When billing for quantity tools—like screwdrivers, drills, or gloves—you need to decide how ToolWatch will issue billing credits when those tools are returned.
ToolWatch gives you two options under the Project Billing Rules tab of each Cost Center:
LOFI (Last Out, First In)
FOFI (First Out, First In)
These rules apply specifically to indistinguishable quantity tools that are tracked under the same Tool Number and barcode.
🔄 What Are LOFI and FOFI?
These billing rules help you determine which tools are credited first when items are returned from a jobsite.
Rule | Meaning | When a tool is returned, which gets credited first? |
LOFI | Last Out, First In | The most recently sent tool is credited first |
FOFI | First Out, First In | The earliest sent tool is credited first |
The rule you choose affects how billing credits are applied, but both options work the same in terms of total cost and tracking.
🛠 Example Scenario
You send two screwdrivers to a project on Monday.
You send one more on Wednesday.
One is returned on Thursday.
Which one gets credited?
That depends on which rule is selected in the Project Billing Rules tab.
⚙️ Where to Set This Rule
You set the LOFI or FOFI billing rule in the Project Billing Rules tab when creating or editing a Cost Center.
Caption:
Select LOFI or FOFI under the Project Billing Rules tab to control how billing credits are applied to quantity tools.
✅ Best Practice
If you're unsure which rule to use, pick one and stick with it across all Cost Centers.
🔧 We recommend using the same rule consistently to simplify billing and reporting.