I know this might sound trivial... but how do you keep track of things in the lab?
Because 'things' come in so many sizes and shapes, as well as value ranges and numbering systems, you can't use one storage system or even ordering system for all of them. You have to be flexible.
Some of the systems I use, starting from most disorganized up to cataloged systems:
* Ziplock bags jumble-dumped in ice cream tubs and stackable cubes. The tubs are roughly categorized and labeled, the bags are not. This is mostly salvaged parts, that are not worth individually logging. Just tubs like 'medium size power transistors', etc. The ziplocks are only to keep sets of same parts together.
* For tiny SMD parts, small ziplock bags stacked in order in small cardboard boxes. Label each bag with a marker pen. Btw, did you know you can buy ziplocks in all sizes very cheap in bulk from China via ebay.
* Stackable cubes of stuff. Three different sizes of cubes (Ki-tab, and they stopped making them dammit, so no more available.) Many of these. Stuff like O-rings, big electros, small motors, toggle switches, IEC sockets, etc.
* The small B5 size product manuals & CDs that come with lots of stuff - B5 ziplock bags, upright in storage cubes that just happen to fit them. Keeps all the receipts, warranty, docs, CDs, and my notes together for each thing.
* Once I had a source of *many* of the flat cardboard boxes once used to contain PC motherboards. These are great, and I use them for a lot of stuff, on shelves and in cupboards.
* Rectangular plastic kitchen containers with sealing lids (decor, etc.) Good where you want to be able to see what's inside. Tend to be expensive for what they are, so I don't have many. Use these for high value stuff, like logic analyzer lead sets. Just found out a couple of days ago that the ones I standardized on so far are also no longer available. "Easy Store, 5L" Bugger.
* Parts drawer cabinets. Several different types. Long ago Dick Smith used to sell some really good ones, and I bought enough for a block holding all the resistor values. White plastic frame, red or blue plastic shallow drawers. Still use that. The rest are the metal frame and clear drawer kind.
* For any components where there are a lot of different numbers/values and they are naturally sequenced, I use small manila envelopes, standing upright in boxes with partitions arranged to be the same width as the envelopes so they stand in rows. This is a really good system since it allows for inserting/deleting values without hassle. Write the part number/value on the envelope; it acts like a card file system.
If the parts are static sensitive, wrap in al-foil before putting in the envelopes. DIP ICs can be stacked in 'blocks' then foil wrapped for minimum volume - can pack a lot of ICs in a small envelope this way, so the whole storage system becomes very dense.
* For the really large stuff, there's the 'fruitboxes stacked in a room' method. Good luck looking for something.
Overall, the worst problem with storage systems is that nothing good stays available. You'll start to use some system, then find you can't get any more of that container.
As for cataloging, for the parts worth doing, my preference is plain ASCII text files. Just write lists in them, and use simple search tools to find stuff. No dependency on fancy installed software, it's portable, easily backed up, etc.
Also allows for ad hoc notes on *where* stuff is stored too.
I can take pics, if anyone is interested. But tomorrow.
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