| Author | Message | ||
     Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2122 Registered: 6-2009 |
Hello All, We constantly hear how critical it is to get a car with a full maintenance history (and you often can't) and those of us who try to be assiduous about maintaining same for our cars quickly find out what a paper-saving nightmare that becomes (and, sometimes, get lost). Several years ago I found a Microsoft Access Database on the internet (and it was for free download) that I have found invaluable in making it easy to keep a maintenance history for my cars. The database itself can be used for multiple vehicles, but I create a separate instance for each vehicle I'm tracking so that I can pass it along to any future custodian without having any data on cars they aren't going to be caring for. Here are direct links to the database template, which can be used to create an empty instance of the Maintenance Log in Microsoft Access. It may also be able to be used in Libre Office or Open Office, but in the event it is not I have also included a link to an actual instance of the empty database. This I know can be opened by the Base application in Libre or Open Office and saved in Base file format. One of the features I most like is that for each line item you enter in the log it has the capability for you to attach scans, be they image scans or PDF scans, of your receipts related to that activity. This has made it possible for me to go entirely paperless if I scan the necessary documentation at the time I am doing my log entries. I also keep the PDF scans I make outside the database, too, but that's just me being incredibly careful about having backup. I also routinely backup my hard drive, so this information is always duplicated as well. Multi-Vehicle Automotive Maintenance Log Database Template Empty Automotive Maintenance Log Database Brian | ||
| Patrick Ryan Grand Master Username: patrick_r Post Number: 727 Registered: 4-2016 |
That's a great idea Brian, We may have that paperless office yet!! | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 194 Registered: 11-2015 |
Brian, How about this, make an album on your phone and just take a picture of every receipt. When you sell the car, just NFC tap the album to the new owner. Zap. | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 195 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, Paperless office. I think it is actually here. I own the entire factory RR service manual set but what do I use,... the pdf on my phone. Which also has, a jeep cj5 haynes manual, a vw golf mk1 and 2 manual, a Lotus Elite service manual, Plato's Republic, Deming's Out of the Crises, Dr. Man's Bullets flight from muzzle to target, etc. It's properly magic. | ||
| Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2125 Registered: 6-2009 |
Ross, As much as I love, and depend, on my Android-powered smart phone it is not a tool I use for serious record keeping. There's also just too much "pan and scan" required for me to view documents on the phone, which drives me crazy. I'm more than happy to stick to a laptop or desktop computer for certain tasks and the smart phone for others, with a whole bunch occurring on both, as the moment dictates. Brian, who can't imagine trying to read the Workshop Manual, Spare Parts Catalog, or the like on my phone! | ||
| ross kowalski Prolific User Username: cdfpw Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2015 |
Brian, I guess the only thing I ever use manuals for on cars anymore is wire colors and oddball torques. With those uses, Pan and scan is fine and the convenience of having it anywhere anytime makes it really worth it for me. On good PDF's the ability to search is a huge asset. When I take notes it's always on paper in my notebook because I can do sketches or whatever super fast. | ||
| John Beech Prolific User Username: jbeech Post Number: 119 Registered: 10-2016 |
This is brilliant, Brian, great find. Thanks for sharing. | ||
| Mark Taxis Prolific User Username: mark_taxis Post Number: 107 Registered: 4-2007 |
Brian What programme opens this document, I have tried word, notepad and it does not work Thanks | ||
| Brian Vogel Grand Master Username: guyslp Post Number: 2151 Registered: 6-2009 |
Mark, Please re-read the initial post. I've listed the programs that are likely to be able to open this file besides Microsoft Access. If you don't have Microsoft Access as part of the Microsoft Office Suite, and many versions don't, then try one of the alternative free office suites I mentioned. Brian | ||
| Christopher Williams Unregistered guest Posted From: 50.84.174.74 |
I've been looking for something exactly like this. Thanks Brian! (Message approved by david_gore) |
