Seeing as this website seems to have a vast array of knowledge on most subjects i have a question.

I'm wanting to write a software programme for use on stock inventory and service/maintenance records.

For instance i want to be able to type in a serial number and the software show me all the details relating to the serial number (ie make, model, parts fitted etc)
amongst other things.

Can anyone recommend me a suitable programme to enable me to build my own software.

Also i'd like to upload the software to a pda too, which would be able to communicate to the laptop, the laptop being the main hub.

Thanks
Chris

Sounds like you are asking for a database system.

If you want to make your own MS Access is perfect - Once you get to know it, its amazingly powerful. Multi user access is no problem however i have never attempted using it in conjuction with a PDA.

Companies like Sage have off the shelf stock management systems, just a case of making sure it meets your needs.

[Edited on 1/12/09 by Project7]

Sounds like a database to me, nothing to do with writing software.
John.

Edit: Beaten to it!


[Edited on 1/12/09 by MautoK]

As above Microsoft Acess would be good/easy for what it sounds like you're wanting.

As far as having it run on a PDA, you might need to look at using Visual Studio (you can get a free trial for 30 days directly from microsoft, maybe even a "lite" version for free as well) to create the custom forms you would need to show the detail information for a given part.

I write inventory management software and it can be done "relatively" easily.

Cheers!

P.S. Have you any experience writing software or setting up database tables?

Database, or a simpler version can be done in MS excel
If you have Microsoft office Chris you may find that there is a template all ready in access that you can adapt to suit your needs

I hate MS access with a passion... its so non expandable..

If I were doing something like that I would write it as a web application running in PHP using a Mysql database....

That way your PDA only has to connect to a "website" to pickup the information from the database...


And chances are, someone else will already have written something similar... look on sourceforge etc...

MS access.= no free support..


PHP = infinite free support!

[Edited on 1/12/09 by tegwin]

just dont get amos - its crap

MS Access Chris...

Its a right PITA but I've used it extensively in the past. The templates are very useful and a good starting point.

Just one word of advice - think very carefully what fields (ID, Part number, Price etc) you want to include before you start as adding them later and integrating them is the biggest problem with this app.

Its a steep learning curve with this app. as most people dont use it anywhere near its capabilities.

Good Luck mate!

Steve

What i would do is install access on your laptop so you are able to add information etc.

Then use the pda as a simple search facility. In order to search on your pda the best way forward is to create a website, linking to the access database on the laptop.

Again i am assuming, but i assume the pda and laptop are linking through the same wireless router. I would manually set the laptop ip address so you have some constants. Set up the IIS, and gain access to the website via the laptop.

I have done quite a few e-commerce website, which obviously just use data, I use Visual Studio, which you can download an express (free) version.

Quite easily done, if you need any help let me know.

Where are you based?