The DataModes SERIALIZED INVENTORY module is used, in conjunction with the standard inventory control system, to track individual parts by serial number. The serialized items are received into inventory through an inventory control receiving screen, which also logs the individual items by serial number in a special serialized inventory master file. From the time the equipment is shipped, the installation master file tracks the customer, the invoice number, the invoice date, and amount of the invoice along with the corresponding serial number and part number of the piece of equipment. The installation records are useful for tracking where the equipment is installed, and aids in marketing services to the installed base of equipment. Serialized Inventory can also be used with the Service Dispatch and Maintenance Contract modules.