|
|
Post by curtis on May 29, 2023 13:59:36 GMT
Everyone knows that Excel is not a database and thus is not really a great program to use for a database. When you are trying to store train information or just engine information that can be SEARCHED, Excel falls flat on it's face. Now Access is a database and reportedly very good. But two things come into play. Price and more importantly, EASE OF USE! If you work with databases and know the programing then there are no problems, but if not your head swells and aches to the point of a nuclear explosion. Hence why I am asking "What is an easy to use, cheap or free database software App?
Years ago their was a program called File Maker, but not the one by Claris. Extremely easy to use and setup. Had great search capabilities also. But alas, it is an old program that came on (get ready for it) 5.25 inch floppy disk. You younger ones won't have the foggiest idea what they are as they predate the 3.5 inch floppy, which predates CD's.
SO Anyone know of a program to use? What do you use to keep track of your inventory of TRAINS?
|
|
|
|
Post by keithl on May 29, 2023 15:29:09 GMT
I hear your misgivings about Excel, but that’s what I use. At least for the number of items I have to inventory, it works fine (and it is searchable).
|
|
|
|
Post by david1 on May 29, 2023 15:37:44 GMT
Beings I'm A computer Neanderthal I use paper and pen in a note book.But finding the note book to do a search is a issue.
Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by dennym57 on May 29, 2023 16:27:29 GMT
I have no idea what that is.
|
|
|
|
Post by Adam on May 29, 2023 17:50:10 GMT
You can search an excel file (look for he 'Find & Select' feature). Tt's not a bad option. Another that I use for my Brooklin collection is a website called www.hobbydb.com/. It has a database of many collectable items, trains included. You can keep your inventory here but I don't know how complete the database is. |
|
|
|
Post by ptc2 on May 29, 2023 19:10:49 GMT
Excel for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by highvoltage on May 29, 2023 20:39:16 GMT
Same here, I use it for many things.
|
|
|
|
Post by highvoltage on May 29, 2023 20:40:49 GMT
I have no idea what that is. Excel is a Microsoft product. It is a spreadsheet based application, used mainly for accounting purposes, but it has many more functions built in.
|
|
|
|
Post by dennym57 on May 30, 2023 0:59:15 GMT
I have no idea what that is. Excel is a Microsoft product. It is a spreadsheet based application, used mainly for accounting purposes, but it has many more functions built in. Oh..
|
|
|
|
Post by atsda on May 30, 2023 1:41:20 GMT
Curtis, I tried using Access years ago for another project; my head is still hurting from the experience. I use Excel for my train and equipment inventory. I list item name, maker, model and year, where and when purchased, item condition, and repair history, etc. I don't have much; however the CNTRL + F keyboard command will do the searches I need. Alfred
|
|
|
|
Post by Traindiesel! on Jun 1, 2023 3:00:55 GMT
I had used Microsoft Access for my model train inventory tracking and I really liked it. Once you set up a ‘query’ (a search of specified items in your data) you just had to select the query, such as one named ‘Box Cars’, and all the box cars in your database would be separated into one list. You could search for anything you wanted, like diesels, Lionel, buildings, etc., whatever you entered into the main database.
But in 2010 we switched to Apple products so I wanted to operate with their products, especially since my inventory info could be stored in iCloud and be available through all our devices (iMac, iPad &iPhones).
For the Apple Operating System I discovered FileMaker Pro. It is similar to Access and the learning curve wasn’t too difficult. It had an iPhone/iPad app called FileMaker Go that would mirror the database, which was great for having my inventory with me on my phone at train shows and hobby shops. The problem was they updated their software so often that if you waited past too many upgrade versions the newer upgrade wasn’t compatible with the older version, so you had to purchase the program all over again for even higher cost. Each upgrade cost around $180 so I held onto my current version as long as possible. Also, after a while Filemaker wouldn’t support the older versions and the files would corrupt.
After dealing with that problem I just downloaded my inventory to Numbers, Apple’s version of Excel. Like Excel, I could search for info in the file but I got use to doing it with one click in Filemaker and Access. They were more efficient in my opinion.
Right now I downloaded an inventory program from the Apple App Store for iMac called Under My Roof. With it you can inventory everything in your home, including collections such as model trains. You can inventory receipts, warranties and even heirs for each item you include. It cost $25 per year after a 10 day free trial, with that you get all the future updates. Its format is a little different and I’m in the process of working with it for my trains first.
Now that you can run Microsoft programs on Apple computers I could even go back to Access if I need/want to. But I’m sure it’s a lot different since I last used it in 2010. I still have my HO and N Scale inventory in Access on an old laptop.
|
|
|
|
Post by redjimmy1955 on Jun 1, 2023 15:01:47 GMT
Mr. Atsda hit the nail square on the head. I also use Excell for my train inventory and it is the "schizzle" best cheapie program to use and enhance. I have all of the same catagories as ATSDA and of course, I could add thousands more.
Let me add that one can insert pictures of a favorite loco, or grandson holding favorite loco just before he throws it a la Sandy Koufax (just kidding Sandy).
I heartily encourage even computer semi-literates like myself to give it a try. Once you get a small hang of it.....you'll LOVE using it. BTW.....I use a similiar Excell spreadsheet to keep track of my lawn equipment and their repair/maintenance history......which really helps at Springtime tuneup/change oil time...NO MORE GUESSING HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN.
I used to rely on Mrs. Red Jimmy to remember......now all she does is feed me and hand me a beer......lol!
|
|
|
|
Post by atsda on Jun 2, 2023 2:43:19 GMT
Post by david1 on May 29, 2023 at 11:37am
Beings I'm A computer Neanderthal I use paper and pen in a note book.But finding the note book to do a search is a issue.
Post by dennym57 on May 29, 2023 at 12:27pm
I have no idea what that is.
Denny was referring to Excel (jokingly). As time goes on, when you mention ‘pen and paper’, people are going to say “I have no idea what that is.” Alfred
|
|
gftiv
Junior Member
Posts: 85
|
Post by gftiv on Jun 2, 2023 10:52:05 GMT
Exel has a pivot table that includes a search function. Operates like a data base. There are many versions of Exel. From the starter Exel to the professional level. Most computers come with the starter level. The professional level is expensive and operates from the starter level to the data base level.
I have other things to spend my money on.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtraincollector on Jun 2, 2023 14:07:17 GMT
I just use a WPS Office for a inventory,
I have made section with O gauge sets, then another for Engines not in sets, then another for freight cars, etc., etc.
|
|
