View Full Version : Cigar Inventory Software in process
I'm in the process of having a software program dedicated to tracking personal cigar inventories written. Once done (I've wanted something like this for myself for a long time.) the plan is to offer it at T25C, either for free, or a very small fee.
My question to the LLG's is: "What features would you like to see in something like this?"
We are well down the road, and have all the standard "inventory type" features included, along with spots for box codes, ageing, etc. Any "must haves" ytou can think of?
Paul
dvickery
02-24-2002, 09:35 PM
where you bought em'
when you bought em'
box code
after a few...what they are like
and all the regular review stuff
mostly all i keep track of is where when and box codes.i dont bother with the factories.
thanks paul,you're always coming up with something interesting.
derrek :7
next a green emoticon for when steve g does his reviews???
JKeats
02-24-2002, 11:52 PM
i would have no problem paying a small fee for this software... especially if it would help out CS... you put a lot of time and effort into this site... it would be nice to be able to give something in return.
please keep us updated. i definitly would be interested in this software.
one suggestion.... although it might be too dificult, perhaps the ability to pull some form of the info off of your PC onto your PDA.
Jkeats, you are a mystic! Actually that is not to difficult, and our new online database of reviews will also have the ability to transfer to your PDA. That way you can bring it with you to cigar stores and look up reviews while you shop!
Paul
radar
03-08-2002, 07:37 AM
Some of the other LLG's hit the basics, but IMHO I would like to be able to scan the bands of some of the smokes and include the band art with the logs of what I have or have had on hand. I also would not mind paying a fee for the software.
Thanks,
Gary
PDA ? I don't have a PDA! LMAO
TAK }> }> :+ :+ :+
edisonbird
03-08-2002, 03:44 PM
Hey Paul, you think of everything, I too would pay money for this software.:-)
I searched high and low for some type of cigar database tool about 6 months ago and what I ended up with was a program called CigarTrakker. It appears to have halted in the middle of development though, as their website is no longer active.
I went ahead and uploaded the installer to my web host. Maybe those of you who need something similar can use this until Paul delivers the real deal. Might be useful to use this as a starting point for discussion on what we's like to see included in this new application as well. Here's the link:
[link:www.magicalcheese.com/kalt/software/CigarTrakker.zip|CigarTrakker]
My thoughts on CigarTrakker:
First thing is it has an annoying intro, but hey, its freeware. Anyway, the interface is fairly intuitive and I like the way that all of the (mostly) pertinent info for all your entries are visible from the get go.
I wish that my entries would be sorted a la Windows Explorer with a folder for Manufacturer that could be expanded for individual cigars within that brand. Potential for other folders below the Brand might be useful as well. User-definable folders would make me happy as I am anal retentive about my computer. :)
I think that it would be a good idea for this new program to be able to connect to a database somewhere (maybe on the Club Stogie server) and get a constantly updated list for Manufacturer. Would make upkeep really easy for the end-user.
I also think that there should be some type of image-attach utility as mentioned above so that we can keep pictures and bands with our entries to keep them straight.
The last two things I want to comment on are that I think the inclusion of some type of humidor inventory control would be nice as well as a search function. Both of these CigarTrakker did, but I think the idea could be improved upon.
Well, hopefully this will get the creative juices going a little bit more. I'm anxious to see what our collective consciousness can come up with!
MattK
01-06-2005, 09:29 PM
I search......
Well, hopefully this will get the creative juices going a little bit more. I'm anxious to see what our collective consciousness can come up with!
Does anyone know the status of this? Since I am a software engineer I could easily build something like this, but if its already complete, enough said.
Does anyone know the status of this? Since I am a software engineer I could easily build something like this, but if its already complete, enough said.
Sure, I had it developed and offered it for awhile. It was okay, but I've seen better. Someone else here once asked me for the sourcecode, and I sent it to them never to be heard from again. Not implying anything...just never heard from them again.
It cost me about $500 to be developed. I thought offering it up for free would be a good idea. I quit offering the download due to some less than friendly emails and users started hassling me about the program...asking for more features, and basically ripping it and bitchin' about wanting support.
So you combine those two, and I just canned the whole idea.
