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Inventory Setup

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Written by Faith Maldoner
Updated over a week ago

The Inventory Module in FieldEx provides a structured method to organize and track physical items using a three-level hierarchy: Location → Zone → Bin.

Admin users are responsible for setting up this structure before inventory and transfer workflows begin. This ensures that tools, equipment, and consumables are properly grouped by site and can be easily assigned, moved, or audited later.

Once configured, bins can be assigned to jobs, users, and maintenance workflows.

Understanding Location, Zone, and Bin in FieldEx


FieldEx organizes inventory using a 3-level structure to help you track exactly where items are stored or assigned:

Term

What It Represents

Construction Example

Location

A physical site such as a warehouse, jobsite, or equipment yard.

"Dallas Equipment Yard", "Phoenix Downtown Jobsite"

Zone

A section or area within a location, often grouped by trade or function.

"Concrete Tools Area", "Receiving Bay", "Electrical Equipment Zone"

Bin

The actual shelf, rack, cage, or toolbox where items are placed and counted.

"A1 – Rebar Cutters", "Rack B2 – Power Drills", "Holding – Returns"

Think of it like this: Location = building → Zone = room or section → Bin = exact spot on a shelf. This structure helps construction teams keep inventory organized across sites, and ensures every item is traceable from warehouse tools to field kits.

Creating a Location


Path: Settings > Inventory > Locations > New Location

Define each warehouse, yard, or jobsite as a Location. This is the top-level grouping for inventory.

  • Phoenix Equipment Yard – for heavy machinery and site vehicles

  • Denver Branch Warehouse – holds tools and maintenance stock

  • Downtown High-Rise Jobsite – temporary location with bins onsite

  • Mobile Crew Depot – West – supports traveling field crews

Best Practice: Use a consistent naming format like City/Type – Function (e.g., Dallas Tools Warehouse, Bay Area Jobsite – Phase 1).

Creating Zones Inside a Location


Path: Settings > Inventory > Select Location > Add Zone

Zones help break down a Location into smaller sections by trade, function, or team.

  • Material Receiving – for inbound goods

  • Concrete Equipment Section – mixers, vibrators, spare drums

  • Electrical Tools Zone – for power tools and insulated gear

  • Rental Returns Area – for used items coming back from sites

Tip: Zones are ideal for separating materials by workflow (e.g., Receiving, Repair, Dispatch).

Creating Location Bins


Path: Settings > Inventory > Select Zone > Add Bin

Bins are the lowest level in the structure and represent the exact storage point for any item.

Bin Name

Description

A1 – Jackhammers

Storage shelf for site prep tools

C2 – Extension Cords

Electrical gear near dispatch zone

IN-REPAIR

Temporary holding for broken tools

CRANE-KIT-1

Pre-packaged accessory kit for crane team

TILE-SAW-RACK

Wall-mounted bin for tile saws & guides

Bin Types:

  • Storage: Standard inventory racks or shelving

  • Temporary Holding: For pending jobs or repairs

  • Dispatch Bins: Used to assemble toolkits for outgoing field work

Creating User Bins (for Field Agents)


When a user has "User Bin Access" enabled in their role, FieldEx automatically creates a virtual bin assigned to them.

These bins represent what a technician has in their truck, toolbox, or site container and are used during transfers and job assignments.

  • Technician: John Miller → BIN-JMILLER

  • Foreman: Lisa D. → BIN-LDOWNS

  • Crew Truck 7 → BIN-CREWTRUCK7

Key Field Summary


Field Name

Description

Location

Represents a warehouse, yard, or jobsite

Zone

Area within a location (e.g., Receiving, Tools)

Bin Name

Unique label for a shelf, container, or rack

Bin Type

Storage, Temporary Holding, or User Bin

User Bin

Auto-generated virtual bin for each user

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