LabArchives Inventory makes it easy for lab members to log item usage, so managers can track stock levels and can monitor when supplies run low. Item usage can be recorded from the main Inventory page and directly within the Item's view and information page.
Please note the following when updating quantity:
- Inventory quantities cannot go below zero.
- If the entered quantity exceeds the available stock, the remaining amount will automatically be set to 0.
- Once an item reaches zero, it is marked as out of stock and hidden from Search Inventory screen and search views.
- Out-of-stock items are not deleted. When restocked, a new item entry is created, preserving a complete history of inventory changes.
From the Main Inventory Page
Click Use Now directly from the item’s row in the Inventory list.
If the Use Now column is not visible, it can be enabled in the Inventory Display Settings.
From the Item Information Page
Click the item’s name on the Search Inventory screen to open its details, then select Use Now from the upper-right corner.
From the Use Now window, enter the amount you will be using. The unit of measure will match what was set when the item was created (for example, mg or mL). The quantity used will then be deducted from the total and will be recorded in the Item's history tab. This provides a complete, traceable record of inventory usage over time.
If the item is stored in a freezer box, you can view its location in the Freezer Box layout and see the exact cell position directly within the window. Cells highlighted in gray indicate occupied locations, while blue cells show the positions selected for the current item. If you have edit permissions, you can update your selection or add additional cells directly within the Use Now window.
If you want to track usage without affecting quantity, select Record usage without deducting quantity. This option is useful for tracking reusable items such as dishware. When finished, click Save.