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Organizing with Categories

Structure your parts inventory for maximum efficiency

The Power of Smart Categorization

A well-organized category system is the foundation of efficient parts management. RCManager's hierarchical categorization system mirrors how RC enthusiasts naturally think about parts, making it intuitive to find what you need when you need it. Whether you're racing to fix a broken A-arm before the next heat or planning a major upgrade, proper categorization saves time and reduces stress.

Find Fast

Locate parts in seconds

Stay Organized

Maintain order as inventory grows

Plan Better

Make informed purchase decisions

Default Category Structure

RCManager comes with a comprehensive category structure based on RC industry standards:

Drivetrain

24 parts
Gears & Pinions

Spur, pinion, bevel gears

Driveshafts

CVD, universal joints

Differentials

Gears, housings, oils

Electronics

18 parts
Motors

Brushed, brushless

ESCs

Speed controllers

Servos

Standard, micro, digital

Suspension

31 parts
Shocks

Bodies, pistons, springs

A-Arms

Upper, lower, hinge pins

Turnbuckles

Camber, toe links

Creating Custom Categories

Step-by-Step Category Creation

  1. 1Navigate to Parts → Manage Categories
  2. 2Click "Add Category" and choose parent category (if creating subcategory)
  3. 3Enter category name and description
  4. 4Choose an icon and color for visual identification
  5. 5Set category-specific fields (if needed)
  6. 6Save and start adding parts

Category Management Tools

Editing Categories

  • Rename categories and subcategories
  • Change icons and colors
  • Update descriptions
  • Modify custom fields

Reorganizing Structure

  • Drag & drop to reorder
  • Move subcategories between parents
  • Merge similar categories
  • Bulk move parts between categories

Category Organization Best Practices

Do's

Think Like You Shop: Organize categories similar to how RC stores arrange parts
Use Clear Names: Choose descriptive names that anyone can understand
Limit Depth: Keep to 3 levels maximum (Category → Subcategory → Sub-subcategory)
Plan for Growth: Create broad categories that can accommodate new parts

Don'ts

Avoid Brand-Based Categories: Group by function, not manufacturer
Don't Over-Categorize: Too many specific categories make finding parts harder
Skip Vague Names: "Misc" or "Other" categories should be avoided

Category-Specific Custom Fields

Different types of parts need different information. RCManager allows you to add custom fields that are specific to each category:

Example: Motor Category Fields

KV Rating

Number field

Turn Count

Number field

Motor Type

Dropdown: Brushed/Brushless

Example: Tire Category Fields

Compound

Dropdown: Soft/Medium/Hard

Diameter

Measurement field

Hex Size

Dropdown: 12mm/14mm/17mm

Quick Setup Templates

Vehicle Type Templates

Start with pre-configured category structures optimized for your vehicle type:

Advanced Category Features

Category Cloning

Duplicate category structures for different vehicle types

Smart Filters

Automatically assign parts to categories based on rules

Category Views

Customize how categories are displayed and sorted

Category Analytics

Track spending and usage patterns by category

Start Organizing Your Categories

Ready to set up your category structure? Here's what to do next:

Manage CategoriesLearn About Alerts