I agree with Matt. Access is a program designed for data and Excel is numbers spreadsheet. Although I use Excel for stuff it was not intended for because I know it so well.
I downloaded the yard master program and was able to open it and input some sample entries. However when it came time to close, the program came back and stated the free trial was over and I could purchase it if I desired.
So what's so free about this tool?
To ward off comments, regarding if I selected the right one, Yes I did select the field for the "free" application.
@Allegheny posted:I downloaded the yard master program and was able to open it and input some sample entries. However when it came time to close, the program came back and stated the free trial was over and I could purchase it if I desired.
So what's so free about this tool?
To ward off comments, regarding if I selected the right one, Yes I did select the field for the "free" application.
On their home page ( http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/ ) it tells what's added if you register the shareware program. Being it's shareware I'm sure it will always nag you to purchase.
In spite of what was said about database programs, I use Excel to keep inventories of my model trains, model cars, and model ships, and its done everything I want. It's easy to use and I know it well, and it does what I want. And I like to play with numbers, so the fact that I can run many different sort routines, pattern recognition, and other analysis (regression of original cost vs. my rating of satsifaction, or trending of price of locos I've bought over time) that you can't do in a database program (although you can dump from Access into Excel, of course)
The format is up to you: not just what you gather and keep about each, etc.
Thank about what you want and desing you own.
@Lee Willis posted:And I like to play with numbers, so the fact that I can run many different sort routines, pattern recognition, and other analysis (regression of original cost vs. my rating of satsifaction, or trending of price of locos I've bought over time) that you can't do in a database program (although you can dump from Access into Excel, of course)
Everyone has different levels of comfort with any program. Playing with numbers is not my thing, that is why I like my database. Easy setup, easy to use, easy to find data, easy to analyze what I have for forum posts. There are plenty of free ones out there too.
36 years of IT experience has taught me that the key is getting good data. You can write programs all different ways but without the data you’re stuck. I think that’s the case here.
A relational database with inventory from all manufacturers over the years would be key for what we want. Then a webpage(s) that everyone to use it would suffice.
People could then create their own roster by entering in the item number, then the page would populate all other data. You save your data to your own instance. Allow people to download their data for backup.
I looked at the Trainz Community and that is what they have. Plus you can buy and sell amongst others. Trainz charges 8% per transaction. Better than Ebay but not as good as here. 😄
Here is the most important thing I track, maintenance. When did I last clean the wheels, replace tires, lube the motor, change the battery and replace the speaker.
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