PartVault & Pick-N-Light Core Operational Processes
Follow these standardized workflows to configure hardware nodes, manage inventory catalogs, execute light-guided picking, and maintain tenant accounts.
1. Part Entry & Location Mapping
Register new electronic components or hardware items into your isolated tenant database with precise bin coordinates.
- 1 Open the Inventory Database app (`index.htm`) and click "Add New Part".
- 2 Enter Part Number (MPN), Description, Category, Package Type, and Supplier details.
- 3 Assign Location ID (Rack, Shelf, Drawer, Bin Number) and reorder threshold levels.
- 4 Save part to automatically generate 2D QR Code and Code-128 printable barcode labels.
Pro Tip: Reorder thresholds trigger automated email notifications when stock drops low.
2. Pick-N-Light LED Hardware Node Setup
Connect wireless ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Pico W nodes to drive WS2812B RGB light strips over local Wi-Fi.
- 1 In `index.htm`, open Setup → Hardware Node Configuration.
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2
Input Node IP address (e.g.
192.168.1.150) and assigned storage zone name. - 3 Link bin location codes to Node IP and WS2812B LED strip index numbers (e.g. LED #12).
- 4 Click "Test Node Connection" to trigger test LED light animations across drawers.
Hardware Note: Supports RGB color coding (Green = Pick, Blue = Restock, Red = Low Stock).
3. Kitting & Guided Pick Execution
Assemble multi-part BOMs rapidly by executing light-guided picking sequences across hardware bins.
- 1 Create a new Kitting Pick List or import an assembly BOM CSV file.
- 2 Click "Execute Pick List". PartVault calculates the optimal physical walking path.
- 3 Follow illuminated LED lights to target storage bins; retrieve specified item quantity.
- 4 Press the bin push-button or scan barcode to confirm pick; inventory auto-deducts.
Efficiency Gain: Cuts kitting assembly errors by up to 98% compared to manual picking.
4. Document Attachment & Cloud Sync
Upload PDF datasheets and CAD drawings with automatic routing to Google Drive or Dropbox storage.
- 1 Select any part record in `index.htm` and open the Documents & Schematics tab.
- 2 Upload PDF datasheets, CAD drawings (DWG, STEP, DXF), or high-resolution photos.
- 3 PartVault auto-sorts files into `PartsVault/Drawings` or `PartsVault/Specs` cloud folders.
- 4 Click "Preview File" to render CAD models or PDFs in the native in-browser viewer.
Cloud Structure: Files auto-organize into Production, Development, & Reference subfolders.
5. Tool Checkout & Calibration Tracking
Track valuable lab equipment, test meters, soldering tools, and calibration expiration dates.
- 1 Navigate to the Tools & Calibration tab inside the database application.
- 2 Select a tool, click "Check Out Tool", and assign to a technician or project.
- 3 Set expected return date and track NIST-traceable calibration due dates.
- 4 Scan barcode upon return to check tool back in and log maintenance service history.
Audit Trail: Complete history log preserves calibration certification compliance.
6. Registration & Subscription Management
Provision isolated cloud databases, manage access tiers, add team seats, and apply promo codes.
- 1 Click "Sign Up" on `pricing.html` or `index.html` to register your account.
- 2 Select Access Tier: Tinkerer ($9.99), Maker ($24.99), Professional ($49.99), or Enterprise.
- 3 Manage seats ($11.99/mo per seat) & update billing details at `subscription.html`.
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4
Redeem offer codes (e.g.
HARDWARE50,PROPACK) and download PDF receipts.
Database Isolation: Provisions dedicated
tenant_usr_xxx.db per account.
PartVault System & Pick-N-Light Hardware FAQ
Frequently asked questions regarding inventory database setup, hardware node wiring, CAD viewing, and cloud synchronization.
How do I access the main PartVault inventory database application workspace?
The PartVault database application runs directly under `index.htm`. Simply click "Sign In" in the top navigation header to log in and you will be taken directly to your parts inventory page. You can also browse directly to
http://localhost:3000/index.htm anytime.
How does Pick-N-Light hardware bin lighting work with storage drawers?
Pick-N-Light hardware nodes are IP-addressable microcontrollers (ESP32, ESP8266, or Raspberry Pi Pico W) connected to WS2812B RGB LED light strips positioned above your parts bins. In `index.htm` under Setup → Node Configuration, you map each storage location to a Node IP address and specific LED number. When generating a Pick List or testing a location, PartVault sends instant network commands to illuminate the exact storage drawer.
