Purpose Statement
This article explains how to create and manage an apparatus compartment in the First Due Assets module. Compartments allow departments to organize and maintain the inventory, equipment, kits, and medication kit associations assigned to an apparatus to support inspections, readiness, and standardized restocking workflows.
Background Information
Apparatus compartments represent the physical storage areas on an apparatus where items are stored and checked (for example, "Driver Side Rear," "Medical Cabinet," or "Officer Seat Compartment"). Creating compartments helps agencies build a consistent structure for apparatus checks, assign accountability for stock levels, and streamline replenishment.
Once created, compartments can be maintained over time by updating:
- Checklist associations
- Inventory quantities and minimum/par levels
- Equipment assignments
- Equipment Group validation rules
- Kit assignments
- Kit Group validation rules
- Medication Kit associations (if your agency uses the Medications module)
Required Permissions
To create and manage apparatus compartments, users typically need:
- Assets access
- Apparatus Overview access
- Permission to create/edit compartments
- Permission to view/manage inventory, equipment, kits, and medication kits
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Apparatus Compartments
You can create and manage apparatus compartments using either of the following methods.
Option 1 – Apparatus Overview
- Click Assets.
- Click Apparatus Overview.
- Select the apparatus you want to manage.
- Click Compartments.
Option 2 – Apparatus Record
- Click Assets.
- Open the Apparatus List.
- Select the apparatus.
- Click the Edit (Pencil) icon.
- Scroll to the Compartments section.
Both navigation paths provide the same compartment management functionality.
3. Create a New Compartment
Click New Compartment.
4. Enter all Compartment Details
Enter a compartment name that is clear and follows your department’s operational procedures.
Import or upload a photo of the compartment for end-user reference (optional).
Associate the new compartment to an existing checklist (optional).
5. Copy From Another Compartment (Optional)
Click Compartment to copy.
Select the compartment you want to copy from.
Tip:
Copying a compartment helps save time by using an existing setup as a starting point.
6. Associate and Add Inventory Items
Click Inventory to associate inventory items to the compartment.
Click Add Inventory.
Search for inventory items by entering keywords in the Inventory Name field.
Packaging will pre-fill based on what's entered into that inventory item's setup.
Fill out all other fields:
Minimum quantity
Par level
Current quantity
Expiration date (if applicable)
Selecting Add will allow for entry of multiple expiration dates and associated quantities
Important Note:
The quantity entered here does not take said quantity for these items from any other locations. You are creating the quantity of this item, in this location, at this time.
7. Scan Inventory (Optional)
Click Scan to import inventory using barcode scanning (requires a SKU in the inventory setup).
8. Associate and Add Equipment Items
Click Equipment.
Click Add Equipment.
Search using equipment IDs or keywords and select the equipment to add.
Select the barcode image or click Scan to locate equipment using the barcode scanner (requires a barcode in the equipment record).
Select the Ellipsis on the left of the equipment item to rearrange the order of appearance within both the compartment menu and a checklist.
Use the Trash icon to delete any equipment item from this compartment. This does not delete the equipment item from your agency, only this compartment association.
9. Associate an Equipment Group (Optional)
Click Group.
Select the appropriate equipment group and enter the quantity.
This creates a rule in the system requiring there to be the quantity listed above in that compartment at all times.
10. Associate and Add Kits
Click Kit.
Click Assign Kit.
Search for and select the kit to associate to the compartment.
Use the Ellipsis to rearrange the order of multiple kits.
Select the Trash icon to delete a kit from this compartment. This does not delete the kit from the system, only the association in this compartment.
11. Create a Kit (Optional)
If the kit does not exist yet, click Create Kit.
Enter the required kit information (you can also create a Kit Group if needed).
12. Associate a Kit Group (Optional)
Click Kit Group.
Click Add Group.
Select the appropriate Kit Group.
Enter the required Minimum Quantity.
Kit Groups create validation rules requiring a minimum number of kits from the selected group to remain in the compartment.
If a kit belonging to that group is removed and the compartment falls below the required minimum, users are prompted to provide a reason before saving.
If a kit already belongs to the selected Kit Group, it is automatically included in the validation rule.
