Component Organizer Software - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: AcHmed99
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2014, 12:04:57 pm
content: I found a link to this app on another site.Workshop OrganizerFor Linux and windows.Has anyone used this before?I've been looking for something to keep track of my stock, this seems to fit the bill. You can link each component to its datasheet, catagories, price and quantity.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 22, 2014, 01:08:28 pm
content: Try ELELA:CLICK!

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 01:44:32 am
content: QuoteOh, wait - aren't you the one that is flogging this thing? Certainly seems so over in the buy/sell topic. So I am kind of lost as to how you 'recently found' this solution (as opposed to dreamt it up and now want to flog it). Maybe you could clarify your interest (or lack thereof) in this?Edit: er... perhaps you might like to consider what Wrath Of The Mods you might be stirring up by carpet bombing the forum about this thing. If nothing else, I admire your bravery

author: Ducttape
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 03:02:36 am
content: This topic makes me wax nostalgic. I remember in the 1980's there was a Mac program called Interlace (and later became Reflex after purchase by Borland) for the mac that was a RELATIONAL database manager whose UI was a work of art. There will never be, in my opinion, a relational database as easy to use. And, of course, it is gone forever. I'm secretly hoping some other codger here will remember it, but it's unlikely.Anyways, if you want to do it right (the downtown version), what's needed for true flexibility in parts management here, is a database that can handle 'links from many to many'. For instance, what if you have 555's from 3 different manufacturers or sources (many)? Plus, some of those manufacturers are the sources of more than one (again, many) of your components? That is what a database 'link from many to many' is. And now that Interlace/Reflex is gone you pretty much have to devote your life to learning any software package that will handle this situation. So it is not easy to do this 'right'.So where was I going with this? Oh yeah, I recommend just going with Excel like I do. Close enough.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2017, 10:47:16 am
content: Quote from: AcHmed99 on May 22, 2014, 12:04:57 pmOn the surface it looks ok. I tried to install it but get an error when I try to run it: "Initializing system database is fail!"

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 07:55:35 am
content: The 64 bit version would not run on my 64 bit PC.I downloaded the 32 bit windows version and it installed and ran fine (on my 64 bit machine).Having played with "Workshop Organizer" for a while, I've found it's fine for what is is but it would be better if it could do BOMs also.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 07:42:47 am
content: Released publicly yesterday. Might do what you are after.I've had this running for over 15 years now and made several upgrades along the way.http://axtsystems.com/joomla31/index.php/projects/30-cat-axtparts/44-art-projects-axtpartsThere's another thread with more detail here.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/electrical-parts-inventorymanagement-system/It's LAMP (Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP) based, web-browser interface, multi-user and very easy to setup.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 08:57:20 am
content: Quote from: DrGeoff on April 07, 2017, 07:42:47 amI've read the other thread with great interest DrGeoff.It looks really good but my Linux phobia is stopping me trying it out.I want something I can start up and use with one click.I was going to look into seeing if it can run on my QNAP NAS which I think may be running Linux.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 09:10:22 am
content: Quote from: DTJ on April 07, 2017, 08:57:20 amIt should be able to. What model QNAP NAS is it?I have an old TS412 qnap NAS here and I think it has an apache web server, php and mysql capabilities.Otherwise it's time to roll up your sleeves!Every engineer should be able to roll out a LAMP box in a short time these days as they are so handy.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 09:17:25 am
content: Quote from: DrGeoff on April 07, 2017, 09:10:22 amIt's a TS212. I might get the offspring to try and set it up for me.Cheers.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 10:24:04 am
content: Quote from: DTJ on April 07, 2017, 09:17:25 amI just checked on my qnap NAS.It should work OK. It has MySQL-5.1.73 and PHP-5.5.38 installed.You have to enable the DB and Web Server from the control panel.I also enable SSH and log in to work on the NAS on the internal network.Web docroot defaults to /share/Web/

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 11:55:15 am
content: Cheers Geoff, I've copied all of that and will gete the offspring onto it.It might take a week or so. I'll let you know how it goes.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 10:03:09 pm
content: Quote from: DTJ on April 07, 2017, 11:55:15 am

author: mstck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:05:33 pm
content: HiI came across this by accident recently. It's still in Beta and it would appear that not much has been done with it since the Beta release. As is, it might still be useful for basic storage management.http://bomer.co/

