Equipment Inventory Locator component helps you track the location of assets.  It was originally written to track emergency equipment that volunteers could use during an emergency.  They track anything from shovels and rain coats to chain saws and industrial equipment for removing debris. It can be used for other situations where assets are placed on location and are moved around or return home.

Different Asset Types- Different Criteria

Since different asset types have different criteria for selection purposes, different data types must be kept for each asset type.  For instance, it is important to know the fuel type of a generator in order to deploy it.  Not so for a rain coat, you need to know the sizes and material.  Having an operator read "type of fuel", decide it is not relevant, and move to the next field when entering data for a rain coat does not make sense.  Asking for "fuel type" when entering a generator does make sense.  If all fields are relevant, the operator must fill in all fields.  That way we are sure we have collected all the pertinent data for this asset type so that it can be selected from a list of specifications.  

Implementing custom inventory software in a variety of situations, one learns that you cannot anticipate every type of data you need to collect in the future. This component is designed so that you can enter inventory in a free form fashion.  As you enter asset items, you can create asset types, and keywords, which become data entry fields for this asset type. 

Better than Traditional Master File/Item File

This follows human work habits better than traditional master file/item file data entry.  The ability to add data entry fields to the asset type on the fly allows the user to, in effect, "modify the program" by entering data while using the program.   If data entry fields were "hard coded", you would have to customize the software every time you wanted to collect a new type of data or acquire a new type of asset. With this relational data storage technique, asset types can be searched and selected by keyword specifications using matching, selection ranges, or greater/less than tests.

Since this is not the normal program design, the best way to learn about it is to watch this video of the installation and programs demonstration so you can see the advantages to see how they affect data capture.

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Funding to Finish Never Approved

While the inventory is a complete component with the ability to add inventory, change its location, and return it home, funding to complete the project never was approved because of budget problems.

Phases that would have followed:

• Create web form listing asset types and keywords for emergency coordinators to fill out to request needed supplies and equipment.
• Use geographical proximity to delivery location to find the closest inventory locations to fill the need.
• Email pick lists to location administrators who arrange transportation.
• Automate the check out process for items picked.
• Inventory shortages are reported and secondary locations are chosen to fill remaining needs.
• Automate the check in process
• Create barcode labels for assets with description and home location.