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, and kits 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
Kit assignments
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, and kits
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Apparatus Overview in Assets
Click Assets.
Click Apparatus Overview.
2. Select the Appropriate Apparatus
Select the apparatus you want to add compartments for.
Click Compartments.
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. 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 (example: “DS Rear 1,” “Officer Side Cabinet,” “Upper Drawer”).
Add photos for compartments that may be confusing or frequently checked by multiple users.
Standardize compartments across similar apparatus to reduce setup time and improve consistency.
Use inventory minimums and par levels to support restocking workflows and accurate inspections.
When possible, use barcode scanning to reduce manual entry errors.
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 in Assets > Apparatus Overview > [Apparatus] > Compartments.
Why can’t I find inventory or equipment to add?
Confirm the inventory/equipment record exists in Assets.
Check for spelling differences or use a partial keyword search.
Why isn’t barcode scanning working?
Inventory must have a SKU entered to scan inventory.
Equipment must have a barcode entered to scan equipment.
Confirm your device has camera permissions enabled (if using mobile).
Can I copy inventory, equipment, and kits from another compartment?
Copying from another compartment is a helpful starting point, but your ability to copy certain item types may depend on your agency’s configuration and permissions.