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 08:29:30 pm
content: That is neat, but IMO this is the kind of thing I'd prefer as a php/mysql application as it does not matter what OS/computer you're on it's just always available, backed up automatically etc. Very handy if you may also work from different locations, ex: have a small lab in your computer room and maybe a bigger lab in garage, with both having access to the same database without needing to install anything.I need to start organizing my stuff physically and logically myself. I have lot of bins of components, stuff I bought, or pulled out of random circuit boards but good luck finding anything specific.There was a post about a guy who made wooden component boxes, I totally need to do this but first I need to build a shed so I can make room in the garage then insulate and add hvac to the garage so I can actually comfortably work in it. Then I can setup a decent shop. I like the idea of self built boxes that way they are consistent and if I later on need more I can just build them the same way. Come out with a plan, build any needed jigs, then keep the setup handy. Could then number them, and then put them in software. Could also have the datasheets in the same software and a basic spec sheet in the box itself like pin out etc. Even simple things like 555 timers or op amps, I don't know the pin out or typical circuits off hand so I have to look it up each time.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 09:59:40 pm
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on April 08, 2017, 08:29:30 pmAnd that is exactly the reason I developed the axtparts system (see post below for URL). I need to access from multiple locations from multiple devices and also wanted data sheets, circuits, documents and boms for assemblies in there.http://axtsystems.com/joomla31/index.php/projects/30-cat-axtparts/44-art-projects-axtparts

author: bill.coghill
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2017, 05:41:19 am
content: QuoteJust had a look at this expecting a half arsed database driven spreadsheet. Wow - what a complete looking package. Support for assemblies and sub assemblies, BOMs, datasheets...I currently use an ERP program to handle parts management and BOM, but it seems to be more interested in the financials rather than being able to show how many of a thing I have and could I build 10 widgets from what I have in stock. I am going to spin up a VM later and get a LAMP stack running to give this a go.Bill

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2017, 07:26:06 am
content: Quote from: bill.coghill on April 09, 2017, 05:41:19 amThanks Bill.This is designed from the engineering/prototyping/small lab point of view, where you have a few hundred or thousand components in various places, boxes, tubs, crates etc and need to be able to put together a small run or prototype without spending 3 days searching through boxes and bags of components to find that elusive IC that you have 2 or 3 of but can't remember where you put them.You can use as much or as little of the package as you like, starting with parts, components, datasheets, stock, assemblies, documents and BOMs.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2017, 07:27:36 pm
content: Wow just had a closer look at it too, I will definitely check it out.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2017, 11:08:31 pm
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on April 09, 2017, 07:27:36 pmCool.Any issues, post back to this thread or the other one athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/electrical-parts-inventorymanagement-system

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2017, 12:17:03 am
content: This link might work better for the other thread...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/electrical-parts-inventorymanagement-system/msg1184737/#msg1184737

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 11:23:28 pm
content: Quote from: mstck on April 08, 2017, 07:05:33 pmOh, hi! BOMER developer here.Actually a lot has happened since then, it's just the CHANGELOG and the website that haven't been updated.Download BOMER now and you get more than "basic storage management". You can manage files, orders and projects (BOMs) and get real time pricing information.A new website and more info about BOMER is to be released during the following weeks!

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 10:07:57 am
content: Hi msr,BOMER looks quite good. I've only had a quick play with it but it's the best free stand alone local data storage database / BOM package I've found yet.A few questions:Can you tell me what the SLabel and PLabel fields are intended for?Am I able to add additional fields ie vendor names, vendor prices and vendor part numbers?When entering parts I cannot see where to enter the part cost - when I create a project (BOM) a field shows up for the cost but its empty.A field for SKU shows in the BOM but not in the general part details view. What / how ?? Is this SLabel?Can BOMs (Projects) be printed or just exported as .csv and then printed?The use of the "Files" feature is not clear - what's it for?Sorry for all the questions. I'm sure the answers are obvious but not to me!A brief overview document on how to use it and what it can and can't do would be very useful.CheersDTJ

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 09:00:44 pm
content: Sure, thanks for asking! Designing the UI can indeed be quite challenging since we all think differently.1) PLabel and SLabel stand for "Primary" and "Secondary" labels. So when you add a Part you can define a PLabel and SLabel (e.g. - Microcontroller > AVR). You can change labels in the Settings dialog and use them on Filters to help you listing Parts of given labels. I'm considering to have just on column for "Labels" that just join the PLabel and SLabel text. Would it make sense?2) Parts should contain the "Manufacturing Part Number". All vendor-related information (SKU/vendor part number, prices) is displayed only on Projects and Orders tables/dialogs. That's because the price depends on the vendor (I call it Seller) you choose and the quantity you want to use which is Project/Order-specific. However, someone has already suggested to include the last price used/paid on a Part's info. Currently is not possible to add "custom fields" to Parts.3) In Projects > BOM, when you click on the "+" button you should write the BOM references (e.g "R1, R2"). In order to see SKU and pricing info you need to "Assign Part" and after that you should see something like this (dummy data):http://prntscr.com/f2nzt2.BOMER takes into account MOQ and price breaks when displaying pricing info. Also, BOM refs can be imported from a CSV file.You can also test this by creating an Order. Go to Orders > Add new one / Add Parts, then SKU and pricing info should be automatically displayed according to your Preferred Seller. You should see something like this:http://prnt.sc/f2ns7p4) Every table (with relevant info) is exportable to a CSV file (right-click on the table, select "Export...") which you can then edit/print on your favorite spreadsheets app.5) Files are files you want to have associated to your Parts/Projects/Orders, such as: datasheets, CAD drawings, invoices, etc (similarly to Labels, Files have Categories - also editable through Settings dialog). You can import them from your File System or from the Web. For example, when adding a Part, click on the "+" button (Files group) and choose "web" in ComboBox. That will show you all the documents (in this case datasheets) BOMER found on the web for that part. If you want to download it to your disk, select it and BOMER will take care of that.Hope this clears things a bit.Documentation and more info in general about BOMER is more than planned, it's just a matter of time.May is the month! Things will gradually show up atbomer.co.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 02:28:17 am
content: Thanks for the detailed reply msr. It makes more sense now.For point 3):Re price. I think it would be useful to have the last paid price as an option as well. I think it's useful to see prices in the "parts" view as well.Re BOM references, I like to include hardware in the BOM. It might included say 2 x M2.5 nuts. Rather than call these Nut1, Nut2 it would be nice to just put "#2" to indicate a quantity of 2off.

