> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.servicem8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to prevent staff members from creating items
> Learn how to prevent staff members from creating items in ServiceM8.
Sometimes team members can't find what they're looking for, so they just create a new item. This results in duplication, clutter and inconsistent pricing.
If this is a problem for your business, you can now use Security Roles to restrict the ability to create new items in your database. You can do this with:
* A default security role; or
* A custom security role.
## How to prevent item creation (Default Security Role)
To use a default security role to prevent some of your team members from creating items in your Materials & Services database, go to Account > Settings > Staff > Edit, and set their Security Role to 'Default Staff Role (No material creation)'.
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](/images/009-642-481-Screenshot%25202025-09-18%2520at%25207.46.27%25E2%2580%25A.png)
## How to prevent item creation (Custom Security Role)
If you already use custom security roles, or you want certain staff members to have a greater level of access than the above default role (with the exception of being able to create items), then you can control item creation within a custom security role.
To create or edit a custom security role, go to Account > Settings > Security Roles.
When creating or editing a custom role, to prevent applicable team members from creating items in your Materials & Services database, go to the Items/Services tab, and disable 'Can add new items/services'.
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](/images/009-642-483-Screenshot%25202025-09-18%2520at%25208.03.39%25E2%2580%25A.png)