Inventory

Manual vs Automatic Inventory Management

The inventory fields for framing materials are stored in the Price Codes file but can be viewed and/or modified from the Work Order file. Inventory of framing materials can be handled by one of two methods: manual or automatic.

Tracking inventory for custom framing is one of those procedures that either works or it doesn’t, depending on the commitment level of the person in charge. It requires a rigorous discipline of checking inventory in and out. Fortunately, FrameReady can make the task a lot easier. Some of the benefits include: reducing time spent searching for stock, the taking of a physical inventory, and being able to tell the customer with a rush order, “Yes, we have it in stock” while still in the work order screen.

Pros & Cons of using Manual Inventory

The Plus Side

This method is totally accurate (or as accurate as you want it to be). The moulding inventory can show the exact footage for each stick, e.g. 2 – 10ft lengths, 1 – 8ft length, 1 – 5.5ft length, etc.
When you use a piece or full stick, it is up to you to remove it from inventory. This can be done right from the Work Order Frame1 – Frame5 detail screens (e.g. on a back room computer when the cutting is completed). Any changes made there also change the related record in the Price Codes file.
You can chose not to return partial pieces to inventory and only record full lengths or lengths larger than 5 feet, for instance.

The Negative Side

This method is more time consuming.

Pros & Cons of using Automatic Inventory

The Plus Side

It is fast and easy.
FrameReady calculates the moulding footage used on a Work Order, removes the required footage from inventory, identifies the supplier you have selected to order and, when you generate a Purchase Order, enters the amount onto it.
If you use the automatic update system, then a report can be printed for all Price Code items sorted by Location or Group.

The Negative Side

FrameReady won’t know if there was a flaw in the material and you actually used more than required.
Or if an error is made in cutting and more material needs to be taken from inventory. Also, after removing 8 feet from a 10 foot length of moulding the computer will leave 2 feet in stock while in fact it may have been discarded.
Only the total footage is shown on the inventory screen. You must set up this option using the Main Menu > Work Orders Options screen.