Managing inventory effectively is crucial for ensuring smooth operations. In this article, we'll explore the different inventory product types available in LASSO Inventory and provide best practices for using them.
Inventory Product Types
Normal Items
Definition: Normal items are those that are returned to the warehouse and counted back into inventory after use.
Examples: Consoles, cables, trusses, and hazers.
Best Practices:
Suggested and Required Items: Attach suggested and required items to normal items to ensure all necessary components are included in orders. For instance, a hazer might require an IEC cable and suggest additional accessories.
Tracking: Regularly update the inventory to reflect the current status of normal items.
Consumables
Definition: Consumables are items that are not returned to the warehouse and are depleted from inventory after use.
Examples: Batteries, tape, and zip ties.
Best Practices:
Depletion Management: Ensure that consumables are accurately marked in the system to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
Reordering: Set up automatic reordering triggers to maintain a consistent supply of consumables.
Packages and Priced Packages
Definition: Packages are groups of items that can be ordered together. Priced packages have a fixed price, while regular packages have roll-up pricing.
Examples:
Regular Package: A presentation package with a TV, stand, and Perfect Queue, with a roll-up price to equal the sum of those items of $750.
Priced Package: A breakout room package with a fixed price of $1,250, regardless of the price of the individual items inside.
Best Practices:
Roll-Up Pricing: Use regular packages for upsells or premium items that need to be added to an order, as their prices will roll up into the total package price.
Fixed Pricing: Use priced packages for consistent pricing, ensuring that the total cost remains the same regardless of the items included.
Nested Packages: You can include normal items, consumables, containers, and other packages within a package to create complex and flexible inventory structures.
Non-Physical Items
Definition: Non-physical items are services or non-tangible items that can be tracked in inventory.
Examples: Trucking, transportation, pre-production services.
Best Practices:
Quote-Only Items: Set up non-physical items as quote-only to ensure they appear on quotes but not on warehouse orders.
Pricing: Decide whether to set up non-physical items as non-priced or priced packages based on your billing needs.
Containers
Definition: Containers are used to group and manage items that are stored together.
Types:
Locked Containers: Serialized items are assigned to a case when it goes to a show site, but the serial components may change after the show.
Unlocked Containers: The components can be added or removed on an order, making it a hybrid between a locked container and a priced package.
Free-Pack Containers: Cases without defined contents, used on pull sheets when filling orders.
Examples:
Locked Container: A Mac Viper performance package with two fixtures, two C clamps, and two safety cables.
Unlocked Container: A case of lekos where the lenses may change between events.
Free-Pack Container: A case that can be used to pack any items, with dimensions and weights factored in.
Best Practices:
Locked Containers: Use for items that need to be returned in the same configuration, even if the serial numbers change.
Unlocked Containers: Ideal for items that may vary between events, allowing for flexibility in component selection.
Free-Pack Containers: Great for tracking gear in specific cases, with endless possibilities for use.
Product Types and Definitions Page
For a detailed understanding of how these product types are associated and if they are composite, refer to the product types and definitions page in LASSO Inventory. This chart provides a comprehensive overview of the different inventory types and their behaviors.
By following these best practices, you can optimize your inventory management and ensure accurate asset tracking.