Easy way to inventory 1000s of components? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: rthorntn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 04:12:03 am
content: Hi,Does anyone have a (preferably open-source) way to OCR the digikey type label and put it into a database file that you can then use to check if you have a part?Beginner hobbyist 101 stuff here, apologies if this is common knowledge (it feels like it should be) as I couldn't really see anything, I foundhttps://github.com/maholli/getpartsbut that just pulls up info based on the barcode, how would I then quickly store that in some database, what database makes sense?I have a bunch of bags, mostly from digikey, with intact labels and I'm spending a lot of time rummaging through them to find one part?Thanks!

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 05:55:50 am
content: Maybe this?https://github.com/Part-DB/Part-DB-server

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 03:24:45 pm
content: Not much help, but I created an Excel spread sheet.I was in the same situation with my components being in separate tote boxes and digging to see if I had a particular value. Much like yourself, many came from DigiKey or Mouser, but I've obtained several components being thrown away at previous jobs without bar codes.My Excel database has separate tabs for different types with things but combines stuff such as LEDs in the diode tab, regulators in the "power" tab, etc... Each tab has similar headers (part number, manufacture, power, etc..), but some are a bit more unique to that type of part (i.e. Vin/Vout for regulators). Also, I put a column for "notes" which typically includes what I used the part for in hopes it helps me remember the part better.It has significantly helped me search for parts before wasting time/money ordering what I already have.Had I been a bit more thorough in the beginning, I could have included a bit more information such as package size, etc... but, as time went on, I added more headers.A really big help is the resistor section. Knowing which values, sizes, and power, has really helped.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 09:30:14 pm
content: I've run Part-DB on my NAS for a while now. It was definitely bit of work getting it set up - I downloaded about 8 years' worth of order data from Mouser and Digikey, massaged it and imported. Took a couple of days. I have about 5000 parts I think. The integration with DigiKey works great, Mouser works but is not as complete. KiCad integration is in the form of a json file that is added as a project or global library; it then uses http to a Part-DB API. Part-DB contains EDA information like KiCad symbol, footprint, and 3D model info, has links to datasheets, DigiKey/Mouser price and part # info, and parameter data that it can get from the distributors. In fact, the excellent API integration with DigiKey has had me switch over to ordering almost exclusively from them - I used to rely more on Mouser.It makes reordering parts a snap, too, in that I know I'm ordering the exact same part.[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ][ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2024, 11:24:09 pm
content: I too just use an Excel spreadsheet for 90% of my parts.Now that I'm thinking about this, it would be really nice to be able to scan the barcode on each of the packages when I receive them and have them read into a database. I get the majority of my parts from Mouser and DigiKey.

author: jerryk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 12:01:32 am
content: I get most of my parts from Mouser which makes it easy. Each order goes in a file folder and I write the order number on the tab of the folder. Folders are ordered in the filing cabinet numerically. I then can go to Mousers "parts history search" which is quite robust and just type part of the part description like "r100" or "3904" in the search block and it gives me a list of all orders that included these components. From there browsing the folders, that are numerically ordered I can find that part very fast. DigiKey is a different story since the parts search seems lacking unless I missed something.Jerry

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 03:03:41 am
content: Nothing works for everybody, but what I do is copy and paste the invoice/packing slip from the email reply I get for every order. It will contain all of the part numbers of the components. I place them in a large excel type sheet that can be searched. It is pretty easy to find out what I have, when I bought it and from who. The big houses like Mouser and DigiKey have excellent search functions in their order systems. It is easy to look for a component you think you may have ordered. I stick with Mouser pretty much because they are close, so that only gives me one place to search, but adding DigiKey would not make it much tougher. I have a pretty extensive stock of components and I was surprised at how well my half-assed little system works.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 04:02:21 am
content: QuoteIf the OP has an inventory of "1000s" of components, most likely options are scarce. The best option I can think of would be a database that somewhat automates entering the information to reduce switching hands from the keyboard and mouse so efficiency is improved.Issues I find with database is inconsistency. Usually at past jobs information is entered sometimes as R1, or R01, or R001, etc... My previous job had a horrible database due to component descriptions not having a standard so finding a component was a challenge. Or sometimes companies switch databases and information can't be entered in the same format.QuoteI agree this would be great.

author: rthorntn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 04:13:01 am
content: Thanks, I might have exaggerated a bit, maybe not 1000's but certainly hundreds.I installed part-db and need to figure out how to use it locally over https as digikey integration or scanner function wont work without it, I followed the Debian install steps which gives you http.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 06:58:42 am
content: With 4 day digikey orders and 4 day $10 PCBs from china, why is anyone (especially hobbyists) keeping hoards of stuff on hand?Do a design, buy the parts you need for that specific design, build the boards, ... , profit!

