How and where do you keep your inventory records?

Record Keeping:

I have three systems:

1. A full color catalog page on my laptop for every item that includes model and road number, product description, manufacturers original MSRP and year issued plus multiple photos. Backups are also placed on CDs and a backup drive.

2. An Access database that I have customized for O scale model railroad items I have purchased from all major manufacturers. I also keep records of EBAY purchases.

3. A separate inventory listing of all "boxed items".  All my collection is individually boxed and carefully labelled with contents. I use cartons purchased from Home Depot which are individually labelled on the outside.

Note: My catalog pages are linked to a catalog index. These pages are HTML coded pages so that the entire "catalog" can be navigated like a web page.

See the PDF attached for an example catalog page.

My youngest daughter (bless her heart) performed a complete inventory for our insurance company a few years ago. We took photos of everything. A complete package was sent to the insurance carrier and a duplicate is kept in a safe deposit box. We update as needed.

I cannot begin to thank my daughter enough for the peace of mind.