Internal Shopping Cart Applet
Internal Shopping Cart Applet user guide still under progress
Work in Progress: This documentation is currently under development. Visual assets (screenshots) and further details will be added soon.
Purpose and Overview
The Internal Shopping Cart Applet is a streamlined tool designed for employees to browse and request internal inventory items, such as office supplies, marketing materials, or specialized equipment. It brings the familiar e-commerce shopping experience to internal procurement workflows.
Key Features Overview
Who Benefits from This Applet?
Employees & Requisitioners:
- Simple “add to cart” experience for internal items
- Browsable catalog with categories and photos
- Real-time tracking of request status
Managers & Approvers:
- Clear visibility into what the team is requesting
- Budget control before fulfillment
- One-click approval folder
Warehouse & Procurement Teams:
- Consolidated view of all internal stock requests
- Accurate inventory tracking
- Automated pick-lists for fulfillment
What Problems Does This Solve?
The Manual Requisition Problem: Traditional internal requests often happen via email or paper forms, leading to:
- “Invisible” demand that is hard to track
- Frequent follow-up emails regarding status
- Manual entry errors in the warehouse system
The Internal Shopping Cart Solution:
- Digital Catalog - Easy item discovery with descriptions and photos
- Automated Workflow - Requests route automatically to the right approvers
- Inventory Integration - Real-time stock checks prevent requesting out-of-stock items
Key Features Overview
Key Concepts
Understanding the Internal Selection Framework
| Aspect | Component | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Who is shopping? | Employee/Requester | Sales Team member, Admin Staff |
| What is requested? | Internal SKU / Item | Laptop Stand, Box of Pens, Uniform |
| How is it fulfilled? | Fulfillment Workflow | Manager approval → Warehouse Dispatch |
Quick Start Guide
For Employees: Requesting Your First Item
Goal: Browse, select, and request supplies in 4 steps.
- Navigate: Go to Internal Shop from the sidebar
- Add to Cart: Click “Add to Cart” on the items you need (e.g., “A4 Paper Bundle”)
- Review Cart: Click the Cart Icon to see your list and adjust quantities
- Submit: Click Checkout/Submit to send the request to your manager
For Managers: Approving Requests
Goal: Review team shopping carts in 3 steps.
- Check Alerts: Open Pending Requests from your dashboard
- Review: Check the requested items and verify they are within team budget
- Decide: Click Approve or Reject (add reason if rejecting)
For Admins: Catalog Setup
Goal: Make items available for internal shopping.
- Tag Items: In Inventory Maintenance, tag specific items as “Available for Internal Shopping”
- Set Categories: Organize items into departments (e.g., IT, HR, Pantry)
- Define Approvals: Set which managers approve for which departments
Configuration & Settings
Tailor your internal shop through the Settings hub:
- Budget Limits: Set monthly requisition caps per employee or department.
- Approval Chains: Define multi-level approvals for high-value items.
- Category Icons: Customize the visual layout of the item catalog.
FAQ
Q: Can I see what I requested last month? A: Yes, all previous requests are stored in the Order History tab with their full fulfillment status.
Q: What happens if an item is out of stock? A: The system will show a “Backorder” or “Out of Stock” badge, and you may be prevented from adding it to the cart until the warehouse replenishes.
Q: Can I cancel a request after submitting? A: You can cancel a request as long as it is still in the “Pending Approval” stage. Once approved or dispatched, you must contact the warehouse directly.
Q: Is there a cost associated with the items? A: While no real money changes hands, the system tracks the “Internal Cost” for department-level budget reporting.