Purpose Statement

This feature enables Fire/EMS personnel to organize and manage equipment within apparatus compartments using structured equipment groups with defined minimum quantities. By establishing equipment groups in compartments, departments can ensure standardized equipment placement, streamline apparatus checks, and support consistent equipment distribution across their fleet while providing flexible management options for adding, editing, and removing equipment assignments.

Background Information

Managing equipment groups in compartments provides a systematic approach to organizing apparatus equipment by creating logical groupings with minimum quantity requirements. This feature supports standardized apparatus configurations, ensures critical equipment availability, and integrates with checklist systems to automate equipment verification processes.

Equipment groups allow departments to define categories of related equipment that should be stored together, such as medical supplies, rescue tools, or firefighting equipment. Each group can have a minimum quantity requirement that ensures adequate supplies are maintained in the compartment, supporting operational readiness and compliance requirements.

The system provides multiple management options including adding individual equipment items, using barcode scanning for efficient identification, and managing group-level settings through dedicated controls. Equipment groups integrate with apparatus check systems, automatically generating checklist items based on group contents and minimum requirements.

The feature includes three primary management functions: adding additional equipment without affecting minimums, editing group parameters including minimum quantities, and removing equipment groups when no longer needed. This flexibility supports evolving operational needs and equipment configuration changes.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Click on Apparatus Overview within the Assets Module

2. Click on the desired Apparatus…

3. Click on Compartments

4. Click on New Compartment

Equipment Groups can also be created in existing compartments by selecting the edit pencil for the desired compartment...

5. Type in the Compartment name

6. Click on EQUIPMENT

7. Click on + Group

8. Select the name of the desired Equipment Group from the Equipment Group dropdown.

9. Enter the minimum number of items from this Equipment Group that must be in this compartment.

10 Click on Save

11. Click on the Equipment Field

12. Begin typing the name of the desired item and select it from the list

13. Selecting the barcode will allow users to scan the barcode on the item to add it in the compartment

Barcodes will need to be scanned in as the Equipment ID prior to using the barcode scan option

14. There are three options available in the Equipment Group Header

+ Equipment

Allows users to add additional items of equipment to the group without affecting the minimum number.

Edit Equipment Group

Allows users to edit the minimum number of items

Remove Equipment Group

Allows users to remove the Equipment Group from the compartment.

15. Click on Save

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Best Practices

Planning and Organization:

• Establish consistent equipment group standards across similar apparatus types
• Set realistic minimum quantities based on operational requirements and call volume
• Consider seasonal variations and special event needs when establishing minimums
• Document equipment group decisions for training and reference purposes

Equipment Group Configuration:

• Use equipment groups for related items that work together operationally
• Consider equipment replacement cycles and maintenance schedules when setting minimums
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure minimum quantities align with ordering practices

Individual Equipment Management:

• Use the +Equipment feature to add items beyond minimums without affecting group requirements
• Take advantage of barcode scanning for accurate equipment identification and tracking
• Ensure equipment IDs are properly configured before implementing barcode scanning
• Maintain consistent naming conventions for individual equipment items

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Regularly review and adjust minimum quantities based on usage patterns and operational changes
• Use the edit function to update equipment group requirements as operational needs evolve
• Remove unused or obsolete equipment groups to maintain system cleanliness
• Train multiple personnel on equipment group management procedures for continuity

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Common Issues:

Q: I can't find the equipment group I want to assign. What should I do? A: Equipment groups must be created in the system setup before they can be assigned to compartments. Contact your administrator to create new equipment groups through Setup Equipment Group permissions.

Q: The barcode scanning isn't working for equipment items. Why? A: Equipment IDs must be pre-configured in the system before barcode scanning will function. Ensure the equipment item has a properly configured Equipment ID for scanning capability.

Q: What's the difference between adding equipment through +Equipment vs. the individual equipment field? A: The +Equipment option adds items to an existing equipment group without affecting the minimum count. The individual equipment field adds standalone equipment items to the compartment.

Q: Can I change the minimum quantity after creating an equipment group? A: Yes, use the Edit Equipment Group option to modify minimum quantity requirements after initial setup.

Q: How do I remove an equipment group that's no longer needed? A: Use the Remove Equipment Group option in the equipment group header to completely remove the group from the compartment.

Q: Can the same equipment group be used in multiple compartments? A: Yes, equipment groups can be assigned to multiple compartments, each with their own minimum quantity requirements.

Q: What happens to individual equipment items when I remove an equipment group? A: Individual equipment items added through the equipment field remain in the compartment even when equipment groups are removed.

Technical Issues:

• If equipment groups don't appear in the dropdown, verify that Setup Equipment Group permissions are properly configured
• For problems with barcode scanning, check that equipment items have valid Equipment IDs configured
• Report persistent issues with equipment group management to your system administrator
• Ensure compartment changes are saved before navigating away from the interface

Additional Considerations

Integration with Equipment Checks

Equipment groups in compartments directly support equipment checking procedures by establishing clear minimum requirements that can be verified during routine inspections. Consider how equipment group configurations will integrate with daily, weekly, and monthly equipment check protocols.

Standardization Across Fleet

Developing standardized equipment group configurations for similar apparatus types improves efficiency, reduces training requirements, and ensures consistent equipment placement across the department. Consider creating templates for common apparatus configurations that can be replicated across the fleet.

Barcode Implementation Strategy

Successful barcode scanning requires proper setup of equipment IDs before implementation. Develop a systematic approach to equipment ID configuration that supports efficient scanning workflows and accurate equipment tracking throughout the department.

Minimum Quantity Management

Equipment group minimums should reflect actual operational needs while considering storage constraints and budget limitations. Regular review of minimum quantities helps ensure they remain relevant to current operational requirements and usage patterns.

Training and Documentation

Comprehensive training on equipment group management ensures consistent implementation across personnel and maximizes the system's effectiveness in supporting equipment readiness and accountability. Consider developing standard operating procedures that include equipment group standards, minimum quantity guidelines, and management protocols.