> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.detailahead.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tracking detailing supplies with DetailAhead inventory

> Keep track of every product and supply in your detailing kit. Set low-stock thresholds and get automatic alerts when items run low so you never run out mid-job.

The Inventory page lets you track every product and supply in your detailing kit — ceramic coating, clay bars, microfibre cloths, shampoo, polish, and anything else you use on jobs. Set a low-stock threshold for each item and DetailAhead will alert you automatically before you run out, so you never arrive at a job missing something you need.

## What inventory tracks

Each inventory item stores:

* **Name** — the product or supply name (e.g. "Microfiber Towels (pack of 50)", "Ceramic Pro 9H (30ml)").
* **Quantity in stock** — the current amount on hand.
* **Unit** — the unit of measurement: pieces (pcs), litres (L), or grams (g).
* **Low-stock threshold** — the quantity at which DetailAhead flags the item as low.
* **Total cost** — the total value of the current stock on hand, used to track supply expenses.
* **Linked services** — tags showing which services this product is associated with.

The page header always shows the total number of items tracked and how many are currently below their low-stock threshold.

## Adding an inventory item

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Add item form">
    Select **Add item** in the top-right corner of the Inventory page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the item name">
    Give the item a clear, specific name. Include the pack size or concentration if relevant — for example, "Iron Remover Spray (500ml)" rather than just "Iron Remover".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the quantity and unit">
    Enter the current quantity in stock and choose the unit (pcs, L, or g) from the dropdown.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the low-stock threshold">
    Enter the quantity at which you want to be alerted. If you typically use two microfibre packs per job and like to keep at least four on hand, set the threshold to 4.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the total cost">
    Enter the total cost of the current stock on hand. This creates an expense transaction in your Finances automatically so you don't have to record it separately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Select **Add item**. The item appears in the inventory table immediately.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Low-stock alerts

When an item's quantity falls to or below its threshold, DetailAhead flags it as **Low stock** in the status column of the inventory table. At the same time:

* A notification appears in the **notifications bell** in the top bar of every page.
* The page header count updates to reflect the new low-stock total.
* If you have the **Low stock** automation rule enabled, it can trigger an action automatically — for example, sending you an email reminder to reorder.

<Tip>
  Connect the low-stock alert to an automated action in [Automation](/features/automation) so you get a reminder without having to check the inventory page manually. The Low stock trigger fires each time an item crosses below its threshold.
</Tip>

## Updating stock levels

You have two ways to update the quantity of an existing item:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Restock">
    Select **Restock** on the item's row when new supplies arrive. Enter the **quantity to add** and the **cost of the restock**. DetailAhead adds the quantity to the current total and records the cost as an expense transaction in Finances.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Use stock">
    Select **Use stock** on the item's row when you've consumed supplies. Enter the **quantity to remove**. DetailAhead subtracts the amount and scales the total cost value down proportionally to reflect what's left on the shelf.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## How inventory costs link to orders

When you record a restock or add an inventory item with a cost, DetailAhead automatically creates an expense transaction with the category **Inventory**. This transaction appears in the Finances page transaction log and is counted in your monthly expenses total.

When you use the **Use stock** action, the quantity decreases and the inventory value adjusts — but no transaction is created automatically. To make the supply usage visible in your per-job profit calculation, add the cost as a line item directly on the order detail page. This links the cost to the specific job and reduces that order's profit figure.

<Note>
  Inventory quantity tracking and financial cost tracking are related but separate. Restocking an item creates an expense transaction automatically. Using stock on a job only deducts the quantity — attach a cost item to the order itself to capture the true cost per job and keep your profit figures accurate.
</Note>

## AI summary

The Inventory page includes an **AI Summary** card at the top. It reads your current stock levels and highlights items that are low, shows the total stock value, and flags anything that needs attention. Select **Refresh** to generate a fresh summary at any time.