Kernel compilation and an orderly system

Let's say I've decided that from now on I always want to work with a kernel I've compiled myself, and that furthermore I stick to the SuSE sources. I know how to compile a kernel and install the results (it's not that hard). But how do I ensure that the files created by the compilation (including modules) don't cause confusion within the rpm database of what's installed and what isn't? Paul Abrahams