Software / tools for tracking work and parts

[dtavres]

Hi all,

As a web and software geek, I like using applications and tools for keeping track of things.

Being a new DeLorean owner, and having a fair amount of work done on my car, I'd really like to keep track of what I've done, when it was done, why it was done and the overall costs.

I found this old thread here - http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?9479-Part-Tracking-Software - but it seems to have died in 2014. I'm hoping someone has come across a new tool, website, app, spreadsheet, etc. to track this info.

OR - is this just overkill? I feel like the DeLorean has SO many issues that get worked on over the years, it would be good to keep track.

Thanks,
Dave

[Mario]

You could make an account on GitHub, and use their issue tracking. :) GitHub is meant to be used for software development, but you can use it for whatever you want.
https://guides.github.com/features/issues/

Not really the right tool for the job, but that's one way to go and it's certainly workable.

[dtavres]

You could make an account on GitHub, and use their issue tracking.

I use Github for software projects, and I don't think it would be any different than just using Excel.

There's a lot of paid, large scale software for fleet management and repair shops... but I'm hoping there's an actual application for personal users.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I use an EXCEL spread sheet for my business expenses and income. Not really what your looking for but if you use EXCEL you can probably write or modify your own spread sheet.

[DMC-81]

Hi Dave,

I have been using Excel to track everything. ( I know...old school :) ) I have tabs for parts, supplies/tools, services, and other info like oil change info. I am in the habit of entering the pertinent info for every parts order that arrives, and everything else delorean related. It requires discipline, but I know how much I have spent down to the penny. Plus, when I pull a part out of my stash that I don't recognize anymore, I can do a find on the part number and remember again where that is supposed to go (mostly for small parts that are used all over the car).

Sometimes I want to forget tracking, but time and time again, it proves it's value.

Cheers,

[Dangermouse]

I think Excel is the go-to for most people here. Simple and easy to use. So you can just cut and paste "replaced angle drive" as often as you need to.

I do use a GasBuddy app on my phone for gas usage and mileage calcs

Or start a restoration thread on the forum :hihi:

[David T]

I think Excel is the go-to for most people here. Simple and easy to use. So you can just cut and paste "replaced angle drive" as often as you need to.

I do use a GasBuddy app on my phone for gas usage and mileage calcs

Or start a restoration thread on the forum :hihi:

Excel is the way to go but if you are trying to do it more simply a looseleaf binder can work too. It may seem like a big job but it is not. One thing to watch carefully is ordered parts, ship dates and arrival dates. Watch your parts carefully so you don't duplicate orders and you know what you bought and from whom in case you have any issues with a part (you complain to the right vendor!). They hate it when they get calls for stuff you ordered from someone else! As for service history, it is good to track what was done and when and what parts were used and from whom for future reference. Another good thing to do is to create a Chain of Ownership, who owned the car and when and the mileage.

[dtavres]

Okay, I've spent a bit too much time searching, reading and trying... and I found something that seems to work pretty well.

It's called "FleetVIP". It's free for up to 2 cars - www.alembx.com

I've started entering some of the line items from invoices from DMC for recent work, and it looks like it might work pretty well. It's NOT ultra-modern, but it's smart and has a fair number of features.

My criteria has been:

Track parts purchased
Track work done
Track mileage when work was done
Track cost of parts
Track cost of labor
Ability to search for previous work done
Ability to print reports


Given the fantastic inspection report by DMC, I'm looking forward to adding all of those items to the 'Maintenance Schedule" tab to keep track of what needs to be done and when.

I tried 8 other applications or tools, and they all just plain sucked. This one was quite a surprise.

For those interested in data and tracking, I'd be interested in your input and feedback.

Dave

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