Simple inventory/product management system for selling hobby products - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 12:44:08 am
content: It's getting a bit crazy in my home lab checking inventory and working out what needs to be ordered to make products.So i'm looking for some free software to keep track of inventory for the products i make and sell as a hobby.I'm currently using a spreadsheet which works but it's getting a bit annoying and i would prefer something a bit more automated and intended for the task.The required features are really simple.It needs the ability to;- Run on windows7 x64- Free software- Store a range of products- Store the BOM for each product (with alternative suppliers)- Store the amount of stock on hand.- Generate reports on current stock levels- Generate reports on what i need to purchase so i have the parts required to make X more products. Ideally in a format i can import directly into digikey cart or with little effort, eg csv or something.I really want software that isn't crammed full of so many features it makes it impossible to use without configuring 100 of options that don't apply to me.Does anyone have any recommendations?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 01:01:21 am
content: Have you considered asking your suppliers for assistance, after all it could be to their benefit.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2014, 02:04:54 am
content: I am on the hunt too.Keep going round in circles and ending back up at Excel.I tried PartKeeper a year or so ago.It had a lot of bugs back then.I have just had a look and unfortunately the developer has discontinued support.http://www.partkeepr.org/Here is a web based one I saw a while ago.I wasn't convinced I wanted a 'cloud' solution just in case the cloud vanished...http://www.ecdb.net/about.php

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 01:01:04 am
content: Not free but inexpensive, Parts and Vendors is not too bad.http://www.trilogydesign.com/

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 02:46:39 am
content: Something like this is probably close, as for simple hard to say.http://almyta.com/abc_inventory_software.aspThe problem with this sort of thing it pretty much has to be related to a commercial package otherwise it won't have any life.I'm not using this anymore but in Canada I'd recommend a product called quickbooks. Well built robust package, excellent report system but not free.ABC is worth a try.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2014, 08:36:53 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on July 13, 2014, 02:46:39 amyeah, that does look to be worth a try.Thanks.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2014, 03:48:10 pm
content: I've used SAP. SAP is great. Good user interface. Excellent help. It is soo responsive, only a few seconds wait after each click. You only have to remember a few dozen magic numbers/codes while using it. It barely adds overhead time to your administrative work. I think it is almost free. And if you dont like it, you can just export everything, and use the data in a different system, so switching is simple. And they refund you. Implementing and custom tailoring is as simple like going through a few wizards.You should try it.

author: Neverther
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2014, 04:40:20 pm
content: So just basic WMS (warehouse management system)? Maybe some manufacturing features, but they are pretty common on those aimed to production environment (SAP has been mentioned, but its not free and I've never head anyone say anything good about it except "works good enough").Searching for free solutions, myWMS seems to pop up first.