How does everyone manage their inventory/stock levels?
As a hobbiest, I'm just starting to set up my shop, and the list of part numbers is growing fast. I was thinking of an editable spread sheet, for each type of part(ie: resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.)
I'm open to suggestions.
As a hobbiest, I'm just starting to set up my shop, and the list of part numbers is growing fast. I was thinking of an editable spread sheet, for each type of part(ie: resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.)
I'm open to suggestions.
I keep seperate lists (just using Word documents with tables in it) of my:
The way I keep my resistors, capacitors (other than oil), tube sockets, etc. allows for easy visual inspection so I don't keep lists of those. I just order some when I start to run out of certain values/parts.
- new/nos tubes
- used tubes (most of them tested)
- tubes in my equipment
- semi-conductors
- power transformers
- output transformers
- chokes
- loudspeakers
- oil capacitors
The way I keep my resistors, capacitors (other than oil), tube sockets, etc. allows for easy visual inspection so I don't keep lists of those. I just order some when I start to run out of certain values/parts.
I use a spreadsheet with numbers for all the little drawers and SMD parts tubes.
The nice thing with spreadsheets is that you can easily search for something whether you have that.
I not only keep part value but also a little info like for resistors whether they are thin film or thick film, and with ceramic caps if it is C0G or X7R or whatever. Also include the order number from Mouser or Digikey so it is easy to get full info if needed.
It's a little bit effort when you receive the order but is a huge time saver later on.
Jan
The nice thing with spreadsheets is that you can easily search for something whether you have that.
I not only keep part value but also a little info like for resistors whether they are thin film or thick film, and with ceramic caps if it is C0G or X7R or whatever. Also include the order number from Mouser or Digikey so it is easy to get full info if needed.
It's a little bit effort when you receive the order but is a huge time saver later on.
Jan
Attachments
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
Jan: I really like that spreadsheet, I was thinking on multiple sheets, but with a search feature, your single sheet makes much more sense.
Jan: I really like that spreadsheet, I was thinking on multiple sheets, but with a search feature, your single sheet makes much more sense.
I look in the bins and if there aren't enough of something, then I add it to the order list. (That was pretty much what happened at work, too.) A couple of decades ago, Walmart stores in Canada had Canadian-made plastic parts cabinets for a very fair price, so I bought enough to have places for all the 5% resistor values and 10% capacitors, more or less.
Spreadsheets are for movies and CDs. That way I can check on my phone whether I need that HD-DVD of The Big Lebowski.
Spreadsheets are for movies and CDs. That way I can check on my phone whether I need that HD-DVD of The Big Lebowski.
I am still a mess when it comes to capacitors. But i managed to organize small resistors into bags by value from smallest to largest. They are now neatly in two boxes, so i have all values available anytime. Only if a bag of particular value goes lower in inventory, i order more.
Power resistors i only keep in stock those most common in NP amplifiers.
I need to work on better system for capacitors, situation is more complex, since there value plus the voltage, then type, then even purpose, some for filtration only, some for audio signal, some specifically for crossovers and so on. So i have quite a few boxes of inventory, but not the best system.
Same goes to active parts, i have too many, as with every new build i order always more then i need. I am well stocked on most common transistors, so i can keep building. But i must admit, i do not have best system yet.
Maybe soon.
Power resistors i only keep in stock those most common in NP amplifiers.
I need to work on better system for capacitors, situation is more complex, since there value plus the voltage, then type, then even purpose, some for filtration only, some for audio signal, some specifically for crossovers and so on. So i have quite a few boxes of inventory, but not the best system.
Same goes to active parts, i have too many, as with every new build i order always more then i need. I am well stocked on most common transistors, so i can keep building. But i must admit, i do not have best system yet.
Maybe soon.