Macintosh Inventory/Sales software OR FileMaker help...

[MrMacintosh]

Hi All,

I need an inventory/sales solution. I would like to be able to keep a log of all of my eBay purchases and details, the cost of fixing it, and how much I sold it for. I would also like to keep a record of customer repairs in the same way, and then print the record as a receipt. Now, I want to do this all on my SE/30 (System 6.0.8 or 7.1). The SE has FileMaker Pro (1.0v2), and there are templates that do the what I want to do, but I'm not sure how to start from the ground up on my own.

So, I am looking for a software program that will work in Classic, preferably an SE/30, or a way to learn FileMaker easily.

Thanks,

Kyle-

 

[equill]

... So, I am looking for a software program that will work in Classic, preferably an SE/30, or a way to learn FileMaker easily ...

You have the program, so the latter half of the statement is your need. May I take it that you don't have a manual? Despite that, FileMaker is largely intuitive, and easily learnt if you are prepared to play with its set-up and use without expecting to set up a system with calculation fields and lookup files at your first attempt. It should be possible to get a good grasp in two to four hours.

I use FMP6 in Tiger for just the purpose that you mentioned. The file also serves as a lookup for other databases for taxation management, built or modified Macs, general inventory and any data that can usefully be extracted. I began a catalogue (now) containing 25,000 (data) records of music on LP first, and later CD also, for music programmes on radio. FileMaker also prints the programme lists for publication. I've been using FileMaker since it was called just that, and then later versions, on Plus, SE, SE/30, Classic II, Mac II line, LC II, 9600 and CRT iMacs.

Once you have understood the record (a collection of fields) and field concept, it pays to start by defining the fields that you need and their 'types', even though you can add or remove fields later. Changeing field type is a little more limited. Just a default layout for your record structure is enough to begin. Again, you can change the layout of a record later, and have multiple layouts for different emphases within the one database. Fields are easily manipulated in size and typographic style. Records can be viewed singly or continuously (think of Adobe Reader). Sorting is a snap. Global replacements are a snap, but only of the complete contents of a field. Many mathematical calculations suitable for business operations, as well as standard arithmetic and algebraic (including Boolean) calculations, are possible.

Fields are manipulated according to familiar processes and tools (think of any *Draw program). Fields have types (text, date, number only, and so on) for sorting and calculating. Data are easily exported as delimited (comma, tab) text into other apps, or imported from delimited text. The best way for you to discover how easy and intuitive FileMaker is is to start using it. I could email you a template for eBay work, but you would learn little from it until you had pulled it apart, by which time you could have learnt as much by experimentation on your own.

Plunge in. The water's warm.

de

 

[Charlieman]

In spite of Equill's words of wisdom (definitely dive in and try creating your own templates; don't invest too much data in the database until you are happy with it), I'm unsure of the wisdom of using an old version of FileMaker on an SE/30. Old FileMaker is limited in functionality and the interface is a bit clunky (lots of mouse work when editing fields). At the same time, it will be hard to display many fields on the SE/30 screen. I'd recommend buying a newer second hand copy of FileMaker that will run on a cheap PowerMac.

 

[Bunsen]

If you'll pardon the thread necromancy:

I tried to set up a Mac parts catalogue in FM (Pro I believe) but was stumped by the task of adding fields on the fly.

equill's input above suggests this was due to my own lack of clue, or a limitation of the version I was using. I know it was an old one that ran on a 68k. I had a manual which I was working my way through, but from memory, it was for a different (but roughly contemporaneous) version.

Here is the stick; clue me.

 

[equill]

To insert a new field into an existing database, at any moment of your choosing:

Command-L: Go to template Layout/mode/view.

Command-shift-D. Go to Definition mode/view. Choose a field type; name the field. Then click 'Done', unless it is a calculation field and you wish to construct an algorithm. This should be adequate in all versions of FileMaker from the first onwards. If 'add new field to template' was chosen in Preferences (supposing that the option existed) the new field is added to the layout view, and can be dragged wherever in the template you wish. If that preference does not exist, use the left panel from Layout mode to add a new field (by dragging), and you should be prompted to define it.

Command-B: Return to Browse view.

de