This guide explains how to use the Linked Products feature in Template Manage:
/wp-admin/admin.php?page=psfw-template-manage&template_id={ID}
The Linked Product feature controls which active template can be triggered by a WooCommerce order and how project creation behaves when matched product quantity is greater than 1.
What the Linked Products Feature Is #
Inside Template Manage, the Linked Product section lets you:
- choose the WooCommerce product that activates the template
- define multiple-quantity behavior
- detect conflicts when the same product is already linked to another active template
This is a core automation control for order-to-project creation.
In practical terms: a WooCommerce order creates project(s) only when it matches a product mapping on an active template.
Core Features and Benefits #
1) Product-to-Template Trigger Mapping #
Feature:
- select a single WooCommerce product so orders containing that product can trigger this active template
Benefit:
- ensures the right workflow blueprint runs automatically for the right purchased service
2) Search-Driven Product Selector #
Feature:
- AJAX product search field for fast product lookup
Benefit:
- scales better for larger catalogs and reduces selection mistakes
3) Active-Template Conflict Detection #
Feature:
- warns when the selected product is already linked to another active template
Benefit:
- prevents ambiguous automation and protects order-routing consistency
4) Quantity Logic Modes #
Feature:
- configurable behavior for quantity > 1 orders:
- Create multiple projects
- One project with repeated onboarding forms
Benefit:
- aligns project creation behavior with your delivery model and staffing reality
5) Save-Time Validation #
Feature:
- validation prevents invalid active-template product overlap
Benefit:
- catches mapping risks early before they affect live orders
6) Product Quick-Access Link #
Feature:
- direct link to view/edit selected product in WooCommerce
Benefit:
- speeds troubleshooting when mapping or product setup needs adjustment
How and When to Use Each Feature #
Use Product Mapping When #
- each service SKU should trigger a predictable project blueprint from orders
- you want minimal manual intervention after checkout
Use “Create multiple projects” When #
- each purchased unit should run as a separate project
- your team executes quantity-based work independently
- reporting/billing benefits from separate project records
Use “One project with repeated onboarding forms” When #
- quantity should stay grouped into one project
- work is coordinated as a single engagement
- you still need repeated onboarding collection behavior
Revisit Mapping When #
- product catalog changes
- service packages are renamed/split/merged
- automation outcomes no longer match fulfillment expectations
Step-by-Step: Configuring Linked Products Correctly #
Step 1: Open Template Manage #
Go to:
/wp-admin/admin.php?page=psfw-template-manage&template_id={ID}
Find the Linked Product card.
Step 2: Select the Correct WooCommerce Product #
Use product search and select the exact SKU/product that should trigger this template when orders are processed.
Confirm the product context before saving.
Step 3: Check for Conflict Warnings #
If a warning appears that the product is already linked to another active template:
- move the conflicting template to Draft, or
- remove product mapping from that template
Then continue with the intended mapping.
Step 4: Choose Quantity Logic #
Set quantity behavior based on delivery model:
- choose Create multiple projects for per-unit project creation
- choose One project with repeated onboarding forms for grouped delivery
Step 5: Save and Validate with a Test Order #
After saving:
- place a controlled test order
- ensure the template is set to Active
- confirm the expected number of projects created
- confirm onboarding behavior matches the selected quantity mode
Practical Decision Patterns #
Pattern A: Unit-Based Services #
- map one product to one template
- use Create multiple projects
- validate team capacity for quantity spikes
Best for repeatable per-item fulfillment.
Pattern B: Bundle/Engagement Services #
- map one package product to one template
- use One project with repeated onboarding forms
- keep delivery centralized in one project context
Best for coordinated, multi-part engagements.
Pattern C: Catalog Refactor Safety #
- review mappings after product changes
- resolve active-template conflicts immediately
- run checkout-to-project smoke tests
Best for preventing post-release automation drift.
Best Practices #
- keep one active template mapping per trigger product
- document intended quantity logic for each mapped product
- re-test mapping whenever product or template status changes
- include mapping checks in release checklists
- monitor first few orders after major catalog updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid #
- linking the same product across multiple active templates
- choosing quantity logic without considering fulfillment model
- assuming old product mappings are still valid after catalog edits
- skipping test orders after mapping changes
- treating warnings as optional instead of blocking signals
Summary #
The Linked Products feature is the routing layer between checkout and project execution.
When configured with the right quantity logic, it improves automation reliability, reduces manual correction work, and keeps service delivery aligned with how products are sold.
Most importantly, project creation is triggered by WooCommerce orders only when a matching template is active.
