In FieldEx, inventory is organised using a clear three-level structure: Location → Zone → Bin. This hierarchy ensures that every spare part, tool, and consumable is tracked precisely from central warehouses to technician vehicles. While Admins set up this structure, Planners use it to manage transfers, assign stock to jobs, and check availability at the point of need.
This article covers:
What Locations, Zones, and Bins mean in FieldEx
Common examples like warehouses, vans, or jobsite depots
How Planners interact with bins during job planning and technician support
Understanding the Inventory Structure
FieldEx uses a 3-level hierarchy to manage inventory:
Level | What It Represents | Example |
Location | The physical site: warehouse, yard, jobsite, or technician van | “Phoenix Equipment Yard”, “Mobile Crew Depot – West” |
Zone | A section inside a location grouped by workflow or type | “Concrete Tools Area”, “Receiving Zone”, “Dispatch Area” |
Bin | The exact storage container, shelf, or kit location | “A1 – Jackhammers”, “TILE-SAW-RACK”, “CRANE-KIT-1” |
Technician vans are treated as Locations too, with their own zones and bins.
Location / Zone / Bin Creation (Admin Setup)
While Admins are responsible for the setup, Planners should understand how the inventory structure is built to navigate, assign, and request changes effectively.
Step 1: Create a Location
Path: Settings > Inventory > Locations > New Location
Enter the Location Name (e.g., “Dallas Central Warehouse” or “Technician Van – Zone C”)
Enter Full Address and Short Code
Select manager of location whether it be Store Manager or a User Group
Select the Status (usually “Active”)
Optional: Fill in External ID and Description for more detail
Click Save
Step 2: Add Zones to a Location
Use Zones to separate inventory by trade or purpose—this helps during audits and transfers.
Path: Settings > Inventory > Select a Location > Add Zone
Click Add Zone from the Location view
Enter a clear Zone Name (e.g., “Receiving”, “Repair Area”, “Technician Storage”)
Enter Zone Short Code
Select manager of location whether it be Store Manager or a User Group
Optional: Fill in External ID and Description for more detail
Click Save
Step 3: Add Bins to a Zone
Bins define the exact point where inventory is stored or dispatched from. Each job or technician can pull from a specific bin when needed.
Path: Settings > Inventory > Select Zone > Add Bin
Click Add Bin
Enter the Bin Name (e.g., “A1 – Electrical”, “Kit-PM-Tools”, “TEMP-HOLD”)
Enter Bin Short Code
Optional: Fill in External ID and Description for more detail
Click Save
Step 4: Understand User Bins
Bins show what each technician carries and are critical for job planning, stock assignments, and transfers. When Admins give technicians "User Bin Access", FieldEx automatically creates a personal virtual bin:
Technician Jane → BIN-JANE
Van C Team → BIN-VCREW
Tip: If a Planner notices missing bins or needs a new van or jobsite depot added, request this from your Admin team so it can be set up correctly in the Location-Zone-Bin structure. |
How Planners Use Bins in FieldEx
Once bins are created, Planners use them to:
View spare part quantities before assigning them to a job
Transfer parts between locations, vans, or technician kits
Choose a dispatch source when creating a job order
Assign kits or tools to specific job locations or teams
Bins may include:
Storage: Long-term shelf locations (e.g., “Rack B2 – Motors”)
Temporary Holding: For parts awaiting installation or inspection
Dispatch Bins: For toolkits prepared for outbound field work
User Bins for Technicians
When a user has “User Bin Access” enabled, FieldEx creates a User Bin—a virtual bin that tracks what they carry in their van or toolkit.
Technician: Jane Lee → BIN-JLEE
Foreman: Crew A → BIN-CREWA
Planners can see what’s inside these bins and assign parts accordingly during job planning or replenishment.
Tip: Use technician user bins to reduce unnecessary warehouse trips check their van stock before assigning parts. |