> ## 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.

# Warehouses

> Managing storage locations and inventory distribution

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/fentu/C3pzkSBx7BqIrzJP/images/fentu-fsm/inventory/warehouses-list.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=C3pzkSBx7BqIrzJP&q=85&s=78617ff04b766ad23561a3626d12071b" alt="Warehouses List View" width="1280" height="720" data-path="images/fentu-fsm/inventory/warehouses-list.png" />

## 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.

<Note>
  Properly configured warehouses enable accurate inventory tracking across all locations, ensuring technicians have the parts they need when they need them.
</Note>

## 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

<Tip>
  Create a warehouse for each distinct location where inventory is physically stored and tracked. This provides accurate visibility into where parts are located.
</Tip>

***

## 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

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

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

  <Step title="Enter Basic Information">
    Provide name, code, and type
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Location Details">
    Enter address and contact information
  </Step>

  <Step title="Associate with Branch">
    Link to the service branch this warehouse serves
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Warehouse">
    Save the new warehouse record
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Setting Up Vehicle Warehouses

For technician vehicles:

1. Create warehouse with type "Vehicle"
2. Assign to specific technician
3. Set default replenishment source
4. Configure par levels for common parts
5. Enable mobile inventory features

<Warning>
  Each technician vehicle should have its own warehouse record. This enables accurate tracking of who has which parts and simplifies replenishment.
</Warning>

***

## Managing Warehouse Inventory

### Stock Transfers

Move inventory between warehouses:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initiate Transfer">
    Select source warehouse and items to transfer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Destination">
    Choose receiving warehouse
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Quantities">
    Specify amounts to transfer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Transfer">
    Review and confirm the transfer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive Items">
    Destination warehouse confirms receipt
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 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

<Info>
  Configure min/max levels for each warehouse-part combination to ensure adequate stock without over-ordering.
</Info>

***

## Warehouse Operations

### Receiving Inventory

When parts arrive:

1. Verify shipment against purchase order
2. Inspect for damage or defects
3. Enter received quantities
4. Put away to appropriate bin locations
5. Update system inventory

### Picking and Shipping

When parts are needed:

1. Generate pick list from orders
2. Locate items in warehouse
3. Pick and verify quantities
4. Pack for shipment or hand off
5. 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

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Logical Organization" icon="sitemap">
    Organize warehouse layout logically with clear bin locations. This speeds up picking and reduces errors.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Regular Counts" icon="calculator">
    Perform regular cycle counts to maintain accuracy. Don't wait for annual inventory to find discrepancies.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="FIFO Management" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left">
    Use First In, First Out for parts with shelf life or date codes to prevent obsolescence.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Security Controls" icon="lock">
    Limit warehouse access to authorized personnel. Track who accesses inventory and when.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Vehicle Audits" icon="truck">
    Periodically audit technician vehicle inventory. Field stock is often the hardest to track accurately.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clear Labeling" icon="tags">
    Label all bin locations and parts clearly. Good labeling prevents picking errors and speeds up work.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Common Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can a technician access inventory from multiple warehouses?" icon="question">
    Yes, technicians can be given access to their vehicle warehouse plus branch warehouses for pickup. Permissions control which warehouses each user can access.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I track parts in transit?" icon="question">
    Use a virtual warehouse or transfer status to track parts being moved between locations. The parts show as "in transit" until received.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens when a warehouse is deactivated?" icon="question">
    Inventory must be transferred out before deactivating. The system prevents deactivation while inventory remains assigned to the location.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I have multiple addresses for one warehouse?" icon="question">
    If a warehouse has multiple physical areas (buildings, rooms), create each as a separate warehouse for accurate tracking.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How are vehicle inventories replenished?" icon="question">
    Configure automatic replenishment from a source warehouse. When vehicle stock falls below par levels, transfer orders are created.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I see inventory across all warehouses?" icon="question">
    Yes, the Part Inventory view shows stock levels across all warehouses. You can filter by specific locations or view totals.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Part Inventory" icon="boxes-stacked" href="/inventory/part-inventory">
    Stock levels across locations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Parts" icon="cogs" href="/inventory/parts">
    Managing part records
  </Card>

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

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