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:43:51 pm
content: DTJ, usually you have a schematic from which you'll import your BOM references, each one having a unique number. So, even if you can add BOM refs manually on BOMER, ideally you'll always import it from a CAD software (EagleCAD, Kicad, etc) through a CSV file. Those nuts would probably be associated to holes you put on your design.When writing "2x M2.5 nuts" you are not telling where they'll be used.

author: mstck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 08:53:47 pm
content: Hi MSRGreat to know that work is progressing with this app. I have downloaded the latest version from your website. Currently I am using an earlier version (20170214) and I would like to preserve the data I have entered in that version. I temporarily installed the new version in a different directory and copied the workspace directory from the old version to the new version. When I open the new version I can see the parts I had before but I have lost all links to my datasheets.What am I doing wrong? How can I update without loosing any data?Thanks.

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 09:01:04 pm
content: Hi mstck,Glad you didn't delete the old folder!You should copy these two folders: "global" and "workspace", and the ".settings" file if you want to preserve some settings.On old versions documents/files were stored on "global" folder, that's why you lost links to files. Now everything is stored in "workspace".But the best thing is: now BOMER has a update utility. Whenever there's an update an update dialog will show up when starting BOMER and it will automatically update. As a good practice you should keep backing up your files though (that's something I want to improve in future versions - create backups automatically),

author: mstck
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 02:05:56 pm
content: Quote from: msr on May 01, 2017, 09:01:04 pmHi MSRThanks for the quick response. I created a folder and unzipped the new version into it. I then copied the "global" and "workspace" folders into it as recommended.As before, I can see the parts etc. but no links to the datasheets. I added a new "dummy" part and attached a file to it. The app created a new folder in the workspace called "files" with a datasheet. If I copy the "doc" files from the global folder to this "files" folder, they show up as being in the "workspace" but still not linked.I guess I must still be doing something wrong. Any help would be appreciated.I apologize if I am violating any forum protocols by seeking this assistance here.MSTCK

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 06:53:00 pm
content: Ah yes, my bad.After copying the "docs" folder to "workspace/default/data" you also need to rename the "docs" folder to "files", so you'll end up with this directory structure: "workspace/default/data/files". Let me know if this works.If you prefer we can chat about BOMER here:https://gitter.im/testjig-bomer/LobbySo we don't hijack other people's threads

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 01:49:23 am
content: Hi MSR, I noticed a pop up when I tried to add further Projects saying the free version was limited to 2 Projects. What sort of price do you have in mind for the full version when it's completed?

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 03:11:49 am
content: I'm releasing all those details very soon. But here's some relevant info: BOMER will always have a FREE version and also a paid one. The difference is on limits and some features. I want it to be as FAIR as possible so the FREE version will be useful for makers/hobbyists and the (lack of) limits and additional features of the PRO version would only make sense for people that makes money out of electronics.The BETA's limits may be adjusted though. How many projects do you want to add?(is it ok to keep this conversationhere?)

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 03, 2017, 04:46:12 am
content: Quote from: msr on May 03, 2017, 03:11:49 amI don't know what would be a fair number of projects, the current limitation of 2 is probably a bit too low. I'd say maybe a dozen or so?