Actions available after creating the kit group validation:
- Edit the minimum quantity.
- Delete the Kit Group.
- Add additional Kit Groups as needed.
13. Associate a Medication Kit (Optional)
If your agency uses the Medications module, you can associate an existing Medication Kit with the compartment.
Click Med Kit.
Search for and select the appropriate Medication Kit.
Click Save.
12. Save the Compartment
Click Save to complete the compartment configuration.
13. Review the Compartment Contents
Select the compartment you created to verify you are viewing the correct one.
Review the current contents, including:
Inventory quantities
Equipment assigned
Kits assigned
Last inspection/checklist completed date (if displayed)
14. Rearrange the Order of Compartments
Check the box to the left of the compartment title.
Select the Lock icon at the top of the Compartments group.
Click and drag the appropriate compartment to rearrange in the list.
Select the Unlock icon to lock the compartment arrangement and prevent end user edits.
15. Edit the Compartment and it's Contents
Click the edit pencil to manage compartment details and contents.
The Trash icon will delete the pouch.
The Plus icon will expand the pouch to view it's associated contents.
Click Inventory to update quantities or add additional inventory items.
Resolve any quantity errors that appear (if applicable).
Click Equipment to add, remove, or manage assigned equipment items.
Click Kit to add, remove, or manage assigned kits.
16. Add the Compartment to Additional Checklists (Optional)
From within the Compartment edit menu, select the appropriate checklist under Add to Checklist.
From the Compartments screen, check the box to the left of the compartment title.
At the top of the group you'll see Add to Checklist now illuminated.
You can add or remove a checklist association to a compartment from here.
Find the appropriate checklist to add to remove from that compartment in the list.
Best Practices
- Use consistent naming conventions (for example, "DS Rear 1," "Officer Side Cabinet," or "Upper Drawer").
- Name compartments so personnel can immediately identify the physical location during an apparatus inspection.
- Add photos for compartments that may be confusing or are frequently checked by multiple users.
- Standardize compartment layouts across similar apparatus to improve consistency and reduce setup time.
- Configure minimum quantities and par levels to support accurate restocking workflows.
- Use Equipment Groups and Kit Groups to enforce minimum equipment requirements during inspections.
- Review copied compartments before saving to verify that inventory, equipment, and kit assignments are appropriate for the new compartment.
- Use drag-and-drop ordering to organize inventory, equipment, and kits in the same sequence personnel encounter them during inspections.
- Use barcode scanning whenever possible to reduce manual entry errors.
- If your agency uses the Medications module, associate Medication Kits with the appropriate compartments for improved visibility.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
I don't see the option to create a new compartment.
Your user role may not have the required permissions.
Confirm you are navigating to Assets > Apparatus Overview > Compartments or editing an apparatus record and accessing the Compartments section.
Why can't I find inventory or equipment to add?
Confirm the inventory or equipment record already exists within the Assets module.
Try searching using partial keywords, equipment IDs, or barcode scanning.
Why isn't barcode scanning working?
Inventory items must have a SKU configured.
Equipment must have a barcode configured.
If using a mobile device, verify camera permissions are enabled.
Can I copy inventory, equipment, and kits from another compartment?
Yes. Copying a compartment can duplicate its inventory, equipment, and kit associations, providing a quick starting point for creating standardized apparatus layouts. Review copied information before saving.
Why does the system ask me for a reason after removing equipment or kits?
The compartment contains an Equipment Group or Kit Group validation rule. If removing equipment or kits causes the quantity to fall below the configured minimum, you must provide a reason before saving your changes.
Can I manage compartments somewhere other than Apparatus Overview?
Yes. Compartments can also be created and managed directly from an apparatus record by editing the apparatus and navigating to the Compartments section.
What happens when I associate a Medication Kit?
Associating a Medication Kit simply creates a relationship between the compartment and an existing Medication Kit in the Medications module. Medication inventory, expiration dates, and counts continue to be managed within the Medications module.
Can I delete a compartment?
Yes, but deletion is permanent. Deleting a compartment removes all associated inventory, equipment, kits, Medication Kit associations, and checklist associations. There is no undo option, so use caution before deleting.