What document file formats are supported by the built-in Document Viewer?
PartVault includes a native in-browser Document Viewer supporting PDF datasheets, 2D/3D CAD drawings (DWG, DXF, STEP, STP), high-resolution images (PNG, JPG, SVG, TIFF), spreadsheets (XLS, XLSX, CSV), and text engineering notes. You can view, rotate, and zoom files directly within the database workspace without opening third-party CAD viewers.
How does Google Drive & Dropbox Cloud Sync organize files?
Documents uploaded or linked in PartVault automatically sync to your connected cloud storage under a root folder named `PartsVault`. Schematics and CAD blueprints go to
PartsVault/Drawings/..., while datasheets and specs go to PartsVault/Specs/.... Files are further categorized into Production, Development, and Reference subdirectories.
Can I bulk import existing parts inventory from CSV files?
Yes! Inside the database app (`index.htm`), navigate to the Data Tools & Import tab. Click "Import CSV" to upload your existing spreadsheet. Our intelligent column mapper will pair your fields (MPN, Description, Quantity, Location, Supplier) and bulk-register thousands of parts in seconds.
How do QR codes and barcode scanning streamline part lookups?
PartVault automatically generates 2D QR codes and Code-128 barcodes for every part and location record. You can print labels directly onto standard thermal label paper. Scanning a barcode with any USB or Bluetooth scanner instantly opens the part record or completes a pick/checkout transaction.
Subscriptions, Registration & Billing FAQ
Everything you need to know about user registration, access tiers, multi-user seats, promo code redemption, and payment management.
What subscription access tiers are available in PartVault?
PartVault offers four clear subscription access tiers designed for makers, engineering labs, and enterprise facilities:
- Tier 1 Tinkerer ($9.99/mo): Single-user desktop access, up to 1,000 part records, standard cloud backups.
- Tier 2 Maker ($24.99/mo): Up to 10,000 part records, Pick-N-Light hardware LED node integration, tool checkout & CAD viewer.
- Tier 3 Professional ($49.99/mo): Multi-user team access (3 seats included), unlimited parts, multi-site hardware nodes.
- Tier 4 Enterprise ($199.99/mo or Custom): Unlimited seats, dedicated cloud server, custom ERP integration, priority 24/7 SLA support.
How do I register a new account and choose my subscription tier?
Click the "Sign Up" button in the top navigation bar of any page or visit
pricing.html. Enter your full name, email address, password, and select your desired subscription tier. Upon submission, PartVault instantly provisions your account and initializes your isolated database instance.
How does tenant database isolation protect my proprietary inventory data?
When a user registers or logs in, PartVault provisions a dedicated SQLite database file specifically for that account (e.g.
data/tenant_usr_xxx.db). All inventory items, supplier pricing, CAD files, and hardware node mappings are strictly partitioned within your tenant database file, guaranteeing complete privacy and zero data leakage.
How do multi-user team seats work on Professional and Enterprise plans?
On Tier 3 Professional ($49.99/mo) and Tier 4 Enterprise, team collaboration is enabled. Tier 3 includes 3 user seats by default. You can add additional team seats for $11.99/mo per seat directly from the Subscription Management page (`subscription.html`). Team members log in with their own credentials while sharing the organization's central inventory database.
How do I redeem special offer promo codes or discount coupons?
Navigate to `subscription.html` (or click "Subscription & Billing" in the navigation bar). Under the "Special Promotional Offers" section, locate the promo redemption box. Enter your code—such as
HARDWARE50 (50% off hardware nodes), PROPACK ($20 off Professional tier), MAKER20 (20% off Maker plan), or ANNUAL30 (30% off annual plan)—and click "Redeem Code" to instantly apply discount credits to your account.
Can I upgrade, downgrade, or cancel my subscription plan anytime?
Yes! You can change your access tier or cancel your subscription anytime with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees. Upgrades take effect immediately with prorated billing adjustments. You can switch tiers or manage your plan directly on
subscription.html.
How do I update billing card information and download invoice receipts?
Visit `subscription.html`. Under "Billing & Payment Method", click "Update Payment Method" to edit your credit card details, expiration date, and billing address. Below that, under "Billing History & Invoices", you can view all past monthly transactions and click "Download PDF Receipt" for tax and expense accounting.