Lightweight builds for simple sub-assemblies

[wolffam]

My use case is a bit different than most Inventree users. I use Inventree as an inventory platform for my company to manage the build of an electro-mechanical assembly (50 or so unique parts) where some of those 50 parts are sub assemblies that we assemble ourselves. Inventree provides part traceability and a hierarchical structure that other platforms were either missing or were implementing with too much friction for our use case.

To that end, some of the sub assemblies that we put together are pretty trivial and requiring a Build Order for those is a bit heavy weight. We previously used a workflow for those assemblies where we created an empty stock item from the part and then installed stock items into that part. That functionality was removed when Inventree required "installed stock items" to be serialized. I understand the motivation there but am curious if there is a workflow that is suggested for those lightweight subassembly builds.

One suggestion I have would be to allow stock items with batch numbers to be installed/uninstalled. Along similar lines, when installing untracked stock items, it would be beneficial to have the batch number (if available) show in the dialog (see image). Currently, our technicians have to determine the batch number based on the quantity remaining which is fragile.

[SchrodingersGat]

I can appreciate that build order process can be "cumbersome". I have already put in a lot of work to streamline it, after feedback from the technical team at my own workplace.

I do feel that the build order process is the "right" way to handle this, as it enforces a good set of practices, provides improved traceability, etc. But I also agree that it could be simplified for use cases like yours.

I'd be happy to entertain any suggestions as to how the build order process could be "improved" for your case.

Allowing batch-tracked stock items to be installed might be a good compromise too.

[wolffam]

To clarify, I think @SchrodingersGat is suggesting changing the requirements for a part to be trackable. Currently, a trackable part requires a serial number. I believe the suggestion is to remove that requirement and then there shouldn't be any needed changes to the install process since that logic could likely stay the same

[matmair]

@SchrodingersGat I would at least require a batch code or a serial number so we have some way of cross-checking in the real world.

[SchrodingersGat]

My proposal here is that to manually install stock items (child) into other items (parent), the child item must be for a trackable part, and also have either a serial number or batch code.

@wolffam this would meet your requirement?

[wolffam]

That would indeed meet my requirement.
My only other suggestion that inventree would need is to show the batch number when a user goes to manually install a stock item (the same dialog in the image I posted above). It would beneficial to add that extra info to the "Allocate Stock" view during the canonical build process too. Let me know if that needs some further clarification

[SchrodingersGat]

Understood. The addition of "viewing batch info" in the modal forms has already been implemented :)