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Overview

The Products & Inventory module in Fentu FSM provides comprehensive tools for managing everything related to physical items in your field service operation. This includes products you sell, parts you use for repairs, tools your technicians need, vehicles in your fleet, and the warehouses where everything is stored.
Effective inventory management is critical for field service success. Having the right parts available prevents return visits, improves first-time fix rates, and keeps customers happy.

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Module Components

Products

Sellable products and equipment you install for customers

Product Types

Categories and classifications for organizing products

Parts

Repair parts, components, and consumables used in service work

Checklists

Standardized inspection and maintenance checklists

Readout Templates

Templates for recording equipment readings and measurements

Warehouses

Storage locations for parts and inventory

Vehicles

Service vehicles and mobile inventory management

Tools

Equipment and tools used by technicians

Part Inventory

Stock levels and inventory tracking across locations

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Key Concepts

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Products vs Parts

Understanding the difference between products and parts is essential:
TypeDescriptionExample
ProductsComplete items sold or installed for customersHVAC unit, water heater, security system
PartsComponents used in repairs and maintenanceFilters, belts, circuit boards, seals

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Inventory Locations

Fentu tracks inventory across multiple location types:
  • Central Warehouses - Main storage facilities for bulk inventory
  • Branch Warehouses - Regional storage locations
  • Technician Vehicles - Mobile inventory assigned to service vehicles
  • Customer Sites - Consignment inventory at customer locations

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Stock Management

The system provides tools for:
  • Min/Max Levels - Automatic reorder alerts when stock falls below minimum
  • Stock Transfers - Moving parts between locations
  • Stock Adjustments - Correcting inventory counts after physical counts
  • Usage Tracking - Recording parts used on work orders

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Workflow Integration

Inventory integrates with other Fentu modules:
1

Work Order Creation

Parts are reserved or requested when creating work orders
2

Technician Assignment

System checks if assigned technician has required parts
3

Field Work

Technicians record parts used during service
4

Inventory Update

Stock levels automatically update after work completion
5

Reorder Alerts

System notifies when parts need replenishment

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Best Practices

Regular physical inventory counts ensure system accuracy. Discrepancies between system and actual counts lead to scheduling problems and customer disappointment.
Analyze usage patterns to set stock levels that prevent stockouts without tying up excessive capital in inventory.
For high-value or warranty-tracked items, maintain serial number records linking parts to specific installations.
Use logical bin locations and labeling to help technicians find parts quickly.
Regularly audit technician vehicle stock to ensure they have common parts available.

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Getting Started

If you’re new to inventory management in Fentu:
  1. Set Up Warehouses - Create your storage locations
  2. Import Products - Add your product catalog
  3. Import Parts - Add your parts inventory
  4. Configure Stock Levels - Set min/max for key items
  5. Assign to Vehicles - Stock technician vehicles with common parts
Start with your most commonly used parts and expand from there. It’s better to have accurate data for critical items than incomplete data for everything.

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Related Documentation

Material Requests

Requesting parts for work orders

Work Orders

Using parts on service work