[CAUT] Piano database

[Jeff Tanner]

On Sep 4, 2007, at 10:28 PM, Joe Wiencek wrote:

> Hi list,
> Does anyone out there have special or preferred software for  
> managing pianos at universities?  A few techs and I just got hold  
> of 52 pianos at NYU and the previous techs keep poor and inaccurate  
> records.  Any suggestions?
> Thanks,
>
> Joe Wiencek, RPT
> jwpiano at earthlink.net
>
> tel: 551 358 4006
>
>

Someone had set up a database in Filemaker Pro before I came here.   
It is perfectly functional enough, but I would like to figure out how  
to link it to some sort of scheduling program.  The way it is set up,  
I don't think it could work.  At least 3x5 index cards can be  
organized to work their way to the front of the box every so often.

Before they set up the Filemaker Pro program, my predecessor made up  
inventory sheets he kept in a large ring binder notebook where he  
kept very good records.  I can go back and access tunings, repairs or  
whatever, well back into the late 1970s for every piano we have.

With my private business, we use Time & Chaos.  It only works with  
PC.  It isn't really designed for our purpose either, but it is very  
reasonably priced and you can set it up to be more suitable.  You do  
have to stay on top of it, though.  If a piano scheduled to be tuned  
(or scheduled contact) comes up and you don't address it, it gets  
forgotten until you go back through the entire inventory to check for  
what's been missed.

Computer programs can be overrated.  I still prefer pen and paper for  
record keeping.  You have it right there with you at the piano and  
record everything as you do it, then just stick it in the appropriate  
file, if that is even necessary.  Computer programs require you to  
carve out extra time to record what you've done later.  A lot can get  
backed up and it gets very easy to procrastinate.  Especially when  
you have way more work than you have time for, record keeping is easy  
to put on the back burner.

Jeff




Jeff Tanner, RPT
University of South Carolina



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