Hi- Just wondering if anyone has an easy way of keeping track of inventory on the truck using microsoft works or some downloadable template- Just simple stuff like what is it- where is it – how many are on hand. Anything to help keep tools and supplies organized. Thanks
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Learn how to plan, fabricate, and install a chute to conveniently send your dirty clothes from an upstairs bathroom or hallway to your laundry room below.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
That kind of inventory tracking creates more work than it saves. It takes a lot of man-hours to keep it up to date. Probably the best idea is a place for everything, and everything in its place. Then when you get ready for a shopping trip, just look at all the places and write down what you're low on.
-- J.S.
you might want to contact This Old House. They did a show many years ago where the plumber had his trucks inventory all computerized. Was absolutly amazing how organized his trucks were.
Made me sick....you should see the inside of my truck :)
PS..I seem to always find things.
As I've always said, " I'd rather a creative mess, than an uncreative tideness".
Be a creative mess
Namaste
andy
"Understanding yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth"
Alan Watts
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I think John is right, if you've got a couple of spare hours to enter all that data. At the retail level we have all seen how perfect these expensive systems work when the computer says there are 3 in stock. Your brain is 10 thousand times more accurate than any computer now or yet to be devised, Right?
Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
Your brain is 10 thousand times more accurate than any computer now or yet to be devised, Right?
Uh! I don't think that holds true for the over 50 brain. Half the time I can't remember were I put my pencil let alone whats in my truck. To compensate for lack of soft drive storage space I resort to very detailed notes however I usually can't find the notes.
I think they call that Over the hill and stumbling down the other side.
"Your brain is 10 thousand times more accurate than any computer now or yet to be devised, Right?"
No, NOT ACCURATE.
Memories are very bad. Look at any of the experiments of eyewitness reports or "false menories".
My brain is plenty accurate enough. At least it is once I've remembered where I've parked the van, and then once I've remembered why I walked out to the van in the first place, then I can usually remember where the item should be. Of course, if the item isn't where it should be, I'm screwed.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
"Your brain is 10 thousand times more accurate than any computer now or yet to be devised, Right?"
No, NOT ACCURATE.
Think brain, think computer, think brain think computer think brain think computer...get over it. Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
Think forgetfullness, think false menories.
See http://www.gospelcom.net/apologeticsindex/rnb/archives/00002390.html
Do a google on MEMORY EXPERMINETS, FALSE MEMORY and the like.
You have never when to the store to get something and about leaving with several items gotten back home and realized that you forgot the one item that you went to the store for.
The human mind has lots of power for "computation", but accuracy, ie memory, ain't that good. FORGET ABOUT IT.
Wow, I think if you were trying to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, you would circle Saturn and Alpha Centuri a couple of times before your final approach. Nobody takes off on a tangent like you Bill. Turtleneck
Its not a smile- its a cramp
open the side doors...look around.
open the back doors....look around.
try to remember to buy what I just used.....
mostly try to order enough so I don't have to take that trip deep into the recesses of the van searching for something.....
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I use "Works for Gunner" I keep it in my head and if I'm caught short on something I blame it on the last helper I had.
Who Dares Wins.
Along the line of this thread, I just read that Milwaukee has a tool tracking virtual tool log. You need to be a member of thier Heavey Duty Club, but they keep a log of all of your tools, no matter what the brand. The article is in the cutting edge section of the last Tools of the Trade issue.
Dave
I don't know if this helps, but:
My electrician friend (a computer wiz) put all his stuff on computer
with prices so he could also use it for billing.
I ran into him one day, and all he had in his truck were 5 gallon buckets filled with stuff. I asked where the racks and shelves went.
He just shrugged his shoulders and said the buckets worked great and the other was too much time.
For my truck, I use milk crates (very inventive) and each item that
is used on a job has a Mfg tag.
I keep the tag and re-order or refill from stock when I get home.
Jeff