Understanding Stock Levels
The MHS Partner Portal provides comprehensive stock information from multiple sources. Understanding how stock levels work will help you make informed ordering decisions.
Stock Sources Overview
The portal displays stock information from two main sources:
Perth Warehouse (MHS Local Stock): - Parts physically held in MHS Perth warehouse - Available for immediate processing and shipping - Highest priority for order fulfillment - Real-time availability updates
Supplier Network (Extended Inventory): - Parts available from suppliers like Stauff - Extended product catalog beyond local stock - Longer lead times but broader availability - Competitive pricing options
Stock Level Indicators
Visual Stock Indicators:
Green - In Stock: - ✅ Sufficient quantity available locally - Ready for immediate shipping - No delays expected
Yellow - Low Stock: - ⚠️ Limited quantity available locally - May require partial fulfillment - Consider ordering soon
Orange - Partial Availability: - 🟡 Some quantity available locally - Remainder available from suppliers - Mixed fulfillment timeline
Red - Out of Stock: - ❌ Not available locally - Check supplier availability - Longer lead times expected
Blue - Supplier Only: - 🔵 Available from supplier network - Special order processing - Extended delivery timeline
Understanding Stock Displays
Perth Warehouse Stock Display:
The system shows detailed local stock information:
Available Locally: - Exact quantity available for immediate shipping - Located in MHS Perth warehouse - Processed same-day or next-day
On Hand vs. Available: - On Hand: Total quantity in warehouse - Allocated: Reserved for other orders - Available: Free quantity you can order
Stock Progress Bar: When viewing detailed stock: - Visual representation of stock levels - Green/Yellow/Red based on percentage remaining - Helps assess urgency of ordering
Quantity-Specific Availability:
When you specify a quantity, the system provides specific feedback:
Can Fulfill All Locally: - ✅ Green message: Full quantity available in Perth - Immediate processing and shipping - No backorder concerns
Partial Local Availability: - ⚠️ Orange message: Only X of Y pieces available locally - Shows exact shortfall amount - Suggests checking supplier stock
None Available Locally: - ❌ Red message: No local stock available - Recommends supplier stock checking - Full backorder situation
Supplier Stock Integration
Stauff Supplier Integration:
The portal integrates directly with Stauff supplier systems:
Automatic Checking: - For hydraulic parts (H-series), system auto-checks Stauff stock - 4-second countdown before automatic check - Can check immediately or cancel
Manual Checking: - “Check Stauff Stock” button on all parts - Real-time supplier inventory lookup - Pricing and availability comparison
Supplier Stock Results: - Current supplier inventory levels - Supplier pricing information - Estimated delivery timeframes - Direct add-to-cart functionality
Mixed Orders: You can combine local and supplier items in one order: - Clear separation in order confirmation - Different delivery timelines communicated - Professional fulfillment coordination
Backorder System
What are Backorders: When you order more than locally available: - System accepts the full quantity - Available items ship immediately - Remaining items ordered from suppliers - Professional communication throughout
Backorder Process: 1. Order Placed: Full quantity accepted 2. Stock Validation: System separates available vs. backorder 3. Email Communication: Clear breakdown of what ships when 4. Supplier Coordination: Automatic ordering from suppliers 5. Fulfillment: Items ship as they become available
Backorder Benefits: - Never have to split orders manually - Immediate fulfillment of available items - Professional handling of supplier coordination - Complete transparency on delivery timelines
Special Stock Situations
Airbag Parts: Special handling for airbag components: - Must be ordered before 11 AM on weekdays - Countdown timer on dashboard - Special shipping requirements - Priority processing
BOM (Bill of Materials) Items: For kit parts and assemblies: - Stock checked for all components - Availability displayed for complete assembly - Component-level stock breakdown available - Build quantity calculations
Custom Parts: For special order items: - Extended lead times - Special pricing considerations - Additional approval requirements - Direct communication with suppliers
Reading Stock Information
In Search Results: - Stock status badges on each part - Quick availability overview - Click for detailed stock information
In Part Details: - Comprehensive stock breakdown - Perth warehouse specifics - Supplier availability options - Quantity-specific calculations
In Cart: - Real-time stock validation - Warnings for insufficient stock - Backorder notifications - Alternative suggestions
At Checkout: - Final stock verification - Clear separation of available vs. backorder items - Delivery timeline estimates - Final confirmation before ordering
Stock Management Best Practices
Planning Your Orders:
Check Stock Before Ordering: - Review availability before adding to cart - Consider lead times for planning - Check both local and supplier stock
Quantity Considerations: - Order based on actual need vs. stock levels - Consider minimum order quantities - Plan for future maintenance needs
Timing Your Orders: - Order high-usage items when stock is low - Plan around supplier lead times - Consider airbag cutoff times
Working with Backorders:
Understanding Backorders: - Not a failure - a professional service - Ensures you get the quantities needed - Automatic supplier coordination
Planning Around Backorders: - Critical items: Order when stock is yellow - Routine items: Can safely backorder - Emergency needs: Check supplier stock first
Communication: - Email updates on backorder status - Delivery timeline estimates - Proactive communication for delays
Troubleshooting Stock Issues
Stock Levels Seem Wrong: - Refresh the page for current levels - Stock updates continuously throughout the day - High-demand items may change quickly - Contact MHS if you suspect errors
Can’t Find Stock Information: - Ensure you’re viewing part details (not just search results) - Stock info requires login to see account-specific levels - Try different browser if information isn’t loading
Conflicting Stock Information: - Part details page is most accurate - Search results may show simplified status - Cart validation provides final verification - Contact support for clarification
Supplier Stock Not Loading: - Check internet connection - Supplier systems may be temporarily unavailable - Try again in a few minutes - Use alternative suppliers if urgent
Mobile Stock Viewing
Mobile-Optimized Display: - Touch-friendly stock indicators - Simplified stock status for small screens - Quick access to supplier checking - Swipe for additional stock details
Mobile-Specific Features: - Tap to expand stock details - Quick supplier stock checking - One-touch add to cart with stock validation - Push notifications for stock updates
Integration with Other Features
Dashboard Integration: - Cart metrics show stock status - Recent activity includes stock checks - System status affects stock availability
Favorites Integration: - Stock status visible in favorites list - Quick stock checking from favorites - Automatic stock monitoring for saved parts
Order History Integration: - Previous order quantities vs. current stock - Reorder with current stock consideration - Stock trends over time
Next Steps
Now that you understand stock levels:
Checkout Process - Learn to complete orders with mixed stock
Order Tracking and Management - Track orders with backorder components
Bulk Upload and Ordering - Handle large orders with stock validation
Common Issues and Solutions - Resolve stock-related problems