Home asset/inventory tracking software/database - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 02:23:44 am
content: I'm in the process of completing an inventory of my household contents (mostly for insurance purposes) as if I had to make a claim today, I wouldn't be able to compile a complete list of my things.I'm looking for suggestions on what you guys use. I started a spreadsheet, but I can see how it would becoming messy very quickly.At the very least, I need to track:- Item make/model/serial- Item value- Purchase information (invoice number, date, supplier)- Item location (some small items are "assigned" to storage boxes)- Write-off/disposal information

author: Ground_Loop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 02:58:14 am
content: I use Microsoft Access database. A database, in my opinion is far less susceptible to accidental corruption than a spreadsheet. And the data can be ordered/presented/updated much more intuitively.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 03:39:27 am
content: A video of the house content in-place is what I use. Not only can it serve as inventory, it can also serve as proof of ownership of such item and that such item was in the house when fire/flood/thief occurred.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 03:44:41 am
content: Quote from: Ground_Loop on February 23, 2021, 02:58:14 amI should also point out, I don't use Windows. All Linux here.Quote from: Rick Law on February 23, 2021, 03:39:27 amGood idea. Ideally the system should allow for photos/videos to be added as part of the item.

author: Foxxz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 03:59:16 am
content: For simple database projects like this I like using SQLite. Its a well known format and has libraries for every programming language. The database is simply a file you point the library to and whatever can read the file (write access requires write access to the file and directory) can access it. Pictures could be stored in the database but I'd rename them to a hash and store that in the database. Then use python, java, or whatever to build the database.I'd probably use libreoffice calc if you're not looking to program anything. While you can put images in the spreadsheet I'm not sure that would be the best idea.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 05:48:47 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on February 23, 2021, 03:44:41 amThen use the Openoffice (or whatever it is called today) equivalent. OTOH a spreadsheet allows to produce a total value more quickly. BTW: my guess is that clothes will make up most of the value of your belongings by far.

author: hli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 10:49:49 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 23, 2021, 05:48:47 pmBooks. By far the most expensive of my belongings to get back if something happens (not counting things like photos which you cannot get back).

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 23, 2021, 11:44:38 pm
content: Quote from: hli on February 23, 2021, 10:49:49 pmFor me it would be computer hardware. both a rack full of servers and other gear and my vintage computer/parts collection. I'm not going to bother going to the effort of individually cataloging every part individually (otherwise I'll be there forever), rather I have sorted them into numbered boxes/bins which will list the overall contents and estimated value. I reckon I'd have a good $2000 worth of old PCI video cards/3D accellerators alone.

author: Ground_Loop
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2021, 12:22:34 am
content: I should also add that as stated above, a walk and talk video is usually good enough for insurance carriers, at least in the U.S.