What is the easiest way to track consumable parts?

I'm new where I am and we are using a very basic program for inventory. Whenever I need a consumable part I am told to look for it, and when I ask if the consumables have an area or bin location, I was told that it's tracked on a "need basis". Pretty much, if I wanna look up consumable part on the system, it's not listed, and I have to physically look for it. The reason I was told, was because then we'd have to track it. The problem with this system is that parts are fairly unorganized, and sometimes we are required to order the part we need now and wait up to a week for it to arrive. Additionally, if we do run out, we have to look up the part all over again in the parts catalog. (specific examples include pneumatic gaskets or bearing seals, not nuts and bolts)

What is the easiest way to track these parts? Should I recommend we start putting them in the system?

Maintaining a constant supply of consumables is super important.  How would you run production normally if you run out of something like hairnets, hand soap, washers, or screws?

The bin location is a really good idea, because then you can go straight to where it's located and don't have to spend time searching.  It takes time to set up, but if there's someone that can put in the time, it would end up saving everyone else time in the long-run.

As far as running out of consumables, it drives me absolutely bonkers when people see things run low or run out and don't say anything.  I've heard of ways of dealing with that such as placing a tag at the minimum level, so that when that minimum is reached, they just take the tag to the purchasing person.  The tag would have all information necessary to re-order.  Again, that's something that would take time to set up, but it would save time in the long-run.  Alternatively, the tag doesn't even need anything detailed--ordering information could be looked up on some sort of a list.  Regardless, there should be some sort of list or information saved so you don't have to look it up in a catalog each time, which can introduce errors.

I would buy some software that incorporates inventory AND work orders (so job XX takes 3 gaskets of AA size etc)

what a nightmare

appeal to the finance folks........................they LOVE tracking spending and expenses and will help you get what you need