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2024, 02:20:16 pm
content: QuoteMy interpretation of the question was based on various reasons why I have an inventory of parts. My old job had two junk bins and anything thrown in them could be taken home. I'd see several bags of components, many never opened, so I'd grab them. Sometimes when ordering parts from DigiKey I'm uncertain if I'll have difficultly soldering the component, so I order a few extra. Other times it makes sense to order a higher quantity for this same reason, but also it's cheaper the higher quantity ordered.Having said all this, having spare parts on hand is always useful. One time I ordered a video converter off eBay that was advertised as working, but didn't work when it arrived. I contacted the seller, told him the issue, he refunded my money, and told me to keep the unit.Upon opening the unit, I discovered (if I remember correctly) a 1N4001 diode in series with the input of a voltage regulator (I assume to reduce voltage and reduce wattage dissipated by the regulator) was open.I went into my Excel spreadsheet, saw I had quantity X on hand of 1N4004s, went into the tote, found the bag, replaced the diode, and the unit worked.If I didn't have an inventory of spare parts, that would have been an order to DigiKey along with paying $7 (?) for shipping; not to mention having to wait on finishing the repair.Also, as stated above about taking home parts that are being discarded: some parts are expensive. I'll admit, probably 90% of my inventory will never be used and thrown away, but the total totes I have that contain parts doesn't occupy much room. I'd rather have a few thousand dollars worth of parts on hand should I need them rather than zero parts, buy them, pay shipping, and wait on finishing a repair.Plus sometimes if you're just tinkering and need to piece some circuit together, having spare parts on hand is great.Update: I also have an Excel spreadsheet on the several wall warts I have because I was sick of digging through to see if I have a certain voltage/amp rating.

author: Leiothrix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2024, 12:42:21 am
content: Quote from: Smokey on November 13, 2024, 06:58:42 amAt least in Australia there it is $60 to qualify for free shipping otherwise it is $24 flat rate.It is easy to reach that if you have an entirely new design, but if you only need one resister for example it is a bit of a pain in the pocket.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2024, 01:50:37 am
content: It really comes down to your needs, spare space, and an organizing method of your choice. Due to plethora of package types for components, having a few bins on a workbench isn't necessarily easy to do. The old days of having a bin with drawers on your workbench full of through-hole resistors and capacitors that satisfy most design needs isn't ideal now.Unless you're planning to run a store, most likely the database you downloaded or just an Excel spreadsheet will suffice. My Excel spreadsheet gets me in the ballpark. If i need a 5V linear voltage regulator, usually I look to see if I have them on my spreadsheet, if they are TH or surface mount, and then I know the part is in the tote and worth my time to search.The issue I find is that I either didn't include quantities on my spreadsheet, it wasn't worth including, and/or I don't update my spreadsheet when I use a part. Something like the 5000 100pF roll of chip capacitors I won't bother updating the quantity when I use two (plus I don't know if the roll is a full 5000 to start off and I'm not going to count them), but the lower quantity parts can become an issue if I deplete them without updating the quantity.

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2024, 09:28:37 am
content: Doesn’t digikey (as well as other vendors) provide a downloadable csv file for each order?(Not much good for stock that someone else ordered “ages ago”, but still useful.)(Maybe that was some other vendor…)

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2024, 02:41:13 am
content: QuoteI just placed an order and downloaded the CSV file for my order. Depending on the information you want, I found it basic without information I'd prefer included such as package (at least whether TH or surface mount).The headers were:QUANTITY, PART NUMBER, MANUFACTURER PART NUMBER, DESCRIPTION, CUSTOMER REFERENCE, BACKORDER, UNIT PRICE, EXTENDED PRICE

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2024, 03:45:21 am
content: Why scan labels?You probably already have all the information in your PC before you placed your order.

author: Agentfoot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2024, 07:12:30 pm
content: I use mousers inventory management tool. Its web based or an app. The app does let you scan mouser bar codes.https://www.mouser.com/inventory-management/