Moulding Mattboard Database

[Ian Goodman]

How many of us Framers use a computer database for keeping records of Mouldings and Mattboards?

More to the point how many have found that the off the shelf database programs dont do the job.

I know this very well having been there ever since I started framing 7 years ago and it has taken this long to rectify this.

I am a BNI member of BNI Express and one of our members tells us in his 60 sec spot how he writes databases so I took him on.

I have a databse that keeps records of Mouldings, Matt boards and anything else I like to put into it which is accessible over a wireless network and has a common file.

This database also produces reports on which mouldings you are getting short on, the same for mattboards or anything else.

I know it is difficult to get off the shelf tailor made databases for our industry so I also know several framers who have given up in this area.

If you would like more information then send an email to iang6809@gmail.com and i will give you the email address of my business collegue who can help you.

 

[Mike Labbe]

Hi from the other side of the pond,

Just about any framing industry pos system should do these things; and do them well. The bigger advantages may be the tech support and automatic price updates, every week. The programs automatically download price changes and notify you immediately of discontinued or new items.

At last count, the majority of (USA) frame shops are using some kind of computerization to price - whether its a full professional POS system, a math spreadsheet, or a custom database application.

We conduct a survey of (just) grumblers every year and have 5 years worth of results to review. They can be found in the tagline of this msg, if interested. (Scroll down to November 2007)

I usually try to discourage wireless use in a business environment. It's very easily hacked, slow, and suspectible to interference from other devices which use the same frequency range. (microwave ovens, cordless phones, neighboring wireless networks on the same channel, bluetooth, wireless cameras, some garage door openers, rc toys, etc). Such interference can cause slowdowns, disconnections, and even file corruption. Here's an old thread from 2004 with some tips to make sure your wireless is secured. (hint: use 'WPA2' encryption, but never 'WEP') http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=6368

In any case, I agree. I am a big fan of technology and using it as a tool to lessen the burden/tame the paperwork beast. No matter what tools you use to make it happen, It's all good

Best regards,
Mike
Moderator

 

[erick]

I find most published software inadequate for my needs. That's why I learned to program. Software that includes a way to write macros so I can modify and expand on its primary functions is the best. Do any of the framing software packages out there allow such a thing?

Until I find one that does, I'll continue writing my own PoS and inventory management stuff. I've built it off Excel using Visual Basic, but the process of writing and debugging code is slow and interrupted a lot by actual work that needs to be done.

I do have all my mouldings and mats (and other supplies) on databases that my programs and I refer to, but a lot of it is also manually done the old fashioned way-- I like to physically double check things like inventory and count the money with my own hands.

I disagree about the problems with a wireless network in the shop. There have been vast improvements in security and signal since 2004. My wife studies network administration and security, however. So if you're not comfortable with it, I do recommend having a professional give you a once over to be sure you're set up well enough.

Honestly though, I don't think anybody's going to target their local framer to H4x0rz their W4r3z.

 

[Mike Labbe]

I updated the article to be current - as of 2008.

In most cases it will just be someone in a residence, within a few blocks, who wants to use someone elses internet feed to grab illegal files - so they don't get served with the lawsuit. (torrents of movies, music, porn, etc) Some do this instead of buying their own internet subscription. With over 80% of all wireless networks being insecured, this happens more often than you think. An open network is an open invitation.

Shared drives that contain documents and pos data will be offered to anyone who connects wirelessly, so there's a potential there for data theft or mischief. (customer records, pictures, quickbooks data, spreadsheets, pricing, etc)

WEP encryption is better than nothing, but WPA2 is more secure. WEP can be cracked in less than a minute, using freely available tools.

Honestly though, I don't think anybody's going to target their local framer to H4x0rz their W4r3z.

Although it may never happen, I firmly believe that we should still be as protected as possible. I stand behind this opinion. At the very least, an encryption key should be assigned.

That being said, we use secured wireless in our shop We use it only for a laptop that is out in the customer area, for Artaissance - not for pos workstations.

Best regards,
Mike