PartLocker: Secure Parts Management for Workshops

PartLocker Setup Guide: Fast Inventory Control for Small Teams

Overview

PartLocker is a lightweight inventory management tool designed to help small maintenance teams track spare parts, reduce downtime, and simplify reordering.

Quick start (steps)

1. Create an account — add team members with role-based access (admin, manager, viewer).
2. Configure locations — define storage areas (e.g., main bin, van 1, cabinet A).
3. Add parts — enter part name, SKU/part number, supplier, unit of measure, reorder threshold, and preferred reorder quantity.
4. Set initial quantities — perform a one-time physical count and enter stock levels per location.
5. Enable notifications — turn on low-stock alerts via email or in-app for responsible users.
6. Integrate suppliers — add supplier contact info and preferred ordering methods for faster reorders.
7. Train the team — quick demo on adding/removing parts, using mobile barcode scans (if supported), and responding to alerts.
8. Run a 30-day review — check stock accuracy, adjust reorder points, and refine locations/tags.

Best practices

• Standardize part naming to avoid duplicates (use SKU + short descriptor).
• Use barcodes or QR tags for fast check-in/check-out.
• Set conservative reorder thresholds initially, then optimize after 30 days.
• Assign ownership of critical parts to a single person to ensure accountability.
• Keep a receiving log to reconcile deliveries quickly.

Common features to use

• Low-stock alerts — prevent stockouts.
• Location-based counts — see where parts are stored.
• Usage history — identify high-turnover items.
• Exportable reports — CSV/PDF for audits and purchasing.
• Mobile scanning — speeds up counts and checkouts.

Troubleshooting

• Missing items after count: re-count the location, check recent usage history, and review audit logs.
• Duplicate parts: merge records using SKU and transfer quantities to the canonical record.
• Notifications not received: verify user email, notification settings, and spam filters.

30-day checklist

• Verify stock accuracy >95% for top 50 SKUs.
• Update reorder points for any items with repeated stockouts or excess inventory.
• Confirm supplier lead times and adjust reorder quantities accordingly.

If you want, I can generate a ready-to-print 1-page setup checklist or a CSV template for bulk import of parts.