hi all,
My name is Alek, i am new here. I am software developer by profession and long time electronics hobbyist.
So on to the point:
I own a small IT company for more than 18 years now and for years i've been wanting to make some online platform/inventory system, especially as my stash of components, tools and things grew and i was not able to keep track of anything any more.
I did a research and apart from a few very expensive online inventory systems, i did not find anything decent, easy to navigate or aesthetically acceptable. It has to be easy on the eyes!
So, i've finally put this into motion, basic idea has been worked out, most of the details as well and the team of developers has started the work. I've though now is the time to hear other opinions, thoughts and perhaps ideas, since we are at the start and a good opportunity to get comments and make the whole thing as good as possible.
Like me, most people will first ask about the price as that's a very important aspect, especially for something hobby related. Good and usable things are rarely free of charge so after a lot of math, we've come to a number that i think would be acceptable for both sides, the team that would be improving and servicing the platform, hosting and of course end user.
So the projected price would be USD $60-75 per year, paid yearly.
As for features and options, it would go as follows.
Platform would have OCTOPART API so adding new parts would automatically search Octopart library and get all the details for your part. Option to just insert a new part by hand/by typing values into every fields would be available as well. Custom fields will be available, so you could add new field for part description or whatever.
User would be able to sort parts by custom made groups, so you could just make a group RESISTORS, CAPACITORS... and than choose that group when adding new part. Once user access specific group, all the parts would be listed with option to export as CSV.
CSV bulk import will be available as well. Export of the whole inventory (by groups, categories or bulk) to CSV would be available at all times, even 14 days after user cancels subscription.
We are also thinking about labeling system, so once you insert the part, a label with basic data like NAME and VALUE will be created together with QR code. Then you simply print the label and stick it to the part storage or wherever.
For the first version, simple BOM option will be available as well, which would then get more advanced features later on.
Also, support for barcode scanners would be added so user can quick search, add, modify parts, quantities etc.
Now, my question would be, how interesting this is going to be to you guys?
Would there be anyone willing to be tester of the system and provide feedback on bugs or features? (with lifetime free access of course, as a way of compensation for testing the system)
Also, i am very aware of a number of other similar platforms that came and went away, so understandably many will ask how do we know this will last.
I am now into this and plan to keep it alive, even if just for internal use, but can't see it going away.
Also, trial period of 14 days would be available so no commitment to anything before user test the system.
Many thanks in advance,
Alek