Inventory software

[Rob McKee]

I think it is time for me to get a little more organized. Cleaning out my model room today I came across many duplicate kits stashed away in the back of my storage cabinets. So I decided it is time to get all of this information onto my computer so I can track what I have better.

Has anyone come across a good free inventory program designed to manage model inventories?

I have been searching the net and found a few but I thought I would seek the advice from those who are using something today.

Thanks in advance.

[Dr. Cranky]

Wow, Rob, how many kits do you have that you need "tracking" software?

[martinfan5]

Rob, I have been thinking about this is as well, but with less the 20 kits, I can use a napkin , but to answer your question, I think one program you could use would be a spread sheet I think. I do know there are a lot of members on here that use computer programs do keep an inventory

[Rob McKee]

Wow, Rob, how many kits do you have that you need "tracking" software?

I knew that question would come up. Honestly I really don't know how many I have at this point. I boxed up 100 kits today and moved them to the basement for storage. Even that didn't make a dent in my collection.

I think I need to join plastic anonymous or something.

[oldnslow]

My daughter's after me to do the same thing, using a word document, haven't started yet. I've got the inventory sheets, everything is in boxes, but there's 78 pages and I just can't bring myself to start that project yet.

[Rob McKee]

Rob, I have been thinking about this is as well, but with less the 20 kits, I can use a napkin , but to answer your question, I think one program you could use would be a spread sheet I think. I do know there are a lot of members on here that use computer programs do keep an inventory

I thought of a spreadsheet as well Jonathan but I think there are some good programs out there that would make it a little easier to search.

[martinfan5]

I thought of a spreadsheet as well Jonathan but I think there are some good programs out there that would make it a little easier to search.

I am sure you are right, that was the first thing I thought of

[Manic Mechanic]

Plastic Anonymous??? Don't like quitters!

[DAYTIME]

I would use Excel. that way you can sort, search, and put in pricing if you wanted to.

[Rob Hall]

I've used Excel spreadsheets for mine for years...I've heard of other people using an Access database. I give each I kit I buy an inventory id, a box id and storage unit id (when they get transferred from the house to offsite storage), etc...

[Der Bugmeister]

Check this one out. It was originally intended for inventorying tools and workshop items, but seems pretty adaptable.

http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=11.msg19#msg19

[vypurr59]

Google docs has a free spreadsheet program.

[jcbigpaw]

Should be real easy to set up an excel spreadsheet for this.

[ChrisR]

I use an Excel spread sheet for my collection of over 2 200 models. I list them under model manufacturer, kit number, description, date of purchase, cost price and for interest current value (from actual sales on auctions or model shop catalogues). The search facility makes it easy to find anything you look for.

[58 Impala]

Like several of you, I did an inventory a few years ago on paper and transferred it to an Excel spreadsheet. I came up with my own way of categorizing everything. Once you get one set up it's easy to keep it updated.

[mikemodeler]

I would use Excel. that way you can sort, search, and put in pricing if you wanted to.

This is what I have done for the last 15 years. I categorize them and use the filter function to sort them in several different ways to identify duplicates, kits that are opened vs. sealed, sell vs. keep, etc.

[crazyjim]

I just keep track of my kits in a MS Word file.

[bbowser]

I made up an Excel spreadsheet for mine, a little over 200 kits not counting partials. Like others have said it's pretty easy to set up and filter/sort for what you want.

[darquewanderer]

That's an interesting program Clay. Now if only someone would do one in OpenSource or OfficeLibre.

[vypurr59]

openoffice.org is an open source word/excell program software. Free and easy, all docs are compatable with microsoft produsts as well

[Rob McKee]

Thanks everyone for all of the tips.

It sounds like Excel would be the best solution.

[mopar68]

You might already be aware, but if you do use Excel, a template might make it easier

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/excel2007/14.2

[my66s55]

That's an interesting program Clay. Now if only someone would do one in OpenSource or OfficeLibre.

You want to use LibreOffice? It's simple. Just make your own. If you want to add pictures, just drag and drop. Here's mine:

[moparmagiclives]

I guess I never though about having enough to need to Inventory, you guys are pretty intense !! Cool info !

[Fabrux]

I keep an inventory of my kits in Excel. So far I only have for columns manufacturer, kit number (easier to track reissues), series (ex. Streetburner), title (## stock car), make, model, and year. I do like your system, my66s55, of keeping track of what condition its in, missing parts, etc. I think an overhaul of my inventory may be in order...