How to Return Tools and Handle Partial Returns

What is this?

When tools and parts come back, log the return here. You can return everything at once, return part of a batch, or mark something as lost. The system keeps a full history of every check-out and return.

How to return an item

Step 1: Find the checked-out item

On the Tools page, filter by CHECKED OUT status to see only items currently in the field. Click the row for the item being returned.

Step 2: Open the detail panel

The side panel shows all the check-out details: who has it, which project, when it went out, quantity, and any notes.

Step 3: Click Return

Click the Return button in the detail panel. The return dialog opens showing the item summary and quantity.

Step 4: Confirm the return

For a full return, confirm and the status changes to RETURNED.

For a partial return, enter how many items are coming back. For example, if 6 safety vests were checked out and 4 are being returned, enter 4. The status changes to PARTIALLY RETURNED and the Qty column shows "4/6". You can return the rest later.

Handling lost items

If an item is not coming back, open its detail panel and change the status to LOST. This keeps a permanent record and removes it from the "currently out" list. Mark items lost promptly so inventory stays accurate.

The full details

• Full return: All items come back. Status changes to RETURNED.
• Partial return: Some items come back. Status changes to PARTIALLY RETURNED. Qty column shows the fraction (like "4/6").
• Lost: Item will not be returned. Permanent record created.
• Multiple partial returns: You can make several partial returns over time until the full quantity is accounted for.
• History preserved: Every check-out, return, and status change is logged with a timestamp.

Tips

• Log partial returns immediately. If 4 of 6 hard hats come back today, return the 4 now. Do not wait for the other 2.
• Mark lost items promptly. Waiting just creates confusion. If it is gone, log it so the numbers are right.
• Check the PARTIALLY RETURNED filter regularly. These are items where someone still owes you something. Follow up before they forget.
• Use the history for disputes. If someone says they returned a tool, the return log shows the date and who processed it.