Descriptions of Inventory Parts

Descriptions tell your client exactly what parts you have used for a service.  In the days of handwritten workorders, clients tried  to decipher the codes, much like we try to decipher the words in a  prescription.

With the advent of computer generated workorders, your  clients will appreciate your professionalism - and the clear  statement of part names.  While this may not seem to be a serious issue, in actual practice we  often hear comments about precise workorders, and how impressed  clients are with the new system that a shop has installed.

Do not use abbreviations when entering a description of a part.  Is a  DRSP a Down Rolling Siphon Pan or a Dayco-Romy Spark Plug?  Abbreviations will get you in trouble.  Use the full words - you have  space for 30 characters.  We really haven't seen parts that need more  room.

Be consistent with your descriptions, because your lookups are done  in alphabetical order.  The Oil Filt. and Oil Filter will not group  together.  Nor will Spirk Plug and Spark Plog.  They will be close,  but separate. These are similar descriptions, but some will have a  much greater distance on the look up scroll, or report, and may be  overlooked.  If you don't find the actual part you need, you may buy additional items, and  your shelf stock becomes a liability - wasting both space and investment capital.

Manufacturer

The system does provide for the tracking of parts by manufacturer.  To alleviate the need for spelling the name repeatedly, common  supplier's names have been added to a lookup list. You may press the down arrow key to access the name, highlight it, and press the Enter key to  return the value to the field.  If you type in a name, the system  will verify it's accuracy, and display the pop-up list if you make an  error.

Type Code

Inventory can be broken into subgroups for reports, based on the Sort  Code.  Although the computer does not any special format, or set  codes, it is suggested that you use codes which make sense in your  operations.  While LUB may be significant to group lubrication items  for one shop, others may wish to use a different code.  It is best to  use three letter codes to provide for the widest range of options.