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From: doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee)
Newsgroups: net.micro.cbm
Subject: Re: Database / Inventory Control
Message-ID: <810@terak.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Oct-85 12:37:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: terak.810
Posted: Mon Oct 21 12:37:00 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 25-Oct-85 02:43:31 EDT
References: <1169@rayssd.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: Calcomp Display Products Division, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Lines: 32

> My grandparents own a small gift-type store and are interested in
> computerizing their inventory...

I imagine that this won't make me too popular, but you should try to
dissuade them.

"Inventory" is one of the hardest things to computerize (correctly), and
it has almost no pay-back.

Small-business operators have (understandably) come to the conclusion
that since big businesses use computers for certain applications, then
small businesses should take advantage of the microcomputer revolution
and computerize those same functions in their company.

Actually, the reason that big businesses use computers for functions
such as "inventory" is that it is flat impossible for them to do it
manually, and they can afford the relatively large expense that a
computerized system entails.

For small businesses, doing it manually is still possible, and is 
better, faster and cheaper.

Another common microcomputer application that should be avoided is
"Payroll".  In this case, however, I don't recommend continuing with
a manual system.  Instead, contract out with the company's bank.  It's
very inexpensive, very easy, very accurate, and will keep the business
out of payroll-tax trouble.

The best small business application for a microcomputer is General
Ledger.  But for heaven's sake **make backups and protect them**!
-- 
Doug Pardee -- CalComp -- {calcom1,savax,seismo,decvax,ihnp4}!terak!doug