I agree organization from the start, is the key. My actives are mostly in the ECG boxes by number (4 trays worth). Some transistors are in my lab vials/racks by number. Resistors and zeners are in order (except ECG zeners which are in the ECG section). Capacitors are in divider boxes by style.
My biggest headache was sorting Zeners that were a mishmash. That is when I made my setup for quickly sorting zeners. But I have not bought that kind of "grab bag" since.
When my bulk buys came in, I immediately spent the time to sort the parts by type and size.
I never used an inventory program in my watch restoration business. I am visual and I stored my material in sections that made sense to me. Mainsprings on one shelf, jewels on another, chronometer material in this cabinet, aircraft clock material in this closet, etc. Of course, sizes were sorted and labeled.
This is how I am doing the inventory in my new endeavor. Right now, several IC series are in tubes or grouped in divider boxes. Same with Op amps. LEDs and trimmer pots are in labeled drawers.
Works for me likely because I am not doing this as a business. But, when I need a part, I know where to look. I am not sorting thru boxes of unsorted stuff. That way lies insanity. And for crying out loud, do not use a tackle box!