Table of Contents

Items

The Items module is where you manage every item in FTS. Items can represent anything from cutting tools to maintenance supplies, and they are the backbone of the system.

Also known as: Inventory Items, Parts, Tools

What Items Are

  • Each item has a unique Item ID that identifies it in the system.
  • Items can be linked to Suppliers, Categories, Locations, and Reporting Fields.
  • Items can be issued, returned, adjusted, or scrapped depending on their type.
  • An item may have additional settings that appear based on its type (e.g., Semi-Consumables).

Item Types

There are three main item types in FTS:

  • Consumable: Items that are not expected to be returned once issued.

    • Example: inserts, paper, cleaning supplies.
    • Can be Adjusted (returned unused into stock).

  • Semi-Consumable: Items that may be reused but are eventually scrapped.

    • Extra options:
      • Usage Tracking Enabled: Prompts for usage details when the item is returned. Data appears in the Transaction Report.
      • Auto Scrap: After a set number of days (set at the Station level), the item is automatically scrapped if not returned.
      • Return As Other Item: Allows the item to be returned as a different item (commonly used for returning “used” versions).
    • Example: drill bits, end mills, safety gear with limited life.
    • Can be Returned (back into stock).

  • Durable: Items that must be returned to remain in inventory.

    • Extra option:
      • Usage Tracking Enabled: Prompts for usage details when returned. Data appears in the Transaction Report.
    • Example: gages, power tools, staplers.
    • Must be Returned (cannot be adjusted like consumables).

Item Flags

In addition to the three item types, items can be marked with special flags:

  • Used: Marks the item as used. This is for reference only — FTS does not treat it differently in inventory.
  • Assembly Kit Enabled: Makes the item an Assembly Kit. The item itself becomes a virtual container for its component items.

Item Type Comparison

Feature / Action Consumable Semi-Consumable Durable
Can be Adjusted (put back unused) ✅ ❌ ❌
Can be Returned (after use) ❌ ✅ ✅
Usage Tracking Enabled ❌ ✅ ✅
Auto Scrap ❌ ✅ ❌
Return As Other Item ❌ ✅ ❌

Quick Tip:

  • Use Consumable for items that are gone once issued.
  • Use Semi-Consumable when items may come back, but eventually expire or get scrapped.
  • Use Durable for items that must always be returned and reused.

Item Flags

In addition to the three item types, items can be marked with special flags:

  • Used: Marks the item as used. This is for reference only — FTS does not treat it differently in inventory.
  • Assembly Kit Enabled: Makes the item an Assembly Kit. The item itself becomes a virtual container for its component items.

Key Item Fields

  • Item ID: Unique identifier for the item.
  • Supplier: Supplier used when generating purchase orders.
  • Reference Item ID: Secondary identifier (often an internal part number).
  • Barcode: Barcode data, used for scanning and searching.
  • Commodity Code: Code used to track spend by group (often tied to GL codes).
  • Minimum Order Quantity: Minimum base-unit quantity required for purchase.
  • Default Purchase Unit Size: Order multiples for the item.

Note: Commodity Codes are used for spend reporting. If you need to capture job/part/cost center data at checkout, use Reporting Fields instead.

Item Tabs

When viewing or editing an item, you will see several tabs:

See Additional Item Tabs for details.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Adjust and Return?

  • Adjust: Used for Consumable items. If a consumable is issued but not actually used, it can be adjusted back into stock.
  • Return: Used for Semi-Consumable and Durable items. These items are expected to come back after use, so they are returned into stock rather than adjusted.

Why can’t Consumables be Returned?

Consumables are treated as “used up” once issued. If you need to put one back, it must be done through an Adjust, not a Return.

Why can’t Durables be Adjusted?

Durables must always be returned to stay in inventory. Adjust is reserved for unused consumables only.

Which item types can use Auto Scrap?

Only Semi-Consumables. After a set number of days (configured at the Station level), unreturned Semi-Consumables will be automatically scrapped.

Which item types can use Usage Tracking?

Both Semi-Consumable and Durable items can have Usage Tracking Enabled, so extra details are logged when they are returned.

Can you edit an item_id?

Yes you can use the pencil icon next to the item_id to edit the current item_id. If you would like to edit more than one item_id refer to Update Item IDs Using an Import

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