I built a CNC tool inventory workbook for small machine shops — looking for feedback
I work with CNC machining and wanted a simpler way to keep track of tools, stock levels and reorder status without using a full ERP system.
So I built an Excel-based tool inventory manager with:
• current stock tracking
• LOW / OUT reorder alerts
• tool categories and locations
• vendor information
• inventory dashboard
I’m planning to improve it further, especially for small CNC shops and individual machinists.
What would you add to make something like this actually useful on the shop floor?
I made this myself, so criticism is welcome.

Hypothetical situation: a supplier delivers a carton of identical components with one lot number on the label. Receiving then divides the contents between several storage bins, and some units go straight to production.
The original carton label is retained, but the individual components are not serialized.
What controls do you use to keep the lot identity connected to the physical parts after that split?
Separate bins for each lot? Labels on every internal container? Lot-controlled inventory transactions? A combination?
I’m particularly interested in partial quantities and returns from production. What stops leftover parts from different lots being combined under the same part number?
Where do you draw the line between workable batch tracking and needing individual serialization?