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

# Products & Inventory Overview

> Managing products, parts, and inventory in Fentu FSM

## 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.

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## Module Components

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Products" icon="box" href="/inventory/products">
    Sellable products and equipment you install for customers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Product Types" icon="tags" href="/inventory/product-types">
    Categories and classifications for organizing products
  </Card>

  <Card title="Parts" icon="cogs" href="/inventory/parts">
    Repair parts, components, and consumables used in service work
  </Card>

  <Card title="Checklists" icon="list-check" href="/inventory/checklists">
    Standardized inspection and maintenance checklists
  </Card>

  <Card title="Readout Templates" icon="clipboard-list" href="/inventory/readout-templates">
    Templates for recording equipment readings and measurements
  </Card>

  <Card title="Warehouses" icon="warehouse" href="/inventory/warehouses">
    Storage locations for parts and inventory
  </Card>

  <Card title="Vehicles" icon="truck" href="/inventory/vehicles">
    Service vehicles and mobile inventory management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tools" icon="wrench" href="/inventory/tools">
    Equipment and tools used by technicians
  </Card>

  <Card title="Part Inventory" icon="boxes-stacked" href="/inventory/part-inventory">
    Stock levels and inventory tracking across locations
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Key Concepts

### Products vs Parts

Understanding the difference between products and parts is essential:

| Type         | Description                                    | Example                                     |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Products** | Complete items sold or installed for customers | Machine unit, water heater, security system |
| **Parts**    | Components used in repairs and maintenance     | Filters, belts, circuit boards, seals       |

### 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

### 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

***

## Workflow Integration

Inventory integrates with other Fentu modules:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Work Order Creation">
    Parts are reserved or requested when creating work orders
  </Step>

  <Step title="Technician Assignment">
    System checks if assigned technician has required parts
  </Step>

  <Step title="Field Work">
    Technicians record parts used during service
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inventory Update">
    Stock levels automatically update after work completion
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reorder Alerts">
    System notifies when parts need replenishment
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Maintain Accurate Counts" icon="calculator">
    Regular physical inventory counts ensure system accuracy. Discrepancies between system and actual counts lead to scheduling problems and customer disappointment.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set Appropriate Min/Max Levels" icon="chart-line">
    Analyze usage patterns to set stock levels that prevent stockouts without tying up excessive capital in inventory.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Track Serial Numbers" icon="barcode">
    For high-value or warranty-tracked items, maintain serial number records linking parts to specific installations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Organize Warehouse Locations" icon="location-dot">
    Use logical bin locations and labeling to help technicians find parts quickly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Monitor Vehicle Inventory" icon="truck">
    Regularly audit technician vehicle stock to ensure they have common parts available.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## 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

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

***

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Material Requests" icon="clipboard-list" href="/work-orders/material-requests">
    Requesting parts for work orders
  </Card>

  <Card title="Work Orders" icon="clipboard" href="/work-orders/work-orders">
    Using parts on service work
  </Card>
</CardGroup>