# Reserved Inventory vs Available Inventory in a Cabinet Shop

Canonical: https://millbase.ca/blog/reserved-inventory-vs-available-inventory-in-a-cabinet-shop
Author: [Coby Birenbaum](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cobybirenbaum/)
Published: 2026-10-19
Updated: 2026-10-19
Archive edition: 2026-04-20

Reserved inventory remains physically on hand but is committed to a purpose.

Reserved inventory remains physically on hand but is committed to a purpose. Available inventory is the quantity the shop can still promise under its rules. Confusing the two lets multiple jobs depend on the same sheets or hardware.

## Define the states

- Record usable on-hand stock separately from damaged or inspection-held material.
- Link each reservation to a job and requirement.
- Review reservations when scope, timing, or job status changes.
- Convert reservations to issues when material is consumed or released to production.

## Worked example

A hypothetical stock record contains 120 hinge pairs, including ten on hold and 70 reserved. The remaining freely available quantity is 40 pairs. A new 50-pair requirement has a ten-pair gap even though the physical shelf holds 120.

## Resolve conflicts visibly

When priorities change, release and reassign reservations through a documented decision. Quietly taking another job's stock moves the shortage into the future without resolving it.

## Related reading

- [Inventory Management Software for Woodworking: What to Track First](https://millbase.ca/blog/inventory-management-software-for-woodworking-what-to-track-first)
- [Tracking Work in Progress Inventory in a Millwork Shop](https://millbase.ca/blog/tracking-work-in-progress-inventory-in-a-millwork-shop)

## Definitions and further reference

- [Oracle: inventory management explained](https://www.oracle.com/scm/inventory-management/what-is-inventory-management/)

## How Millbase can help your shop

### Connect material records to the cabinet job

When a component shortage or material change affects a job, start with the recorded stock and the work it supports. [Millbase inventory](https://millbase.ca/#inventory) keeps quantities, material costs, receipts, stock lots, and usage history together. Use [project tracking](https://millbase.ca/#projects) to review the associated labour and material costs, then reconcile the physical material before making a new commitment.

Ask the [Millbase AI agent](https://millbase.ca/#how-it-works) a question grounded in your workspace records. For example: *“What inventory records do we have for this material, and what usage is recorded against this project?”* You can select a project or worker, ask follow-up questions, and request [supported reports and CSV exports](https://millbase.ca/#insights).

Use the answer to locate the relevant records and investigate the exception. A physical count, approved specification, or supplier confirmation still establishes facts that have not been recorded.

## Explore the wider topic

For the broader workflow and decisions behind this guide, read [Warehouse Inventory Management for Project-Based Manufacturing](https://millbase.ca/blog/warehouse-inventory-management-for-project-based-manufacturing).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a reservation be partial?

Yes. Show both the reserved quantity and the remaining requirement so purchasing and planning see the gap.

### Should closed jobs keep reservations?

Review and release unused reservations when closing a job. Otherwise stock can remain unavailable long after the work ends.