User Friendly Inventory/Catalog System
I am using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Frontpage to create my own custom Model Railroad Inventory/Catalog. Rather than just a simple inventory list I have created a real full color catalog with multiple photo illustrations and other graphics as needed.
First I have created a "web" which runs using Microsoft Explorer. This "web" contains many web pages which describe the various models in my collection. These pages are "hyper linked" so that I can "point and click" and move from manufacturer to manufacturer or model type to model type just like an ordinary internet web site. The "web" also has a comprehensive index (and sub indexes) which allows me to select a manufacturer or model type and "point and click" again to make a selection.
Note: I can either "run" the web from my computer in Internet Explorer or make a "CD" that contains the "web" and open the CD on any other computer using Internet Explorer.
Second I have a Microsoft word "form" which I use to capture information about a specific model. The "form" allows me to create a "catalog sheet" with information very similar to what is shown on the MTH Product Locator Site. I can also add various other data such as condition of the model or current market value or any other notes.
Next I convert the form to a "catalog" web page (HTML document). I can then add any number of photos of the item or other graphics to the page. Next I add this HTML document to my "web".
I can then open the "web" on my computer using Internet Explorer and "navigate" the catalog pages as I wish.
A nice feature of this system is that once the "web" is completed it can be run on any PC that has Explorer. To use you do not need to buy any costly software to view the "web".
Actually the "web" can be run using other internet "browsers" since it uses standard HTML.