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 06:13:13 pm
content: Hey guys, just to let you know that BOMER has a new website, and the app itself has been improved on a day to day basisIt's now available onLinuxtoo! (Ubuntu)http://bomer.co

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:31:50 pm
content: I like the look and feel of Bomer and the fact that it's local storage is a big plus (I wouldn't even consider cloud/subscription stuff) but 200 parts is way on the low side for me (even as a hobbyist) and without knowing the cost of the Pro version I'm reluctant to spend much time with it if it ends up out of budget anyway.So is it going be $10, $100 or $1000?I have many of my parts in boxes like in the attached image. Each compartmnet is assigned a letter so the storage location for my BC547 transistors are 12-D for example. I don't see a way to handle this efficiently in Bomer as I'd need to configure 18 individual storage locations for each of box. How would you recommend me handling this?Thanks!

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:38:45 pm
content: H.O, how many part numbers do you need to manage?Right now you really have to create 18 storage names by hand. I'm planning to create a "generate" button where you can insert a pattern and BOMER will do the job for you. Other option is to create an .csv file (with a spreadsheet app) with all your storage names in one column (and part numbers in another column) and then import those parts to BOMER (Parts > IMPORT button, top right corner).I want the price to be as FAIR as possible, more on that through PM.

author: H.O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 03:30:08 pm
content: My current Excel list has 436 entries. Some of it could be cleaned up but I'd also need room to grow obviously.I certainly don't exepect it to be free but fair usually means different things to different people - which is why I asked how much it'll cost. Like,$10 = A total no brainer$100 = Yeah, OK, if I REALLY like it$1000 = Nah, to expensive for meSubscription = Not for me - never. Doesn't matter if it's "free".As for the storage names I think I may not have explained myself properly.Lets say I have 20 of those boxes, each with 18 compartments. I would then need to create (or import) 360 storage names for those. I then also have a couple of boxes/containers (with no compartments) with random Digikey bags.I don't know very much about database design etc but I think what I'd personally like to see is something in the line of the Label aproach you have. Primary > Secondary or Main > Sub location or something like that, so it becomes Box > Compartment or Cabinet > Drawer or Room > Shelf > Box > Compartment for those with a LOT of parts :-)

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 12, 2017, 06:08:58 pm
content: H.O, you can now import labels, storage and categories through a CSV file, like this:(the CSV file contains a name per line)The update is on the way!

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 10:51:23 am
content: Hey guys,Just to let you know that BOMER is now BOMIST and new home is at:https://bomist.comIt's also out of BETA, so you finally can see pricing. Give it a try if you haven't yet, it's FREE.Your feedback is always very welcome!

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 01:08:18 pm
content: so what's wrong with just using a plaintext file?it has worked for me since i got a c64 with a floppydrive!!

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 01:31:25 pm
content: QuoteI might be a bit late to the party, but...1. Part number: each part is identified by the manufacturer's part number, right? I think it should use a user-defined part number, normally specific to the user. The reason for that is because you might want to treat jelly bean parts from different sources as the same thing, and additionally it prevents a mix of long/short and weirdo foreign part references.2. Subscription: if I used this I would want to buy a pro license (even a hobbyist or maker might easily exceed the parts limits), and very bottom of my list of potential purchases are subscriptions. One reason is because I do things in spurts: for instance, I might spend a month or so designing and building a PCB and then it's all software for the next year. Paying per month for something I'm not using isn't an attractive proposition. Further, I don't want to think about this stuff after I'm set up - it should Just Work and otherwise drop off my radar. A price for a perpetual license is what I'd want before I even bother looking at whether it is something I want to use.You did ask

author: msr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 02:11:50 pm
content: dunkemhigh, thanks!1. You can also specify an Internal Part Number (it's available only in the PRO version though)2. You can pay the PRO features/limits on a monthly basis, only when you need them. Then you can keep using BOMIST's FREE plan,all your data is preserved. You won't have the PRO version features (namely, real-time pricing) and you can not add new parts/projects/orders if total number is greater than the FREE version limits, but everything is accessible and should work within the FREE limits. Does it make sense?

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2017, 02:18:58 pm
content: Thanks for the clarification. The pay-as-you-go aspect is an interesting twist which I would need to digest - on the one hand it's not a cliff edge if you stop paying, but on the other hand 12 Euro to add a part is a bit of a barrier.

author: Old Don
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 01:51:29 pm
content: I've got an old Intel dual Xeon terabyte RAID 1 server in storage that might now have a purpose if I can install LAMP on it and get it up & running again.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2017, 08:08:28 pm
content: Quote from: Old Don on October 27, 2017, 01:51:29 pmShould be more than adequate for axtparts.It comes down to whether you want to run the server 24/7.I use a tiny mini-ITX board with a quad core CPU, no fans and a NAS DB drive (OS on a small SSD). Consumes very little power, is completely silent and sits on the network.Periodic backups are made to a separate NAS box.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2022, 04:31:36 am
content: AXTParts-4 has just been released on GitHub.https://github.com/gswan/axtpartsIt's a responsive version of AXTParts-3. So it can be used with phones and tablets.One (minor) database change for a feature and it is entirely compatible with version 3.