Frankly, I could still personally use something a bit better developed (I still use the one we developed), and would not mind offering it to Club Stogie members once they reached 100 posts or something like that. I would also suggest we have a forum on Club Stogie supporting it, where every one using it could pitch in.
As you can probably sense by now, the old statement "No good deed goes unpunished". applied to the development of the package.
MattK
01-06-2005, 10:38 PM
Sure, I had ...t of the package.
PM sent
txmatt
01-06-2005, 10:40 PM
Something like this would be amazing if it incorporated the ability to access a database housed at top25cigar.com and load information for cigars there into your inventory like you can pull CD information from internet CD databases. Why should everyone have to type all the information in for each cigar when the group as a whole can build the ultimate database? Of course like the internet CD databases there could be a few entries for the same cigar due to differences in capitalization, etc - However if this can be incorporated you will have an instant success! Just connect to and click cigars on top25 and choose add to humidor. If the cigar isn't in the database give the user the option of uploading the cigar into the database using their top25cigar.com credentials. Perlmann's would have nothing on us after a few months!
Otherwise its easiest just to use Excel for ease or Access if you want to get fancy. I tried a program called "cigar briefcase" however it really didn't seem that much easier than using a blank spreadsheet or database.
-Matt-
MattK
01-06-2005, 10:52 PM
Something like .... ...." however it really didn't seem that much easier than using a blank spreadsheet or database.
-Matt-
That is exactly what I am talking about, I have quite a bit of experience writing TCP/IP, XML, client-server applications like that. I wouldn't mind giving at a try.
We could brainstorm a little about some goals and lay out a structure.
Matt
shelvingunit
01-06-2005, 11:02 PM
I have been using Cigar Briefcase for a while. It is an ok program, but some things I like about it and would like to see are in another program are:
1. Better definition of sizes - don't lump in all perlas, minutos and marevas as Petit Coronas.
2. When I update the quantity in CB it jumps to another cigar - bug
3. I would like a more exhaustive list of all cigars - the idea to connect and update cigar brand and size information from the top25 database is excellent. A database for this software can be up to date and populated from the top25 database would be an outstanding feature. The feature to find a cigar, add it to your humidor with all the correct info on size in one click would save the end users a lot of time.
4. Box codes and a "tasting notes" layout would be good. Include the basic features of a tasting note such as construction, burn, taste etc....not just a blank area.
5. Include the filter feature from CB to filter on size, brand, origin
Thats just what I can come up with off the top of my head.
I am not a programmer, but did take some database and software design classes in college. I would love to help out on this if I can.
kansashat
01-07-2005, 07:27 AM
I like it. I don't mind paying.
slowhand
01-07-2005, 08:52 AM
If the database was solid, I would but it also. I agree, if it could be tied to the T25C database, I think it would be worthwhile. Also, don't scrimp or cut corners on the interface. The interface on Cigar Briefcase is terrible.
Something like this would be amazing if it incorporated the ability to access a database housed at top25cigar.com and load information for cigars there into your inventory like you can pull CD information from internet CD databases.
-Matt-
Thew new re-write of the Cigar Review Database on T25C will incorporate a bew feature that allows users to have a "Personal Humidor". Simplt put, you will be able to click on a cigar in the database and add it to your "personal Humidor".
This likely won;t be live until mid - late 2005. I'm still working out all the new features we want. Couple that with the original designer of the software has flown the coop, so we will be starting from scratch.
Yasha
01-07-2005, 11:26 AM
PDS, you do a great job with this site. And your constant improvements have been wonderful.
I would be very interested in using a program like this. I currently use an Excel spreadsheet. I would love to see an app tied into the current review database. The online humidor would be cool. Perhaps I could click on my inventory and check out the reviews associated with those smokes. Maybe? I would be willing to pay a fee. If you are absorbing the costs of keeping this site up and running, then I do not think we would have a problem kicking in. After all this site has helped me avoid costly purchases of junk cigars.
Wetterhorn
01-07-2005, 11:42 AM
What a great idea! I would have no problem paying for a program like the one that is described.
Thanks Paul for all of the great work you do on this site!
