The Monitor module is laser focused on tracking inventory levels. When a part’s quantity falls below its reorder point, the Monitor module can display it in a way that makes it clear what you need to do. It helps you stay on top of your inventory and prevent shortages.
Creating Watches
When you first open the Monitor module, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by a blank screen. There are a bunch of columns with nothing in them. That’s because it’s waiting for you to create what are known as “watches,” which help you keep an eye on your inventory levels for specific parts.
You can create a watch by clicking the green plus sign at the top of the module and selecting a part number and location group to monitor. Then you’ll need to specify the quantity on hand at which you will be informed that it’s time to reorder. There are two warning levels:
Alert Level – When a part’s quantity reaches the reorder point.
Critical Level – When a part’s quantity falls 50 percent below the reorder point.
Auto-Create
My favorite way to create a new watch is with the Auto-Create button. Simply click on it in the toolbar and then select if you want to create watches for parts that are at the alert level or critical level. Pick the location group, which can include all of them, and hit OK. You will instantly see a number of watches pop up on the screen, depending on how many parts are at those levels. They’re color coded, so you can easily tell their risk level. Green means normal, yellow means alert, and red means critical.
The Transfer Order module is next on the list.
Robert Lockard is a copywriter with Fishbowl. He writes for several blogs about inventory management, manufacturing, QuickBooks, and small business. Fishbowl is the #1-requested manufacturing and warehouse management software for QuickBooks users. Robert enjoys running, reading, writing, spending time with his wife and children, and watching movies.
