Purpose Statement
This article explains how to associate a barcode or SKU number with an inventory item in the Assets module and how end users can use barcode scanning to quickly locate and manage that inventory.
Associating barcodes or SKU numbers helps agencies streamline inventory workflows such as usage tracking, restocking, inventory requests, and receiving items. Barcode scanning can also be used when adding inventory items to compartments, storages, or kits, allowing users to quickly locate and select the correct item.
Background Information
In First Due’s Assets module, the barcode or SKU value for an inventory item is stored in the SKU Number field within the inventory record.
Once a barcode or SKU number is associated with an inventory item, users can scan that barcode to quickly pull the item into various inventory workflows.
Common use cases include:
Quickly locating inventory during inventory usage or restocking workflows
Adding inventory to apparatus compartments, storages, or kits
Selecting inventory items when submitting inventory requests
Scanning inventory when performing inventory receiving
Prerequisite:
The inventory item must already exist in the system before a barcode or SKU number can be associated with it.
Required Permissions
The ability to add or update a barcode or SKU number on an inventory item is permission-based, as users must have access to Inventory Setup and Inventory List editing
The ability to scan and locate an inventory item using a barcode is available to end users during applicable inventory workflows
Because permission labels may vary by agency configuration, this article refers to them functionally as:
Permission to access Inventory Setup
Permission to edit Inventory Items
Permission to perform inventory imports (required for the import workflow)
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Associate a Barcode or SKU Number to an Inventory Item
Important Note:
Barcode or SKU numbers are added to inventory items within Inventory Setup.
Option A: Add a Barcode or SKU Number from Inventory Setup
Select the First Due logo in the upper-left corner.
Open the Assets module.
Navigate to Setup.
Select Inventory.
Select Inventory List.
Locate the appropriate inventory item.
Select the Edit (pencil icon).
Alternatively, select New Inventory to create a new inventory item.
Locate the SKU Number field.
Enter the barcode or SKU number.
The barcode value must be typed or pasted into the field.
Select Save.
The barcode or SKU number is now associated with the inventory item.
Option B: Add a Barcode or SKU When Creating a New Inventory Item
Navigate to Assets → Setup → Inventory → Inventory List.
Select New Inventory.
Enter the inventory item details.
In the SKU Number field, type or paste the barcode or SKU value.
Complete any additional inventory details.
Select Save.
The barcode or SKU number will now be linked to the newly created inventory item.
Option C: Add Barcode or SKU Numbers Using Inventory Import
Barcode or SKU numbers can also be associated with inventory items through a bulk Inventory Import.
Prepare the Inventory Import template.
Locate the SKU Number column in the spreadsheet.
Enter the barcode or SKU number for each inventory item in the SKU Number column.
Save the completed import file.
Upload the file through the Inventory Import process in the Assets module.
Complete the import.
When the import is processed, the system will associate the barcode or SKU number entered in the SKU Number column with the corresponding inventory item.
Important Note:
The barcode value entered during the import must match the barcode printed on the item label for barcode scanning to correctly locate the inventory item.
Use a Barcode to Locate Inventory During Inventory Usage or Restocking
Barcode scanning can be used when documenting inventory usage or restocking within an apparatus, storage, or kit.
Open the applicable Apparatus, Location, or Kit.
Begin the inventory usage or restock workflow.
When prompted to add an inventory item, select the barcode scan icon.
Scan the barcode on the inventory item.
The system will automatically locate and select the corresponding inventory item.
Continue documenting the usage or restock.
Use a Barcode to Add Inventory to a Compartment, Storage, or Pouch
Barcode scanning can also be used when building or configuring equipment storage areas.
Open the asset overview where the compartment, storage, or pouch is being configured.
Navigate to Compartments, Storage, or Pouches.
Select New Compartment or open an existing compartment.
Navigate to the Inventory section.
Select the Scan option.
Scan the barcode for the inventory item.
The inventory item will automatically populate in the compartment configuration.
Use a Barcode During Inventory Requests
Barcode scanning can be used when submitting an inventory request.
Navigate to Inventory Requests in Inventory Management.
This can also be performed under Inventory Usage & Restock for a specific asset.
Select New Inventory Request.
Choose the appropriate board or assigned destination.
Select Inventory and then barcode scan icon when prompted to select inventory.
Scan the barcode for the item.
The inventory item will automatically populate in the request.
Use a Barcode During Inventory Receiving
Barcode scanning can also be used when receiving inventory into the system.
Navigate to the Receive Log in Inventory Management.
Select Receive.
Select the Scan SKU option.
Scan the barcode for the inventory item.
The system will automatically identify the item.
Complete the receiving process and save.
Best Practices
Use consistent barcode labeling for all inventory items
Verify the SKU Number field matches the barcode printed on the item
Double-check the SKU Number column when performing inventory imports
Test new barcodes by scanning them during an inventory workflow
Use barcode scanning whenever possible to reduce manual selection errors
Ensure inventory items are created before attempting to associate barcode values
Common mistakes to avoid:
Entering the barcode into the wrong inventory item
Typing incorrect SKU values during setup
Importing inventory without verifying SKU numbers
Attempting to scan a barcode before the SKU number is associated with the item
Troubleshooting & FAQs
The barcode scan does not return an inventory item
Ensure the barcode value is entered correctly in the SKU Number field for that inventory item.
Can I scan a barcode to enter the SKU number during setup?
No. The barcode scanning feature is not available when entering the SKU number during inventory setup. The value must be typed or pasted into the SKU Number field.
Can the same barcode be used for multiple inventory items?
It is recommended that each inventory item have a unique barcode or SKU number to ensure accurate identification during scanning workflows.
Where is the barcode stored for an inventory item?
The barcode value is stored in the SKU Number field on the inventory record.
Can barcode scanning be used across different inventory workflows?
Yes. Barcode scanning can be used during usage documentation, restocking, compartment setup, inventory requests, and receiving workflows.