:)
Perhaps I could click on my inventory and check out the reviews associated with those smokes.
Great suggestion. I will have it incorporated.
What a great idea! I would have no problem paying for a program like the one that is described.
Thanks Paul for all of the great work you do on this site!
:)
It don't plan on it being a "for fee" program. Just an extension to the Review DB that is already at T25C. The problem with charging something is it obligates me to keep it running. Since T25C and CS are more hobbies than businesses, I just can't make that committment.
AAlmeter
01-07-2005, 04:10 PM
price paid and where it was purchased...especially for people who shop online for the best deals
I've done a good deal of Access database programming. If you need a hand with anything let me know. I'll work for cigars...
Jeff
coppertop
01-07-2005, 11:56 PM
Paul your never ending string of ideas never cease to amaze me. Since I have been a member, not even a month over a yr. You have added, ring guage, credits, a video game gallery, the ability to enhace your user name with credits, a user picture gallery, more BB on this forum and on and on and on. WE really appreciate all you do for T25C and CS. You never ask for money, nor do you expect it. I have no suggestion to add for what I would like to see is already on the list. I just wanted to say thank you and like everyone else who has replied to this post, wanted to let you know that we LGs appreciate all that you do for these sites.
THANK YOU
BigBubba
01-08-2005, 12:36 AM
I just downloaded the CigarBriefCase that I found on this site haven't had a chance to run it yet and see how it works :confused: just thought it looked cool enough to try. I'd be willing to pay for a good program so I could keep track of the few I've had a chance to try. I was going to try and set something up in my pda so I could have something with me when I do buy and try :w like I have time to do that too :al anyway count me in :SM
MattK
01-12-2005, 07:57 PM
After talking with Paul and examining the software I decided to take this project on full force. I have asked paul to moderate everones change requests to keep the work focused and on track. If anyone else has ideas please post them so Paul and I can work on bringing this application up to snuff.
Matt
Da Klugs
01-12-2005, 08:19 PM
Hey PDS how about posting the code so the motivated can se if it can be enhanced and refined.
You keep title to the beginning and end product.
Once complete set a fee structure for you and whatever motivated developer finishes it to your satisfaction in the correct currency - cigars. Post what makes you happy in exchange for the program. Users send the cigars to each of you and get access to downloading the program.
Just a thought.
D. Generate
01-12-2005, 09:57 PM
This is a great idea. I have been disappointed with all of the cigar programs I have tried but those points have been pretty well covered already.
My suggestion: Make it work on Macs!
Paul your never ending string of ideas never cease to amaze me. Since I have been a member, not even a month over a yr. You have added, ring guage, credits, a video game gallery, the ability to enhace your user name with credits, a user picture gallery, more BB on this forum and on and on and on. WE really appreciate all you do for T25C and CS. You never ask for money, nor do you expect it. I have no suggestion to add for what I would like to see is already on the list. I just wanted to say thank you and like everyone else who has replied to this post, wanted to let you know that we LGs appreciate all that you do for these sites.
THANK YOU
Your welcome, thanks for the kind words.
shelvingunit
01-12-2005, 10:34 PM
Paul your never ending string of ideas never cease to amaze me. Since I have been a member, not even a month over a yr. You have added, ring guage, credits, a video game gallery, the ability to enhace your user name with credits, a user picture gallery, more BB on this forum and on and on and on. WE really appreciate all you do for T25C and CS. You never ask for money, nor do you expect it. I have no suggestion to add for what I would like to see is already on the list. I just wanted to say thank you and like everyone else who has replied to this post, wanted to let you know that we LGs appreciate all that you do for these sites.
THANK YOU
Word ;)
Thanks a lot Paul, this place is great, thanks to your hard work!
Da Klugs
01-12-2005, 10:37 PM
Your world is a special place. You write a pretty good review too. Cost me lots of $$$ reading top 25. :D
Looks like we are taking another crack at this software. Please see thread in World Cigar Lounge for feature requests.
coppertop
01-13-2005, 07:45 PM
Your welcome, thanks for the kind words.
My pleasure Paul.....this is the best Cigar BB out there. And your to thank for that.