Overview
Warehouses in Fentu FSM represent physical locations where parts, products, and supplies are stored. This includes central distribution centers, branch locations, and even technician vehicles that carry mobile inventory.Properly configured warehouses enable accurate inventory tracking across all locations, ensuring technicians have the parts they need when they need them.
When to Use Warehouses
Configure warehouses for:- Central Storage - Main distribution centers holding bulk inventory
- Branch Locations - Regional warehouses serving specific areas
- Technician Vehicles - Mobile inventory assigned to service vehicles
- Consignment Locations - Inventory stored at customer sites
- Third-Party Locations - Supplier-managed inventory
Warehouse Information
Each warehouse record includes:| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Name | Descriptive name for the location |
| Code | Short unique identifier |
| Type | Classification (Central, Branch, Vehicle, etc.) |
| Address | Physical location address |
| Contact | Primary contact person |
| Phone | Contact phone number |
| Branch | Associated service branch |
| Status | Active or inactive |
Warehouse Types
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Main distribution facility | Primary inventory storage |
| Branch | Regional storage location | Local parts access |
| Vehicle | Technician truck/van | Mobile field inventory |
| Consignment | Customer site storage | On-site parts for specific customer |
| Virtual | Non-physical location | In-transit or reserved inventory |
Creating Warehouses
Setting Up Vehicle Warehouses
For technician vehicles:- Create warehouse with type “Vehicle”
- Assign to specific technician
- Set default replenishment source
- Configure par levels for common parts
- Enable mobile inventory features
Managing Warehouse Inventory
Stock Transfers
Move inventory between warehouses:Stock Adjustments
Correct inventory discrepancies:| Adjustment Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Count Adjustment | After physical inventory count |
| Damage Write-off | Parts damaged and unusable |
| Theft/Loss | Inventory missing or stolen |
| Found Inventory | Parts located that weren’t in system |
Replenishment
Automatic reorder suggestions based on:- Min/Max Levels - Reorder when stock falls below minimum
- Par Levels - Target stock level for location
- Lead Time - Time to receive from supplier
- Usage History - Historical consumption patterns
Configure min/max levels for each warehouse-part combination to ensure adequate stock without over-ordering.
Warehouse Operations
Receiving Inventory
When parts arrive:- Verify shipment against purchase order
- Inspect for damage or defects
- Enter received quantities
- Put away to appropriate bin locations
- Update system inventory
Picking and Shipping
When parts are needed:- Generate pick list from orders
- Locate items in warehouse
- Pick and verify quantities
- Pack for shipment or hand off
- Confirm shipment in system
Cycle Counting
Regular inventory verification:- Full Count - Complete inventory of all items
- Cycle Count - Rotating count of specific items/areas
- ABC Analysis - Focus on high-value items
Best Practices
Logical Organization
Logical Organization
Organize warehouse layout logically with clear bin locations. This speeds up picking and reduces errors.
Regular Counts
Regular Counts
Perform regular cycle counts to maintain accuracy. Don’t wait for annual inventory to find discrepancies.
FIFO Management
FIFO Management
Use First In, First Out for parts with shelf life or date codes to prevent obsolescence.
Security Controls
Security Controls
Limit warehouse access to authorized personnel. Track who accesses inventory and when.
Vehicle Audits
Vehicle Audits
Periodically audit technician vehicle inventory. Field stock is often the hardest to track accurately.
Clear Labeling
Clear Labeling
Label all bin locations and parts clearly. Good labeling prevents picking errors and speeds up work.
Common Questions
Can a technician access inventory from multiple warehouses?
Can a technician access inventory from multiple warehouses?
Yes, technicians can be given access to their vehicle warehouse plus branch warehouses for pickup. Permissions control which warehouses each user can access.
How do I track parts in transit?
How do I track parts in transit?
Use a virtual warehouse or transfer status to track parts being moved between locations. The parts show as “in transit” until received.
What happens when a warehouse is deactivated?
What happens when a warehouse is deactivated?
Inventory must be transferred out before deactivating. The system prevents deactivation while inventory remains assigned to the location.
Can I have multiple addresses for one warehouse?
Can I have multiple addresses for one warehouse?
If a warehouse has multiple physical areas (buildings, rooms), create each as a separate warehouse for accurate tracking.
How are vehicle inventories replenished?
How are vehicle inventories replenished?
Configure automatic replenishment from a source warehouse. When vehicle stock falls below par levels, transfer orders are created.
Can I see inventory across all warehouses?
Can I see inventory across all warehouses?
Yes, the Part Inventory view shows stock levels across all warehouses. You can filter by specific locations or view totals.
Related Documentation
Part Inventory
Stock levels across locations
Parts
Managing part records
Vehicles
Service vehicle management
Material Requests
Requesting parts for work orders