Best software for inventory with photos attached

[reeljohn2]

Hello all,
Well Im finally trying to get my collection organized for reel. I am looking for a good solid environment (data base) for my collection inventory. I would like to attach jpg images to each file. I'm looking for reliable and established. Please let me know which solutions to avoid and which have worked for collectors over the past several years.
Thanks for you input.

[Dale Noll]

John: I use eXcel Spreadsheet. You can copy photos easily, change size easily by just droping the photo into a file slot -then stretch in any direction to get the size you want. I am pretty sure you can load an excel file onto separate postcard type index cards, if you want to have a card for each reel - someting like a xmas card address list.

I have briefly looked at a program called 321 collect. I was going to use it for individual items other than fishing reels. Did not spend much time working with this program, so don't have much more input. My version is designed for Win 95/98/2000/ME/NT. As I remember there was a problem with photo sizing.

There is another database program that I purchased from MCM Software PCO2001. This is a Personal Collectible Organizer. My version is 1.5.7. The person who wrote and sells the program is Robert W. Parkin, 12 Laura Rd., Monroe, NY 10950-5207, Tel 845-774-2818. The address is http://mcmsoftware.tripod.com I have never taken time to implement since I got so used to excel.

The above info was given to me from some ORCA member in July 2003, but don't remember name. The Program cost was about $15. You may wish to talk with Robert Parkin, as I expect there may be updates. He explained to me some of the program operations, but don't remember details. Your operating system will need to be considered. Works ok on my Win98SE. Maybe this would be a good program for reels. If I were starting anew, this would probably be my 1st choice to evaluate.

Hope this helps. Dale.

[reeljohn2]

Thanks for the information Dale. I will certainly try to find additional information. any other posters have suggestions?

[Steve]

John,
I use Excel. It's fairly straightforward and is probably more flexible than, though not as pretty as, some of the programs I've seen that were designed for collectors. You can add thumbnails or full-size pics where you want them or just add hyperlinks, keeping your pics filed elsewhere.

[drexelantiques]

John, I also use excel, for several reasons. Not only can you completely customize it, but it is almost universally used by accountants and insurance companies. So to insure my items all I have to do is send them an excel file. I can set it up to do any calculations I want, and get reports on any information I need. It stays relevant, and it will be used for many years into the future. You can share info between collectors. You can make it look as professional or as nice as you want. I have attached photos, video, and even audio files to some of my items. There are some software programs for collectors, but all of them have limitations. Excel does not.