My boss has asked me to improve our recall system - Seeking Ideas

[Crombes]

Hello everybody

I'm new on this forum , but while reading this forum , I have already learned
a lot.
My boss has asked me to improve our recall system (preferable in an Office environment)
(we currently have a crapy excel file , with no VBA or anything)
Due to the fact that I'm rather unexperienced with calibration and recallsystems I would like to ask if there aren't any forummembers that also have a recallsystem in a office environment?
Or have any tips to make a good recallsystem?

THX

 

[Hershal]

Welcome to the forum.

A recall system using Excel or cards in a box can work well.....for small amounts of equipment.

Larger amounts of equipment, say 300 items or more, is best managed using software designed for that. There is a thread in this section about such systems, and includes comments on packages such as GageTrak, Blue Mountain, Mudcats, and others.

You may receive some more specific suggestions if you let us know about how many items of equipment and basically what kind(s) of equipment.

Hershal

 

[Hershal]

Just another note.....if MS Office is a consideration, GageTrak runs MS Access in the background. I'm not sure about other packages.

Mind if i ask what industry you are in?

Hershal

 

[Tom W]

I used GageTrak years ago in a steel foundry in Chicago. It worked very well and was easy to use. JMO - that is the only one I have had any experience with.

 

[Graeme]

My boss has asked me to improve our recall system (preferable in an Office environment)

Just another note.....if MS Office is a consideration, GageTrak runs MS Access in the background. I'm not sure about other packages.
Hershal

The last time I evaluated these programs (over 3 years ago) many of the other calibration tracking and recall applications use some type of SQL (structured query language) relational database. (Including the system we got, Indysoft's Gage InSite.) This is sometimes a more complex installation and may require a dedicated server. Access may be simpler if you already have a Microsoft Office environment, and the VBA programming ability is built in.

Whatever back end the application uses, it is essential to make sure it is a relational database. A "flat-file" database (like Excel) is not suitable for a large inventory, as it appears Crombes already knows.

When planning the database, also be sure to give long consideration for what to use as the "key" field. That must be an absolutely unique (no duplicates allowed) identifier for a single physical item for its entire life-cycle (purchase through disposal). That also reminds me that planning the database structure is actually more important than selecting an application supplier. If you don't do a good job of planning and implementing up-front, it is more expensive to fix later.

 

[Crombes]

Hershal

we are in the automotive industry
we have approx 400 - 500 items
mainly : vernier calpiers, micometers, angle gauges and selfdevelopped gauges

 

[Atul Khandekar]

Access VBA

Welcome to the Cove, Crombes.

I believe it shouldn't be too difficult or expensive to develop a system on MS Access if you know / have someone who knows how to program in Access.

Also check the following threads for recommendations on commercial and home made systems:

Tell me where I can get FREE Calibration Software

Calibration Software - Seeking Suggestions - Commercial or Home Made

Calibration Management Software: MudCats Metrology Suite

Calibration Tracking Software: Seeking Recommendations and Comments

Hope this helps...

 

[Hershal]

Crombes,

I agree with Graeme and Atul....and can tell you fom experience that 400+ items are best controlled with a package designed for that.

Most of the packages can be server-based and permission-oriented, so others can see but not change any data. Multiple "seats" (software licenses) will cost more up front, but if others have need to see the information, then you may want multiple seats.

Hershal

 

[Andy2U]

We have 3 manafacturing lines in house and manage 1000+ tools with an EXCEL based system. I use some VB to help make thing work a bit easer for things I do but you can do most with hyper links to word documents for procedures and records of inspections. I like the ability to put erro checking in the files to catch typo's.
Since it is out on our server it allows any one to find a similar tool that is used on a different product line and to look ahead on what is going out for calibration (not that they ever do I still have to send out reminders)
Tied into our Email system it keeps accountability

 

[Crombes]

Andy2U

is it possible to zip your recallsystem and post it overhere?
so i can have a look ,or find some good ideas in it ?
thanks a lot!