Using Alternative Parts in Kits | CLUE Learning

Using Alternative Parts in Kits is a feature in Clue's parts kit system that lets you define approved substitute parts for any item in a kit. When the primary part is out of stock or unavailable, the mechanic can switch to a pre-approved alternative directly from the work order without calling the parts desk or waiting for guidance.

Alternatives are defined at the kit level, not per work order. Set them up once and they appear every time the kit is used. This keeps approved substitutes consistent across your team and removes guesswork from the shop floor.

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Who Is This For?

• Parts Managers define approved substitutes upfront so mechanics never have to guess which aftermarket part is acceptable. Every alternative visible in the kit has been pre-approved by the parts team.
• Shop Managers use alternatives to reduce job delays caused by stock shortages. When a primary part is unavailable, the mechanic has a verified backup option already in the kit without any additional approval step needed.
• Mechanics see available options directly in the kit when applying it to a work order. They pick whatever is on the shelf without stopping the job to call anyone. The primary part is always pre-selected so no extra action is needed when stock is available.

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How to Use It?

Step 1: Open or create a kit

Go to Parts Management > Kits and open an existing kit or click + Create Kit to start a new one. Add the primary part as usual by searching for it in the Kit Items field and setting the quantity.

Step 2: Add an alternative to a kit item

Once a part is added to the kit, a search field appears below it labelled Search part to add as alternative. Type the alternative part name or number. The dropdown shows matching parts from your inventory. Select the substitute to add it under that kit item.

Step 3: Add multiple alternatives if needed

Each kit item can have more than one alternative. If you have an OEM option, an aftermarket option, and a rebuilt option, you can list all three under the same kit item. Add each one using the same alternative search field. All approved options will be visible to the mechanic when applying the kit.

Step 4: Apply the kit to a work order and select an alternative

When the kit is applied to a work order, items that have alternatives show a dropdown next to the part name. The primary part is selected by default. If the primary is out of stock, the mechanic clicks the dropdown and selects an alternative. The selected part is then added to the work order in place of the primary.

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Key Behaviors and Limitations

• Alternatives are optional per kit item. Not every part in a kit needs a substitute. Only add alternatives where real, approved substitutes exist for that specific part.
• The primary part is always pre-selected when applying the kit. The mechanic only needs to interact with the dropdown if switching to an alternative. No extra steps are needed when the primary is in stock.
• Alternatives are defined in the kit, not per work order. Once set up in the kit, alternatives appear automatically every time that kit is applied. There is no need to configure them per job.
• Applying a kit is a one-time copy to the work order. Editing alternatives in the kit after a work order has been created does not change the parts already on that work order.
• This feature is currently in beta. Alternative parts in kits will roll out to all Clue users after the beta period concludes.

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Tips

• Add alternatives for parts that regularly go out of stock. If the OEM filter has a long lead time, add the aftermarket equivalent as an alternative now before a job is delayed waiting for stock.
• Use alternatives to formalize OEM vs. aftermarket choices. Set the OEM part as primary and the aftermarket equivalent as the alternative. The mechanic picks based on what is available without any guesswork about whether the swap is approved.
• Do not add alternatives for unique parts. If only one gasket fits that engine, do not add a substitute just because the field is there. Incorrect alternatives cause more problems on the shop floor than having no alternative at all.‍
• Review your alternatives whenever you update your approved vendor list. If a substitute part is no longer sourced or approved, remove it from the kit so mechanics do not select it by mistake.