Setting up Containers

The new all_inbox Containers feature allows you to know the content of a transport case without needing to open it, speed up the warehouse’s processes by booking a combination of items packaged together with one click/scan, as well as track serial numbers, so you know exactly where every piece of equipment is or was.

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How it works

Easily check the content of your Containers

After setting up your Containers, simply scan their QR code to see what's inside. You no longer have to check your equipment one by one manually while packing. This is especially useful when dealing with transport cases that contain a lot of adapters, small items, and accessories.

Speed up the warehouse’s processes by booking a combination of items packaged together with one click/scan

When packing your equipment before a project, scan the QR code of your Container to change its content from status to status. There is no need to scan items individually, so packing processes are much quicker, there is less room for mistakes, and fewer chances of damaging expensive equipment.

Track serial numbers 

After you’ve set up and sealed your Containers, Rentman will automatically track the contents (both serialized and bulk) of your Containers during transport and even between projects.

Example Imagine you’re at an event with 6 semi-trailer trucks of gear, and you need to find a small adapter. Previously, you would need to manually check every transport case to find it.

With Containers, this can easily be done in 3 steps. 

  1. In the Rentman Mobile App, open the all_inbox Containers module.
  2. Enter the name of the item you are searching for.
  3. In the search results, you will see which Container has the item.

Pack loose items in your Containers 

Pack a combination of loose items (like cables) in a transport case and track its contents throughout a project, so you’re always aware of which items are in which transport case during the build-up of an event. Then, print a label with the contents of the transport case and attach it, to make it clear for everyone.

Adding a new Container

There are four different ways of adding Containers to your database. Depending on your process in the warehouse, you can choose the approach that fits you the most.

In the app’s warehouse module:

    1. When returning equipment to your warehouse, go to the Warehouse moduleBook return > Select the project > Start booking.
    2. Click on the + next to Containers (on location) > Add new.
    3. Enter the name of your Containers, and add all other relevant information (who packed it, where it is located in the warehouse, etc.). You can add Extra input fields to your Containers to track more needed information.
    4. Assign a QR code to your newly created Container to help you with the scanning and tracking of your Containers.  
    5. Start scanning the items that you would like to add to the Containers in the Content tab, then click on the Lock icon to seal the Containers when you’re done. 

This is the most convenient way to add Containers during busy periods, as it can be done at the same time you're packing equipment in your warehouse. It is ideal if you are familiar with booking equipment in and out of their warehouse already.

In the app's containers' module:

    1. Go to the mceclip0.pngContainers module.
    2. Click on the + under the scanning iconAdd Container.
    3. Enter the name of your Container, and add all other relevant information (who packed it, where it is located in the warehouse, etc.). You can add Extra input fields to your Containers to track more needed information.
    4. Assign a QR code to your newly created Container to help you with the scanning and tracking of your Container.  
    5. Start scanning the items that you would like to add to the Container in the Content tabthen click on the Lock icon to seal the Container when you’re done. 

In the desktop's warehouse module:

    1. When returning equipment to your warehouse, go to the Warehouse module > Select the project > Book return > Start to book.
    2. Click on the + Add Container in the Containers Block > Add new.
    3. Enter the name of your Container, and add all other relevant information (who packed it, where it is located in the warehouse, etc.). You can add Extra input fields to your Containers to track more needed information.
    4. Assign a QR code to your newly created Container to help you with the scanning and tracking of your Container. 
    5. Start scanning the items that you would like to add to the Container, then click on the Lock icon to seal the Container when you’re done. 

In the desktop Containers' submodule:

    1. Go to the Warehouse module > mceclip0.pngContainers.
    2. Click on + Add Container.
    3. Enter the name of your Container, and add all other relevant information (who packed it, where it is located in the warehouse, etc.). You can add Extra input fields to your Containers to track more needed information.
    4. Assign a QR code to your newly created Container to help you with the scanning and tracking of your Container. 
    5. Start scanning the items that you would like to add to the Container in the Content tab, then click on the Lock icon to seal the Container when you’re done. 

Assigning QR codes to your Containers

Like all equipment in Rentman, a QR is going to be automatically generated in Rentman if you don’t decide to add your own. You still can add your QR code to your Container at a later time by going to your Container's information and changing the one Rentman generated automatically.

