Inventory databases, barcode inventory systems and MSDS databases

We write custom databases and welcome your project!
We already have readily customized solutions for inventory databases. Our database systems are barcode-capable and can be integrated with satellite packages (see the example of chemical inventory database dynamically linked with a MSDS database).

We think that software ergonomics is extremely important, and we try to design the user interface for you so that it is the most intuitive and requires very little memorization. Most of the user interface is self-explanatory and we try to show as much useful controls as possible on the very first screen you see, as opposed to multi-level, cascading switchboard designs other developers may offer. We will be happy to discuss the user interface with you and will consider your own sketches and designs when developing the software.

Barcode-based, data-driven database design: clever use of barcodes for controlling inventory makes additions and removals of items fast and eliminates typing and thinking - the latter is very important during field data collection. You can purchase special barcode labels or save money printing your own on a regular laser printer using our software. With most barcode-capable projects we include the necessary optimizing algorithms and our own barcode fonts royalty-free.

Use lightweight PDA for field data collection and access: we can supply a database interface that operates on the Palm OS platform so that you can change and update your database records in the field using a PDA, should you require this. Palm OS software includes barcode support so you can track inventory in the field using the fast and efficient barcode system.

Please feel free to contact us at "database at ainaco com" with any of your database development needs.

A custom database solution can come in different flavors. Here is a brief comparison of several popular options:
 

Database product type	Pros	Cons
Single Microsoft Access database	Simple, cheap, fast development, MS Access is very popular and often already installed at your location	Nonexistent multi-user functionality, software runs (properly) only on the machine that it is installed on.
Split Microsoft Access database	Relatively simple, fairly inexpensive, supports limited multi-user operation (up to 10 users), MS Access is the only software you need	Slightly more complex than previous type, sensitive to poor network quality, relatively high network traffic despite only the few concurrent users
Microsoft Access database over Terminal Server	No changes required to existing Access database design. Robust access for a few remote users. Minimized network traffic (no data transferred).	Licensed per user, gets expensive fast with addition of more users. Terminal Server must run in Application mode and requires Windows Server on the computer running the database.
Server via Microsoft Access	Supports large number of concurrent users, very stable, not subject to corruption caused by network glitches	Fairly complex and expensive; requires SQL Server (or other data server) and MS Access
Server via ActiveX pages	Same as above, plus allows data access using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or better	Same as above; although Access is not a must, Microsoft ActiveX object libraries must be installed on every client machine.
Server via scripted pages	Same as above with no browser limitations	Cost. Development requires expertise in both database management and web scripting.

Without a doubt, the most powerful and universal solution is the last one. However, it is the most difficult to design and implement and is the costliest. It is the best option for enterprise-level databases. For smaller-sized projects the simpler options may be totally sufficient. Just as it is an overkill to buy an excavator to dig one post hole, it is not necessary to invest in a server-based system if you only have a few concurrent users for the database. Costs of keeping the excavator will soon exceed the benefit it gives you - the same with a server application. So choose the scale of your application sensibly!

If you are not sure whether to purchase an off-the-shelf software or have an application built for you, take a look at a brief discussion of both options.