Tool inventory Software

[5piecepuzzle]

Do you guys have any software you recommend to make inventory lists of tools for insurance purposes? There are a few online Cloud based ones I like the look of, but the internet here is kinda touchy, so I'd prefer a downloadable version. Any recommendations?

 

[Deej]

Excel?

 

[RoundedCorners]

Working on it. I've gotta finish up some stuff first, though. I'm hoping to put together an ios/android app + some type of cloud backup like Google or Dropbox. Feel free to PM me if there's anything features that you'd like to see.

 

[Bierisch]

I use this puppy for my sockets:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2805028

 

[dclassical]

I have also worked on one (mostly for my own use) that is web-based and also a mobile app. But it is very low priority since I am not looking at making money from it.

So right now all I have is something that I alone can use to enter inventory. I also helped my friend entered his inventory and we give access to each other. This way we can see if the other person has a tool to borrow (we are both great at borrowing/returning).

The database is MySQL and really not that hard to setup, same thing with the reports. Doing all the front end work is where I lose motivation.

I have mine setup where you can upload pictures of the tool, receipts, user manuals, ... to also make it a reference on the go.

Curious what interest there is for this to be honest...

Also I like the web/mobile app aspect since the data is saved on a server that is backed up. So it is not tied to one computer/tablet, but accessible from anywhere.

I have also started a repair tracking software but again I stopped midway due to other projects. I thought it would be nice to have a web-based/mobile app to enter repairs done with where you bought the part, the warranty, price, ...

I am not sure there is much interest for DIY (except the computer geeks like myself)... most of the time a notebook and a pen works just fine.

 

[pistolpete1313]

Working on it. I've gotta finish up some stuff first, though. I'm hoping to put together an ios/android app + some type of cloud backup like Google or Dropbox. Feel free to PM me if there's anything features that you'd like to see.

Please post when you are done!

 

[dclassical]

@RoundedCorners... I would be interested in knowing your approach.

Mine was a MySQL database and writing web services. This way you can have a web interface, and writing an iOS app (I know iOS, not very good with Android) is fairly easy as you have to write the front end but then you just call web services and get the information (or update it).

You can also easily setup alerts when a warranty is about to run out (feature I implemented and is nice - it reminds me to check if the tool still works).

 

[dclassical]

I thought I would share some features I have implemented or that are on my todo list:

- Uploading photos of the tools
- Uploading photos or PDF of the receipt
- Uploading PDF(s) of the user manual(s)
- Entering warranty information with notification before they expire
- Have multiple accounts so that you can have one or two administrators (can add/remove tools) and some observers (can only look at reports).
- Links to vendor and manufacturers websites
- Location of the tools (toolbox, cart, ...)
- Add categories (I used tooltopia categories and sub-categories), this allows for reports by categories.
- Entry for serial number
- Entry for description (I copy/paste from the website)
- Entry for notes (my personal notes)
- Entry for COO
- Entry for last date/time updated and by whom (but that is more me being a geek about stats).

I could try posting a screen shot if that could help get some ideas.

It seems like a lot but they are just entries in db tables.

Just writing about it makes me want to get back to it, but I have tons of other projects that really need my attention.

 

[RoundedCorners]

@RoundedCorners... I would be interested in knowing your approach.

Mine was a MySQL database and writing web services. This way you can have a web interface, and writing an iOS app (I know iOS, not very good with Android) is fairly easy as you have to write the front end but then you just call web services and get the information (or update it).

You can also easily setup alerts when a warranty is about to run out (feature I implemented and is nice - it reminds me to check if the tool still works).

Primarily native code and local SQLite with (hopefully) google drive and/or Dropbox to have as a backup option. I was mostly focusing on the native app since I kind of gravitate towards that side anyways. It sounds like you're farther along with the web app. Let me know if you do go for it. I'll hold off. It'll probably take me a bit to finish up the other projects as well.

Your list of features/categories was pretty extensive. I didn't think of warranties, COO, etc. I wasn't sure about where to pull the categories from so I was checking out Home Depot and Lowe's, but pretty much the same thing.

 

[RoundedCorners]

Please post when you are done!

Absolutely.

 

[m_hatcher]

I found an app on iOS called MyStuff2 that I use to inventory everything I own. It is stored in a local DB but can be exported to a number of cloud services or exported to a html report or excel.

One of the big features for me is marking an item as loaned out with details on who has it.

MyStuff2 - Home Inventory and Database by Rick Maddy
https://appsto.re/us/Qxnjv.i

 

[5piecepuzzle]

Thanks, guys. I'm probably behind the times, but I'd want something for my laptop, not phone. Excel could work, but I really like some of these other features, especially being able to drop in photos. Or being able to tell if something's loaned out.

 

[dclassical]

Primarily native code and local SQLite with (hopefully) google drive and/or Dropbox to have as a backup option. I was mostly focusing on the native app since I kind of gravitate towards that side anyways. It sounds like you're farther along with the web app. Let me know if you do go for it. I'll hold off. It'll probably take me a bit to finish up the other projects as well.

Your list of features/categories was pretty extensive. I didn't think of warranties, COO, etc. I wasn't sure about where to pull the categories from so I was checking out Home Depot and Lowe's, but pretty much the same thing.

Do not hold off for me... I started this project many years ago and it is far from being done. Mostly because it has a low priority for me (the new priority is a Raspberry Pi project with my nephew ; and finishing a tone/signal generator for iOS).

I am still not happy with the categories I have, but I am only a DIY so there are plenty of things I do not know (plus I only do repairs and almost no fabrication, so that is another aspect I do not know).

What I find takes a lot of time is doing the management of all attributes (allowing the user to add/delete/rename categories, locations, vendors, manufacturers, ...).

I am not that far into the project to be honest... the db structure is there and there is one global report, one form to enter new tools and that is it. No user profile management, no management to location, categories, no editing of tools, ... all that I do directly with SQL commands.

I will have to look at MyStuff2 as it sounds like the kind of stuff I work on (I will still do my own, but that is the geek in me).

 

[Van Steele]

I use GCstar, although mainly for my spare parts hoard, rather than for my tools.
I used one of the models that comes with it as a base template and modified to suit. The models are in XML and whilst I could sorta cobble up something that works for the spare parts, I got stuck on how to properly position pictures into the main page for the one for the tools so I never pursued that one. If only I could speak XML

 

[Tenex]

I created a separate Gmail account and keep a detailed Google Sheets document with all pertinent information regarding the tool. I take pictures of everything and send them to the new Gmail then store in a separate folder. So far it's been working great and it doesn't cost me a dime.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a spread sheet on Open Office, copy it to flash drives (with Pictures) and store them with my sister and daughter, both of whom live out of state