> ## 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.

# Vehicles

> Managing service vehicles and fleet operations

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/fentu/C3pzkSBx7BqIrzJP/images/fentu-fsm/inventory/vehicles-list.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=C3pzkSBx7BqIrzJP&q=85&s=5713350152957baaf9f6dbd2d71d9afe" alt="Vehicles List View" width="1280" height="720" data-path="images/fentu-fsm/inventory/vehicles-list.png" />

## Overview

The Vehicles module manages your fleet of service vehicles. Each vehicle can be assigned to technicians, tracked for maintenance, and configured as a mobile warehouse for parts inventory.

<Note>
  Service vehicles are critical assets. Proper tracking ensures technicians have reliable transportation and mobile parts inventory to complete jobs efficiently.
</Note>

## When to Use Vehicles

Manage vehicles for:

* **Fleet Tracking** - Maintaining records of all service vehicles
* **Technician Assignment** - Assigning vehicles to technicians
* **Mobile Inventory** - Tracking parts stored in vehicles
* **Maintenance Scheduling** - Planning vehicle service and inspections
* **Cost Tracking** - Monitoring vehicle-related expenses

<Tip>
  Each vehicle that carries parts inventory should be set up as both a vehicle record and a warehouse. This enables complete tracking of mobile inventory.
</Tip>

***

## Vehicle Information

Each vehicle record includes:

| Field                   | Description                            |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Vehicle Name**        | Descriptive name for the vehicle       |
| **License Plate**       | Registration/license plate number      |
| **VIN**                 | Vehicle identification number          |
| **Make/Model**          | Vehicle manufacturer and model         |
| **Year**                | Model year                             |
| **Type**                | Vehicle type (Van, Truck, Car, etc.)   |
| **Assigned Technician** | Technician currently using the vehicle |
| **Branch**              | Service branch the vehicle belongs to  |
| **Status**              | Active, Inactive, In Maintenance       |

### Vehicle Types

| Type          | Description               | Typical Use                       |
| ------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Van**       | Cargo van                 | Standard service calls with parts |
| **Truck**     | Service truck             | Heavy equipment, installations    |
| **Car**       | Passenger vehicle         | Inspections, estimates            |
| **Specialty** | Bucket truck, crane, etc. | Specialized equipment work        |

***

## Creating Vehicle Records

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Vehicles">
    Go to Products & Inventory > Vehicles
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Create">
    Start a new vehicle record
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Vehicle Details">
    Provide make, model, year, and identification
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to Branch">
    Link vehicle to service branch
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign Technician">
    Assign to technician if applicable
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Associated Warehouse">
    Set up warehouse for mobile inventory (optional)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Vehicle">
    Save the vehicle record
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Setting Up Mobile Inventory

To track parts in vehicles:

1. Create the vehicle record
2. Create a warehouse with type "Vehicle"
3. Link warehouse to vehicle
4. Configure par levels for common parts
5. Stock initial inventory

<Info>
  When a technician uses parts from their vehicle, inventory automatically deducts from the vehicle warehouse if properly configured.
</Info>

***

## Vehicle Assignment

### Assigning Vehicles to Technicians

| Assignment Type | Description                                                |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Permanent**   | Vehicle assigned to one technician full-time               |
| **Shared**      | Multiple technicians share the vehicle                     |
| **Pool**        | Vehicle available for anyone to use as needed              |
| **Temporary**   | Short-term assignment while regular vehicle is unavailable |

### Managing Assignments

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Vehicle">
    Choose vehicle to assign
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Technician">
    Choose technician from list
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Assignment Dates">
    Specify start and end dates (if temporary)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Transfer Inventory">
    Move any mobile inventory if needed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Assignment">
    Save the assignment
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  When reassigning vehicles, ensure mobile inventory is properly transferred or reconciled. Parts should move with the vehicle unless otherwise specified.
</Warning>

***

## Vehicle Maintenance

### Tracking Maintenance

Keep vehicles in service with:

* **Scheduled Maintenance** - Oil changes, inspections, tire rotations
* **Repair Records** - Documentation of repairs performed
* **Mileage Tracking** - Odometer readings for maintenance triggers
* **Inspection Records** - Safety and regulatory inspections

### Maintenance Statuses

| Status             | Description                | Actions                  |
| ------------------ | -------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| **Active**         | Vehicle in regular service | Available for assignment |
| **In Maintenance** | Currently being serviced   | Not available for use    |
| **Out of Service** | Not usable due to issues   | Needs repair             |
| **Retired**        | No longer in fleet         | Archive only             |

***

## Fleet Management

### Fleet Reporting

Monitor fleet performance:

* **Utilization** - How often vehicles are in use
* **Maintenance Costs** - Spending on repairs and service
* **Fuel Costs** - Fuel consumption tracking
* **Mileage** - Distance traveled by vehicle/technician
* **Age Analysis** - Fleet age and replacement planning

### Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Regular Inspections" icon="clipboard-check">
    Require technicians to perform daily pre-trip inspections. Document any issues immediately.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Preventive Maintenance" icon="calendar">
    Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules. Preventive maintenance prevents costly breakdowns.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clean Vehicles" icon="sparkles">
    Maintain clean, professional vehicles. They represent your company to customers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Track Everything" icon="chart-line">
    Record all maintenance, repairs, and costs. This data helps with replacement decisions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Safety First" icon="shield">
    Never skip safety-related maintenance. Vehicle safety affects employees and the public.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Plan Replacements" icon="calendar-alt">
    Budget for vehicle replacements based on age, mileage, and condition data.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can one vehicle be assigned to multiple technicians?" icon="question">
    Yes, for shared or pool vehicles. The current user can be updated as assignments change. Track who had the vehicle when for accountability.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I handle vehicle breakdowns?" icon="question">
    Change status to "Out of Service" and document the issue. Reassign the technician to another vehicle or temporarily suspend their schedule.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I track GPS locations?" icon="question">
    Fentu can integrate with GPS/telematics systems. Vehicle location data can be imported for dispatch optimization and customer notifications.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to inventory when a vehicle is retired?" icon="question">
    Transfer all inventory to another location before retiring the vehicle. The system prevents retirement with inventory remaining.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I manage leased vehicles?" icon="question">
    Manage leased vehicles the same as owned vehicles. You can add custom fields for lease information like lease end date and payment details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can technicians update their own vehicle records?" icon="question">
    Permissions control what technicians can update. Typically they can record mileage and report issues, but not change assignments.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Warehouses" icon="warehouse" href="/inventory/warehouses">
    Storage locations including vehicles
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technicians" icon="user-gear" href="/workforce/technicians/technician-management">
    Technician management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tools" icon="wrench" href="/inventory/tools">
    Tool tracking and assignment
  </Card>

  <Card title="Part Inventory" icon="boxes-stacked" href="/inventory/part-inventory">
    Mobile inventory management
  </Card>
</CardGroup>