Inventory management?

[Com_VC]

Hi all,

Was just wondering if anyone here keeps track of inventory in there garage?

I always seem to be spending more time looking for something then doing actual work.

Sometimes I know I have something but just cant find it.

Sometimes I will buy something then later on find out that I already had it.

Does anyone have a system that works?

I am thinking some sort of program for the computer with various categories, search function and maybe a photo of the items?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas.

Thanks

 

[abstamaria]

Com VC, I don't know how large your shop is, but perhaps you have to organize physically first. Store your tools, spares, and supplies in some logical manner and label bins, cabinets, etc. That has worked for me, but then my garage is probably much smaller than yours. Andy

 

[DZL JIM]

I have a dry erase board that I mark stuff down I need. Easy to write on with dirty hands, then transfer to paper list when I go shopping.

Not real high tech, but works for me.

 

[nehog]

Organization, organization, organization... Keep things ordered, and always put stuff back where it belongs.

I designate areas on shelves for item categories (such as 'building wiring items,' 'automotive electrical,' 'lubricants,' etc.) which greatly minimizes my having to look for things. I want oil or atf or grease? Bottom shelf, right two bays. Vehicle light bulbs? Second shelf, first bay. Synthetic winch line? Top shelf, left bay. Truck parts? Shop stock peg board, parts and supplies.

The shelves are five high, floor to ceiling (12 ft), one set is 20 ft long, the second is 15 ft. Retail store type shelves (got 'em when a local toy store closed...)

One could go overboard, and create a database with Excel or Access (or whatever data base program they wanted) to manage inventory. I'm considering that since I'm getting so much stuff.

 

[DanCo]

There's a program one of GJ brother's posted on here a while ago. I have it on my laptop at home. Works as advertised, and its free. Do a search here on the site. I'll post the name of the program once I get home from work.

 

[Falcon67]

I spent many years in Inventory Control when I worked in warehousing and manufacturing. You'd think that background would carry though to my shop organization.


You'd be wrong.

When you put stuff in boxes, write on the box what's in it. Use wide tape on the end and a black marker. Not like when I quick packed up the shop for the move. I'll be Christmas all over again when I start unloading all those boxes (about 300 cubic feet of boxes)

Plenty of shelving lets you group things. Bolt bins are worth the expense - I like the gray Gladiator bins from Sears on their Versatrack wall sections.

 

[DanCo]

OK, I found it. GJ member Keep posted this last year. its called Home Inventory Database, works pretty good. read the thread and give it a shot.

 

[rickairmedic]

I make labels for all my drawers and doors so I know whats hiding behind or in them . My 14 drawer Craftsman stack is about the only thing not labeled in my shop and I can tell you which drawer if you tell me what you want .

Rick

 

[RuDawg68SS]

Could you use this?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55227

 

[Com_VC]

My tools etc are generally organised pretty well, I have tubs for all my bolts etc, I also have plenty of shelving.

It's mainly car projects that I am having trouble with organising. I have bits everywhere. Over time I forget what I have or where it is located.

I have put things in crates but even then it still makes it difficult to know whats in them as I like to stack them onto of each other.

Sometimes there will items that are larger such as interior bits that I cant fit on my shelves properly so I need to put them somewhere else.

I could write on the boxes etc, but I still think it would take some time to find the items I require.

I think a computer based setup would work well as I can just type in what i'm looking for and I will have a photo there as well.

Also it would also let me keep track of bolt quanity and consumibles etc.

That Home Invertory might be worth trying out.