Buying New Equipment
Deciding on Inventory Tracking
The very first thing you will need to do is choose the method on how to track this item in our inventory. Look at the Tracked By article to learn about the different ways and reasons for each. We default to using barcode, then quantity as a last resort.
Affixing Barcode Tags
If you have chosen to track this by Barcode, there are 3 tags you can select from. Always go for the largest tag that will fit on the item, scanning speed improves as the tag grows in size..
Creating a New Item in CurrentRMS (Something we never had)
Go to Resource > Products > Add Product Button
Enter the following:
- Name
- Description
- Product Group (Lights, Grip, Clamp, etc...)
- Allowed Stock Type: Rental
- Stock Method: Serialized if using Barcode, Bulk if not. Use None only for Sub-rented gear
- If Bulk Type, Enter new Barcode for this item type.
- Replacement Cost
- Daily Rate: Ask for quotes from two local rental houses, enter the higher price.
- Order Quantity & units
- Manufacturer & Model Number
- Vendor, Vendor SKU and website link.
Once done, Press the Create Product button.
Options or Required Options
If there are options to this complete, for example, chimeras or dimmers for that unit, add them as accessories in the Item listing page.
Adding Individual Items
Once you have created the item itself, you need to add a quantity to that item.
For Bulk/Quantity Items
- In the Stock Level Section, select "Add Stock Level" if there is no Bulk Stock Level and add the Quantity the quantity received.
- If Bulk already exists, select the "Add" in the menu pulldown, Select "Buy", the buy date and the quantity received.
- Select Add
For Bar Code/Serial Number Items
- In the Stock Level section, select "Add Stock Level"
- Enter the new barcode under Asset Number
- Enter the item serial number if it has one
- Select Create and Add Another if you have more items to add.
Now you have a quantity associated with your item. If you are tracking by quantity, you're done, if not you must assign RFID/Barcode numbers using quickscan.
Now when you scan the item it will know what it is and its status will be trackable.
The barcode are just sequential numbers, so we use a google sheet to keep track of the next number to use. When you are done adding items, update the spreadsheet with the next serial number that should be used.
Wikipedia Article
We keep a wikipedia article on file for every single piece of gear we use. This is mostly for education of new people in the shop, but also helps promote our culture of continuous learning. We've setup some standard sections for every article, but if there is something special about the piece of equipment, you are always welcome to add more. When making new articles you can go into the Edit section of this one and copy paste this template to build your new article. Always be sure to add at least one picture and if you are ever on set, feel free to take pictures of it in use.
Uses
In this section, describe why people would order this piece of equipment in the first place. What can you do with it, what are the limitations, and what are you usually going to use it for.
QC Process
If QC is required on this item, what is the standard QC process? List it out in bullet point form.
Accessories
What are the common accessories with this piece of equipment if any? Be sure to link to other articles if they exist.
Troubleshooting
What are the common pitfalls to this item and how can they be fixed? If there's something that commonly breaks, feel free to list that along with who fixes it.
Substitutions
If we run out of this item or do not carry it, what is a suitable substitution for it? If there is a substitution, but it's not a perfect match, in what instances is it a good substitution and what instances does it not work?