automatically?">
    Yes. Once added, the customer address populates on all associated orders and receipts.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>