Adding Your First Item

Last updated: July 3, 2026

Every item in your collection can become a RailScanPro record: locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, structures, accessories, documents, parts, and other railroad assets. Start with one real item so you can learn the flow before importing a whole collection.

Open Asset Management

  1. Sign in.
  2. Open Asset Management at /app/asset-management.
  3. Choose Add Item at /app/asset-management/add.

The add screen gives you several entry paths. They all create an inventory record, but each path is optimized for a different starting point.

Pick an Add Flow

Flow Route Use it when
Quick Add /app/asset-management/add/quick You want a fast starter record and can fill details later.
Photo-first /app/asset-management/add/photo-first You have a clear photo and want AI-assisted recognition.
Form-first /app/asset-management/add/form You already know the details and want direct control.
Barcode /app/asset-management/add/barcode You have a product barcode on a box or package.
Box or receipt scan /app/asset-management/add/box-receipt You want to capture packaging or receipt evidence first.
Import /app/asset-management/import-export You already have a spreadsheet or external inventory file.

For your first item, use Quick Add or Form-first if you want the least friction. Use Photo-first when the markings are clear and you want to test AI identification.

Minimum Useful Record

Try to capture enough detail that you can find the item again later:

  • Category, such as locomotive, freight car, passenger car, structure, accessory, document, or part.
  • Scale.
  • Manufacturer or brand if known.
  • Road name and road number for railroad equipment.
  • Model, class, stock number, or description.
  • Condition.
  • Storage location or layout location if known.
  • At least one photo when available.

You do not need perfect data on the first pass. A useful draft is better than waiting until everything is known.

After Saving

After the item saves, reopen it from Asset Management and confirm:

  • The title or description is recognizable.
  • The item appears in the list.
  • Photos, documents, or scan evidence are attached if you added them.
  • The route back to the item works from the list or search.

Then try one follow-up action:

  • Generate a QR code from /app/asset-management/qr.
  • Print labels from /app/asset-management/print/labels.
  • Scan a QR code from /app/asset-management/scan.
  • Edit the item if you intentionally left fields blank.
  • Ask Casey where to go next at /app/ai/assistant.

Beta Testing Notes

When testing, report the smallest repeatable issue you can describe:

  • Which add flow you used.
  • What item type you were adding.
  • Whether you uploaded a photo, barcode, box, or receipt.
  • The field or screen where the problem happened.
  • Whether the item saved, duplicated, disappeared, or showed wrong data.

Report product issues at /app/feedback/report-bug.

Next Steps