> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.hardfin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.hardfin.com/getting-started/start-from-scratch-in-5-min.md).

# Start from scratch in 5 min

Set up a new Hardfin organization from scratch in 5–10 minutes.

## Quick setup guide

A step-by-step guide to setting up your organization[^1] in the Hardfin platform.

### 1. Create your organization account

* [ ] [Sign in to Hardfin](https://assets.hardfin.com/) using your business email
* [ ] [Add basic information](/manage-your-account/organization.md) in your organization profile

### 2. Set up a customer

* [ ] [Create company records](/set-up-the-basics/companies.md#create-a-company) for your customers
* [ ] [Add essential information](#id-2.-set-up-a-customer) customer information (such as billing info)

### 3. Define a location

* [ ] [Set up an inventory location](/set-up-the-basics/locations.md#create-a-location) (such as warehouse or distribution center)
* [ ] [Set up a field location](https://guide.hardfin.com/getting-started/pages/ZXFt659q54cHYFv2C3MS#inventory-vs.-non-inventory) (such as R\&D facility or customer site)

### 4. Add a product and asset

* [ ] [Add an item](/set-up-the-basics/items.md#create-an-item) for your primary hardware
* [ ] [Add your first asset](/run-your-business/assets.md#create-an-asset) (enter serial number and inventory date)

### 5. Create a project

* [ ] [Create a project](/run-your-business/projects.md#create-a-project)
* [ ] [Specify details](/run-your-business/projects.md#edit-core-project-information) such as dates, customer, and locations

## Next steps

You're tracking with Hardfin!

* [Invite team members](mailto:?subject=Log%20in%20to%20Hardfin\&body=Hi%20team%20-%20I've%20set%20up%20Hardfin%20so%20we%20can%20manage%20our%20assets%20and%20projects%20in%20one%20place.%0A%0APlease%20log%20in%20when%20you%20have%20a%20chance%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fassets.hardfin.com%0A%0AYou%20can%20find%20the%20user%20guide%20here%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fguide.hardfin.com%2F%0A%0AThanks!) who need platform access
* [Continue adding data](/run-your-business/assets.md#bulk-creation) via batch or individual entry

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help along the way? Our team is here to support you. [Reach out to us](mailto:support@hardfin.com?subject=Getting%20started%20with%20Hardfin\&body=Hello%20-%20I%20am%20trying%20to%20set%20up%20Hardfin%20and%20have%20questions%20about%20getting%20started.%0A%0ACan%20we%20schedule%20time%20to%20talk%3F%0A%0AThanks!) if you have specific questions about getting started with Hardfin.
{% endhint %}

### Also consider exploring

<details>

<summary>Asset operations and project management</summary>

* [Asset movement](/run-your-business/assets.md#move-an-asset-change-an-assets-location) (manage asset logistics)
* [Project assignment](/run-your-business/projects.md#asset-assignment) (link assets to the project)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Advanced asset capabilities</summary>

* [Asset metadata](/run-your-business/assets.md#asset-metadata) (manage custom data fields)
* [Asset files and links](/run-your-business/assets.md#manage-asset-files-and-links) (upload serial records)
* [Asset accounting information](/run-your-business/assets.md#manage-asset-accounting-details) (enter costing for depreciation)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Advanced project capabilities</summary>

* [Product details for a project](/run-your-business/projects.md#adding-or-editing-product-details) (record line items)
* [Project files and links](/run-your-business/projects.md#manage-project-files-and-links) (upload contract files)
* [Project costs](/run-your-business/projects.md#manage-project-costs) (track billable and non-billable details)

</details>

*Looking to import existing data instead? Check out our* [*30-minute setup guide for working with existing systems*](/getting-started/start-with-existing-data-in-30-min.md)*.*

[^1]: Your company is an "organization" in Hardfin