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Inventorial Equipment: Definition and Payment Options

Find out how to define and acquire Inventorial Equipment.

Defining Inventorial Equipment

Equipment owned by or in the custody of UC San Diego that:

  • Have a total acquisition cost of $5,000 or greater (total cost includes the costs needed to get the asset ready for use, such as, sales tax, shipping and any installation costs). 
  • Is not disposable or consumable.
  • Stand alone.
  • Have a useful life of at least one year.
  • Qualify as tangible personal property (can be appraised for value).

If the piece of equipment cost(s) is less than $5,000 in total cost (including sales tax, shipping and any installation costs), it is not considered inventorial equipment and is not required to be entered into the Campus Asset Management System (CAMS) at acquisition.

Inventorial Equipment is required to be assigned a UCID number, tagged with a UCID label, and tracked throughout its life-cycle while in the care and custody of UC San Diego. Learn more about UCID tags at Tags and UCID Numbers.

Acquire Inventorial Equipment

Buy & Pay

Please follow the recommended steps provided by the Procure to Pay team.
See additional information about buying inventorial equipment: Buying Goods.

Gift

Learn how to process an equipment gift or donation: Processing an Equipment Gift or Donation.

Fabrication

Equipment fabricated by departments for use by the University upon completion must satisfy the UC requirements for inventorial equipment.

Recharge

You can use the recharge process to purchase equipment through UCSD departments such as UCSD Bookstore or Information Technology Services (ITS).

Transfer

Another UC campus or outside entity may permanently transfer inventorial equipment to a UCSD department. 

Loan

Other departments, campuses, or outside agencies may loan equipment to your department. For details on inventorial and non-inventorial equipment, see Equipment Management Basics.
Find answers, request services, or get help from our team at the UC San Diego Services & Support portal or call the Finance Help Line at (858) 246-4237.