Multiple Location Inventory Design

[Nancy Palmquist]

Scott,

I think I would suggest keeping the part master and the location data 
separate.  I set up an inventory system like this which required one 
part to be tracked by metal specifications, incoming and outgoing.  It 
is a similiar layout.  I kept a detail which would total each part by 
heat number (yours would be location), then detail records under that 
with the in and out for that location.  That way you have full audit of 
everything.


MASTER PART - PART/LOCATION TOTAL - DETAIL TRANSACTIONS for PART/LOCATION

You have great drilling capabilities with this model.  I would avoid 
qualifiers for live data, because reports need to stay in one 
qualifier.  I might use them for archive or history to keep the working 
files with live data.  Maybe it makes sense for an inventory to have an 
annual archive that would match with the IRS calendar for reporting.

Other people suggested this model, it worked well for me.  It is also 
scalable so you have not restricted how many locations.  Reports will be 
simplier to manage.

Nancy


On 3/25/2010 5:37 PM, Scott Walker wrote:
> I have an order processing system.  Currently it only handles inventory kept
> in one location.  Now a customer wants to start keeping inventory at
> multiple locations.  So the same part# could be in the inventory at the main
> office and also at several branch offices.  I'm just starting to think of
> the design of this.  Should I have a separate record in the inventory file
> for each part#/location combination?  Should I use a qualified file for each
> of the inventory of each location? (I don't use qualified files for anything
> at the moment).   Of course, this design decision permeates itself
> throughout the system (ie.  Order Entry, Shipping, Purchasing, etc).  Any
> design ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> Scott
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Scott Walker
>
> RAM Systems Corp
>
> (704) 896-6549
>
> ScottWalker at RAMSystemCorp.com
>
>
>
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