Inventory Software.

[Sascha]

Hey guys. My collection is getting bigger (16 Trains),and even though it isn't a lot as compared to some of you that have thousands of storage containers with millions of trains and structures, I think its time to start making a list for insurance purpose.I'm wondering what kind of Inventory Software you guys use other than the old 'Paper and Pen' one.I'm not a software wiz so I need something simple and is has to be for Window.As of now I'm using woodlands model inventory app, but I would like something a little better. I would like to add more pictures, and sort the trains by manufacturer,type and also Prefecture and Region.

 

 

[Densha]

I use a simple Excel spreadsheet for that. Just make columns for manufacturer, railway company, etc. and you can sort everything however you want. I think you can also add pictures in Excel, although I'm not sure how well that works.

[Martijn Meerts]

I currently have a simple spreadsheet as well (which is terribly outdated ;)), but I've been planning and working on an website that basically allows this. The idea is that it should become a large database and people can search for trains and just click a button to add it to their collection. If a train isn't listed, people can add it, and once they've done so, it'll be available for everyone else as well. Of course, parts will be listed as well, and parts can be linked to trains, so it's easy to figure out what the spare parts are for each train.

 

Unfortunately, my spare time is very limited, and I'm already splitting it between multiple project, so progress has been really slow.

[ozman2009]

I use an Excel spreadsheet too. Don't forget that with Excel you can put filters on columns, which is almost as good as database selection functionality.

 

Check carefully what your insurer says about replacement. I asked my contents insurer about replacement of model trains in the event of theft or fire etc, and was told in that event I'd be given vouchers on Toys R Us (LOL).

[Ochanomizu]

Hello,

 

This is an interesting topic.

 

I maintain a spreadsheet containing 7 different tables.

 

I have tried Yard Office, but I think it is old and boring interface:http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/tour.html

 

I have tried CMS Stock, but it is also boring interface and limited options: http://www.gppsoftware.com/ViewProd.aspx?P=41582C2324292128

 

Most of the products available appear to be best suited to American freight.  Perhaps that is the largest market.

 

I have tried DASH Collector Model Trains, which is an online database: http://www.collector-modeltrains.com/dash/home/

 

The problem with DASH is that everyone can add the model type, but no one manages the system.  Thus, there is misinformation, duplicate product, etc.  But it is worth investigating.

 

Currently, I am writing my own MSAccess database.  It is slow-going, but I am enjoying my first steps.  My plan is to make a database that is far more flexible and graphical than those on the market.  Perhaps I shall show you when it has evolved a little.

[Melandir]

I currently use an Excel spreadsheet with different tabs, but my collection is not yet into the hundreds so it's still manageable with excel

 

I like to know from you if you have a program to work and print Casco labels, I'm using Casco cases to better manage the space and will like to print Custom labels, but the only program I have found is in Japanese and I don't really understand how to use it....because I don't read and speak Japanese :(

[Sascha]

Thanks guys. For now I'm going with Excel than. I guess I have to wait until one of you guys made a program. Looking forward to it. 

[railsquid]

I use LibreOffice Calc rather than Excel, but the principle's the same. I also have a plan to create an online database similar to what Martijn is planning, but even less likely to ever get it started.

[Martijn Meerts]

I use LibreOffice Calc rather than Excel, but the principle's the same. I also have a plan to create an online database similar to what Martijn is planning, but even less likely to ever get it started.

 

Actually... I HAVE started it, a couple of times... But I tend to get stuck at some point or another. I've actually started working on the basics again not long ago, and I'm going to try and get a basic working version up and running. The main issue I have is that I really want it to be an international site, so both the UI and the content should be available in multiple languages, which is somewhat challenging to do in a decent way.

[Densha]

I think that using English would be fine for such a website though, but maybe that's just me. Or maybe start with English and add the option to add content later. As you mention yourself already, not only UI text but also content needs to be done in multiple languages if you're doing a multilingual website. If a description about a train is only available in German, will a person viewing the website in French see the description in German or not at all? That's a very difficult decision methinks.

[Martijn Meerts]

The problem with English only, is that Germany and Japan are 2 counties with a good amount of model railroaders, and neither Germans nor Japanese are know for their English language skills. So, optimally I'd have to start with English, German and Japanese. If I did decide to go for English only initially, I'd either have to pre-built the system to allow for multiple languages (which would be the same as actually adding multiple languages), or doing a major rewrite whenever I want to add languages.

 

As for the case where a train only has a German description and a person with his language set to French visits it, there should be a message saying the content isn't available in his preferred language, and then a set of links to other language version and possibly a link to allow them to add a translation.

 

The UI is easy to translate, and that would be the responsibility of myself (and whoever would be helping with translations), the content translations would be the responsibility of the users of the site. In essence, it'd be sort of a wikipedia where everyone can update things, except instead of an encyclopedia you have a model train database.

 

 

The problem decision though, is whether to spend the extra time up front and have something that can be translated, or go the easy route, see what kind of interest there is for the site, and do a major rewrite if enough people end up visiting it. Obviously, spending the extra time up front is a waste if no one uses the site, but on the other hand, not having multiple languages is also likely to contribute to the amount of people using the site :)

[Takahama Trainwatcher]

I use an Excel spreadsheet too. Don't forget that with Excel you can put filters on columns, which is almost as good as database selection functionality.

 

Check carefully what your insurer says about replacement. I asked my contents insurer about replacement of model trains in the event of theft or fire etc, and was told in that event I'd be given vouchers on Toys R Us (LOL).

That's a worry. The trains are one of the reasons I have contents insurance. Hmmmm.

Edited August 19, 2015 by Takahama Trainwatcher

[cteno4]

Yes it's important as as the years go on it catches up to you the value of all those sets that start to pile up on shelves. Also taking some pictures and storing them on a cd somewhere out of the house is good as insurers sometimes want other proof of what you have. Takl to your agent as some want receipts, others photos will do, others lists can work alone.

 

It can scare you as you start to add things up! Even structures can add up into the thousands. Even the Tomytec vehicles add up. I have 5 small boxes of vehicles I take to shows to pull cars and trucks from formthe club layout. One day I realized each little box was probably $200 worth of vehicles at my purchase price, many of which would be irreplaceable or a fortune to replace on yahoo.jp.

 

Cheers

 

Jeff

[serotta1972]

Aside from my Excel Spreadsheet - I use the "My Wish List" on Hobby Search to keep track of my roster.  It has pictures and lots of information - everything I have is practically in there that's Japanese of course.  I make sure to buy something from them every so often so I'm not freeloading of their website.  :)

[cteno4]

Now that's an idea I've not thought of! I've raided HS for Picts of models I have for a future do,mbut the wish list is a cool idea!

 

Jeff