Edit a QR code in the app:

  1. Go to the Warehouse moduleBook return → Select the project → Start to book.
  2. Slide the Container to the left > Details.
  3. Go to the Details tab > Edit QR codes.
  4. Scan the QR code of your Container.

Edit a QR code to the Container on your desktop:

  1. Go to the Warehouse module > mceclip0.pngContainers.
  2. Double-click on a Container to edit it.
  3. Click on + Add QR-codes and scan the QR code of your Container.

Print QR-code labels for Containers

Now that you’ve added your Containers to Rentman, it's time to print your QR-code labels. Scan these labels to see what’s inside your transport case and book the contents of your transport cases without needing to open them.

On your desktop: 

  1. Go to the Warehouse module > mceclip0.pngContainers.
  2. Select the Containers you need to print QR codes for > More actions … > Create a document.
  3. Select your document template and letterhead > Generate > Print.

Stick the new QR codes on your transport cases, et voilà! They’re ready to be used on upcoming projects!

Using Containers in your projects

Now that you know how to create your Containers, let’s start using them on upcoming projects. 

Using Containers on your already existing projects   

  1. Start by creating a new project and adding all the equipment you need.
  2. When it’s time to pack and load equipment, go to the Warehouse module and select the project to start booking your items.
  3. Then, scan the QR code of the Container to change its content’s status.

Changing your equipment's quantity in your Containers

To help speed up the packing process, you can simply double-click on the quantity column in the content tab of your Container, and manually adjust the quantity of one equipment. 

Example Imagine you want to add 100 cables to your Container. Simply unseal it (if already sealed), double click on the quantity you'd like to change, and replace it with the new quantity. No need to scan them all individually anymore!

Using your Containers while on location 

When your Container arrives at the location of the event, your crew will most likely empty all the Containers from their content. We strongly recommend you empty and remove the items from your Containers in Rentman as well.

Unseal and empty a Container in the app

Emptying Containers is something very easy to do in the app:

  1. Slide the Container to the right to unseal it. 
  2. Click on the pencil icon create  > More actions ...> Empty Container

You also have the option to unseal and empty all of your Containers at the same time:

  1. Click on More actions ... On the top right of your screen.
  2. Select Containers: Break seals and empty.

FAQs

What's the difference between Containers and virtual/physical combinations?
A Container is an individual package that contains different equipment items over time. The Container is not an equipment item, but rather a combination of different equipment with specific serial numbers assigned to it. You can't plan a Container!
How do I replace items in a Container?
Since you have the option to seal and unseal your Containers in Rentman as you would in real life, when your Container isn't sealed in Rentman, you can add or remove items inside. Let's say you're packing all your equipment for your project and realize that you're missing a set of cables. Simply unseal your Containers, scan them inside, and seal them back.
Can you put virtual & physcial combinations inside of a Container?
Yes, you can. Physical combinations are considered as one piece of equipment containing other items, and adding virtual combinations to a Container simply means adding your equipment in your Container straight away, since virtual combinations are not seen as one physical item in Rentman.
Can you put a Container inside a Container?
No, you can't. But if you consider this a very important feature, you can add your feedback regarding this in our Public Roadmap.
When should I add my Containers?
Adding a new Container is not only something that you can do while returning equipment, but also something you can do anytime that fits your process the most. 
Why should I seal my Containers?
After sealing a Container in Rentman, its content cannot be changed any more until you unseal it. Therefore, your crew will know that the content remains the same as when it was sealed. The next time you want to use the Container, simply scan the QR code to see what's inside.
When should I add QR codes to my Containers?
We recommend adding your QR code as soon as you have created the Container to make sure you don't forget it in the future. QR codes are essential for tracking your Containers.
I don't have a printer to print my QR codes
Rentman sells pre-printed sheets of QR codes for our customers. You can order the stickers by emailing us at support@rentman.io with your order, quantity, size, and address. Read more about quantities and sizes, as well as how to order these QR codes on this support center page.
Which document template should I use for my Container's QR code?
You can find a default template to use as Containers' labels in the Configuration > Document templates > Container label or in the Configuration > Document templates > Template library > Container label. You can also customize your template to make it more applicable to your processes.

 

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