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How do you manage parts inventory across multiple vans?

Deja Washington

Hi everyone!

So our team is growing — we just went from 4 vans to 8 vans this quarter (HVAC install and service) — and I am STRUGGLING to keep track of who has what parts. Right now I'm basically texting technicians "do you have any 3/4" couplings??" and it's... not sustainable lol.

What I want to know: Are you using FieldPulse's inventory features for van stock, or is that overkill? Do you track everything down to the fitting, or just the expensive stuff? And how do you handle restocking — do vans come back to the warehouse or do you do mobile restock days?

We're not huge but we're not tiny either and I feel like there's a smarter way to do this that I'm just not seeing. Any workflows that have worked for your team would be SO appreciated!!

Thanks so much!

— Deja

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  • ...has anyone tried just asking the techs what they actually need?

    Half the time the "shortage" is someone hoarding parts because they got burned running out once. Fix the psychology, fix half your inventory problem.

    We do van audits every 6 weeks. Unannounced. Keeps the hoarding in check.

  • in reply to Ray DeLuca

    @ray.deluca oof... you're not wrong though. We've definitely had "where did all the flex connectors go??" moments that turned out to be one person keeping a "just in case" stash.

    The unannounced audit idea is interesting — do you do those during the work week or on weekends? And does the tech ride along or do you pull the van?

    Really appreciate everyone's input on this! Lots to think about.

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  • in reply to Ray DeLuca

    @ray.deluca oof... you're not wrong though. We've definitely had "where did all the flex connectors go??" moments that turned out to be one person keeping a "just in case" stash.

    The unannounced audit idea is interesting — do you do those during the work week or on weekends? And does the tech ride along or do you pull the van?

    Really appreciate everyone's input on this! Lots to think about.

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