Update Material Block: Inventory Consumption Tracking in Ontraccr
🔄 Update Material Block: Inventory Consumption Tracking in Ontraccr
Overview
Ontraccr’s Update Material block allows you to automatically debit, add, or transfer inventory based on user input in forms and boards. This is key for maintaining real-time inventory levels without manual updates.
This article explains how to use the Update Material block to track consumption and restocking during workflows like daily logs, purchase orders, and work orders.
🧱 What Is the Update Material Block?
It’s a workflow step that connects to a material table field and performs actions on inventory, such as:
- Subtracting quantities (e.g., for used materials)
- Adding quantities (e.g., for received inventory)
- Transferring quantities between locations
📌 Tip: This automates inventory updates based on actual form submissions.
🔧 How to Configure It
- In your workflow builder, add the “Update Material” step.
- Configure the block to map to the material table field on your form or board.
- Choose your update mode:
- Subtract – for consumption
- Add – for deliveries or restocks
- Transfer – move between locations
📉 Example: Daily Log – Subtract Used Materials
- A technician submits a daily log and enters materials used from their truck.
- The material table captures item and quantity.
- The Update Material block subtracts those quantities from the truck inventory.
Timeline Entry:
“5x Tech Cable debited from Truck 3 (via Daily Log, May 12)”
📦 Example: Purchase Order – Add to Inventory
- A PO form includes a material table of items received.
- The Update Material block is set to Add.
- Quantities are added to warehouse or job site stock levels.
🔁 Example: Internal Transfer
- A supervisor submits a transfer form from “Warehouse A” to “Truck 2.”
- The Update Material block transfers quantity from one location to another.
📌 Transfer requires location fields to be correctly configured.
📜 All Updates Are Logged
Every action performed by the Update Material block is:
- Reflected in the material’s quantity totals
- Recorded in the Timeline audit trail
🧠 Use Cases
- Ensure daily logs reflect accurate depletion of field stock
- Automate inventory replenishment after delivery
- Track movements between storage sites and job vehicles