Enable automatic requests for low-stock inventory items

Automatically generate order requests for specific inventory items once their quantity falls to or below the minimum stock level. This proactive approach ensures a continuous supply chain for your lab.

How it Works

1. Select a Lab and go to the Inventory module.
2. Click on the item name.
   
3. Click Edit Item.
   

4. Fill in the Min to Stock field, the Max to Stock field (optional), then turn on the Auto-Request When Low toggle. Click Save Changes.

   If auto-requests are enabled without a minimum quantity to stock, a minimum quantity of 0 is assumed. When on-hand quantity reaches 0, an automatic request will be created.
   

5. When the inventory item falls at or below the minimum stock level, an automatic request will be created and appear in the New tab of the Requests module by QBot.

   If there is no max stock level set, the automatic request will be created for a quantity of 1. If there is a max stock level set, the automatic request will be created for the quantity needed to reach the maximum stock level.
   

6. Approve and order the item as usual.

Enable automatic requests for multiple items

1. Follow the instructions above to set minimum stock and maximum stock level for items (maximum level is optional).
2. In the Inventory module, select the checkboxes next to the items.
3. Click Group Actions and choose Enable Auto-Request.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if an automatic request is created, and the on-hand quantity is further reduced?

• If an automatically created request is already in New or Pending status, a subsequent request will not be created for further quantity reductions. This prevents duplicate requests for the same low-stock event.

What happens if an automatic requests are enabled without a minimum quantity to stock set?

• If auto-requests are enabled without a Min to Stock set, a minimum quantity of 0 is assumed. When on-hand quantity reaches 0, an automatic request will be created.

Who does an automatic request come from, and who is it requested for?

• Request From: All automatically generated requests will be created from QBot.
• Requested For: The request will be automatically Requested For the Item Owner. However, users retain the ability to change the Item Owner in the request's details panel if needed. To do so, click on the item name, then click the name next to Requested by and select a name.
  

What information is automatically populated in the generated request?

• The new request is automatically populated with relevant details pulled directly from the linked inventory item, minimizing manual data entry.

How will users identify an automatically created request?

• Automatically created order requests will be clearly identified using:
  • A distinct Auto Request icon.

  • Requested from QBot.