Stock Control

[Jim Jam]

I am looking to setup a simple (well i think it is simple i just cant work it out) stock system.

Example:

We have parts in our warehouse all with a part number in the format xxxx-xxxx

Each part has a holding level and a reorder level.

When a part is taken from stock by using it on a job etc how can i have the stock holding level reduce based on the number of each part used.

On top of that is it possible to have the database tell a user that part xxxx-xxxx is at its reorder level and prompt her to reorder.

Last thing would be to have a check in routine.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Cheers

James

[RalphL]

You also need to add stock if it is returned or if new stock is received.

I haven't tried it in FMP7. Did it for FMP 5.5 & 6. There are tables for the inventory, the work order and its line item, the purchase order and its line item, the receiving report and its line item. I also have vendors.

There is an Inventory.FP7 in the templates that came with FMP7. I haven't looked at it. It may be a starting point. I used scripts to add and remove items from the inventory.

[Jim Jam]

Ok,

I assume that a simple calculation would do this. Calculations are not my strong point but is there a way to not process the calculation (therefore not take the part from stock) until the call is processed.

So if someone cancels the job while completing the stock remains right. I suppose the simple way is to just make sure people complete the job completion procedure some way.

More help to point in the right direction is always gratefully recieved.

Or has anyone seen any sample files of simaler systems?

Cheers

James

[dbruggmann]

Sure, it is possible to incorporate a cancel mechanism with Filemaker. With or without calculations. But if you want a solid solution, you will have to do some solid scripting.

I think, it doesn't make sense to study such details at the beginning. First you should find out, what your Stock Control exactly should be able to do. First make a plan, than try to design relational model which can do it. And then start thinking about, how to build it in Filemaker.

Just write down, what you want to do with the database. Try to be as exact as possible. Ralph pointed you to some questions, you need to answer, and there are a lot more.

To look for sample files is a good idea: do a search for examples at Filemaker.com, fmfiles.com, fmpro.org,

[Ender]

There was a recent Left Brain topic "Calculating stock available / sold" that discussed some of the design issues with a similar solution.