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CrunkDunt
Starting Member
3 Posts |
 Posted - 2010-02-06 : 13:42:58
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| Hi folks.I am new to the forums, so Hey!I am also pretty new to SQL, so I am looking for a bit of advice.Bit of background first, to help explain what I am looking at doing.I own a computer repair shop (among other things) and we have a large customer base with regard to full system sales, upgrades, repairs etc.Currently, we are using a paper based system for storing customer details. This is annoying, as it is hell trying to follow up on the customer history.So, I am looking to create a web app, using ASP.NET (C#) and MS SQL, which I can use within my business to store full computer repairs, upgrades etc. Basically, in my mind, I see this app allowing my staff to log into the app itself and allow them to view, add or amend any repairs that come into the shop. This will allow us to present each customer with a system id, which we will be able to check up on whenever they come into store.I am also hoping to use this for new system builds, so that any system that we sell to a customer can be traceable, for instance, we would be able to track the exact motherboard (or whatever) we sold, so that if the customer came back in a month’s time saying something has failed, we can first check to see whether they are trying to swindle us (by checking serials etc) but also see what we gave them to start with. This can also allow us to provide warranties etc.I have a very basic database in mind, and have a rough idea of what tables, columns, keys will be needed, but basically, I am asking for some opinions.Do you think this is a little bit advanced for a complete noob to take on? Considering I am also in the learning process for .net too?Basically, I really want to give this a go, do you folks have any thoughts, or hints/suggestions on how I could actually do this myself.I know this is a bit open ended, but thought I would pop on and see what your thoughts are!Thanks, Travis |
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess
38200 Posts |
Posted - 2010-02-06 : 16:46:10
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| Yes this does sound pretty advanced. It won't hurt to try it out though and you'll definitely learn as you go. For a newbie though, this might take quite some time to develop and having it work correctly. Have you instead considered purchasing an application? I've seen recent commercials for some invoice application that Intuit sells. I doubt it allows customers to modify their own records, but maybe you'll change your mind on that part. Note: I do not work for Intuit, just happen to have seen a recent commercial.Tara KizerMicrosoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Serverhttp://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/Subscribe to my blog"Let's begin with the premise that everything you've done up until this point is wrong." |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-02-06 : 17:26:11
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I think it would also be worth looking for an online application - if you can find something suitable. That way the supplier / hosting company takes care of all the data backup, upgrades, and so on - you just need a browser. You can use it at home, on a laptop, all without the hassle of installing applications on PCs and getting connectively to your various locations sorted out (I appreciate this is easy for someone already in the computer business! but best you concentrate on what you do best, I reckon  You want several different things, which might make it difficult to find the ideal package (and thus perhaps the attraction of building your own). CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Repairs booking, Management and Billing; system builds - including list of components used and time recording so that you can do billing (that may actually be able to use the same application as the Repairs business)Commissioning bespoke software takes longer, costs more (both time reviewing, debugging and getting it right, and money!) than the people who embark on it ever expected. You get a nice-fitting, tailor-made, product at the end though ... |
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CrunkDunt
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 2010-02-07 : 08:01:25
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| Thanks for the ideas here folks.I had a feeling that it would be a little large for me to tackle on my own. Tkizer, i will look into that company, sounds interesting. Kristen, do you have any suggestions or ideas on what particular packages to try? That would make my life alot easier in the long run.I think i would still like to give it a go, perhaps i will start with something much smaller, and build up from there.Is it wise to do this sort of thing in a 'modular' fashion? or would that just make more of a headache from a database point of view?Thanks for all the help so far! |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-02-08 : 02:44:49
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| "Kristen, do you have any suggestions or ideas on what particular packages to try? That would make my life alot easier in the long run"No, sorry, if I did I would have spoken up Might be worth looking at Source Forge - that is where most Open Source projects are hosted; you might be able to find something suitable there, and then you could look into modifying and improving it - that way you would get a "package" quick-start, and a "tailor-made" solution in the long term.http://sourceforge.net/softwaremap/trove_list.php?form_cat=577 - which is the ERP category |
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CrunkDunt
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 2010-02-08 : 12:24:29
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| Kristen, that is a great idea. Best of both worlds!Should have thought of that myself..... Ah well =)Kudos to you! |
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Need some advice on a database