Discovering you’re out of a critical part when you need it for a work order causes delays, emergency orders, and frustrated techs. Reorder parts flagging in Antero prevents this by automatically identifying parts below minimum stock levels and highlighting them in a centralized reorder list, so you order proactively instead of reactively.
Why use reorder parts flagging?
Manual inventory checks are time-consuming and error-prone. Walking the storeroom counting parts weekly doesn’t scale, and by the time you notice a shortage, you’ve already missed the reorder window. Reorder parts flaggingautomates this: set thresholds once, and Antero continuously monitors inventory. When a part drops below minimum, it flags automatically. No manual checks, no surprises.
Set minimum and maximum quantities
For each part in Antero, go to the Parts section and open the part details. Enter a Minimum Quantity (the lowest acceptable stock level before reorder) and Maximum Quantity (the target stock level after reorder). For example, a fuel filter might have Minimum: 5, Maximum: 20. These thresholds reflect your reorder point and order-up-to level, balancing carrying costs against stockout risk.
Red flag when below minimum
When a part’s current quantity drops below its minimum, Antero displays it with a red background or red text in the parts grid. This visual flag is immediate: open the parts list, scan for red, and you know which parts need attention. No sorting, no filtering—the red flag jumps out. This works even if you’re browsing parts for other reasons; you’ll spot low-stock items incidentally.
Reorder parts list consolidates flagged items
Instead of scrolling through hundreds of parts looking for red flags, go to Ordering > Reorder Parts. This dedicated view shows only parts currently below minimum quantity. The list includes part name, current quantity, minimum quantity, and maximum quantity. Everything you need to decide what to reorder is in one place. Click on a part to see additional details like supplier, last order date, or usage history.
Generate purchase orders from reorder list
The reorder parts list isn’t just informational—it’s actionable. Select parts from the list and click Create Purchase Order. Antero pre-populates the order with those parts and automatically calculates order quantities based on maximum values. If a part has 4 units in stock, a minimum of 5, and a maximum of 20, Antero suggests ordering 16 units (20 – 4 = 16). You can adjust the suggested quantity if needed, then submit the order to the supplier.
Prevent stockouts proactively
By checking the reorder parts list weekly or monthly (depending on usage rates), you catch shortages before they impact work orders. If a critical bearing is flagged with 2 units remaining and minimum is 3, you order more immediately. The bearing doesn’t reach zero, so the next pump maintenance job proceeds on schedule without delays. This proactive approach is the entire value of reorder parts flagging—preventing problems instead of reacting to them.
Adjust thresholds based on usage patterns
After using reorder parts flagging for a few months, review whether your minimum and maximum quantities are correct. If a part constantly flags for reorder but never actually runs out, the minimum might be too high—lower it to reduce excess inventory. If a part reaches zero before flagging, the minimum is too low—raise it to create more buffer. Antero helps you tune thresholds over time for optimal inventory levels.
Seasonal or project-based adjustments
Some parts have variable demand. Filters might get used more in summer (higher flows). Project-specific parts might spike during capital improvements. Temporarily adjust minimum quantities upward before high-demand periods to ensure reorder parts flagging triggers earlier, giving you more lead time to order. After the period ends, lower minimums back to normal to avoid overstocking.
Combine with vendor lead times
Set minimum quantities based on how long it takes to receive parts from suppliers. If a part takes 2 weeks to arrive and you use 5 per month, your minimum should be at least 3-4 (enough to last until the order arrives). Reorder parts flagging then triggers with enough time to order and receive before you run out. This alignment between reorder points and lead times is critical for effective inventory management.
Alert multiple users if needed
Larger organizations can have multiple people responsible for ordering. Make checking the reorder parts list part of a weekly routine—assign it to the storeroom manager, purchasing coordinator, or maintenance supervisor. Some plants set calendar reminders: “Every Monday at 9 AM, check reorder parts list and place orders.” This ensures someone consistently acts on the flags, so flagged parts don’t languish unordered.
Why automated flagging beats manual tracking
Manual inventory management means someone physically checks stock, notes shortages on paper or spreadsheets, and remembers to order. That person gets sick, goes on vacation, or gets busy, and parts run out. Reorder parts flaggingnever forgets, never takes vacation, and works 24/7. It’s the reliable backstop that ensures parts availability doesn’t depend on one person’s memory or diligence.
Next Steps: Set up proactive inventory management in Antero →
