Orchid Tracking Software - Orchid Board

Becca · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:45 PM

Hi! I am looking for a good tracking software to purchase. I have seen on here that several people use Cattleya Log, but upon searching Google, I saw there are several different softwares available and I am just wondering what the majority of everyone on here would recommend?

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:47 PM

Do you have Excel on your PC? If so, why not set up your own spreadsheet. Cheap and you can do it your own way. Just a thought.

Becca · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:50 PM

I do have Excel, and that is how I originally started tracking my purchases, but then I got lazy and also found many of the columns I thought I would need I didn't. I am really just lazy and thought it would be handy, so far something like Cattleya Log doesn't seem to over priced, but I would like to see it or test it before making a decision to buy it.

Graehstone · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 06:33 PM

Try looking here for some thing that might suit your needs.
Orchid Software & Recordkeeping - Orchids

Oscarman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 06:43 PM

Becca there is a trial version (free download) available at the site. It will give you plenty of features to play with to judge it's appropriateness for you. There is quite a bit of information to set up, like any database.

I have downloaded the trial twice in the past and still have not purchased the full version, as I'm still not sure it is for me. It did however help me decide what type of info I wanted in my Excel spreadsheet! Been using that format since 2005.

If you do go for the software, there is version 4 coming....finally. Version 3 has been around a long time.

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 07:51 PM

I use Cattleya Log and as Dave said, there is a trial version available. It allows you to enter 10 plants for free. I have the full version and I love it. The only thing I want to say is that if you are serious about a record-keeping program, get one BEFORE your collection gets too large. If you wait, then it's a HUGE job to enter all the plants instead of entering them as you get them

DelawareJim · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 09:06 PM

I use excel. It gives me flexibility the packages don't. You can delete the columns you found you don't need, and since you said you've gotten lazy with data entry, do you think you'll be less lazy with software you bought? No offense meant.

Cheers.
Jim

Grandma M · #8 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 08:24 AM

When is the version 4 expected? I tried the version 3 and found it did not have the flexibility I wanted. I wonder if the new version would correct that.

I now use Excel and also do a separate sheet in WordPerfect which I can file in a ring binder. I can record pictures of: Cataloge picture, my plant when arrived, 1st bloom, 2nd bloom,3rd bloom. I also have other info entered into a form on that sheet. I just can't sort anything.

I can record new info and new pics on the WP sheet and also in pencil on printed sheet. If there has been a lot of new info, or pics, added I just re-print that sheet.

I have a lot of plants and wonder if the work recording it into cattleya Log would be a better way to do it, and if it would be worth the extra effort. I would like to be able to sort such things as : which did I have in bloom 1 year ago on this date, which plants are expected to bloom in January, which ones are pink,.......

Can anyone who uses it give me more info?

cb977 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 08:41 AM

Hi M

Cattleya Log offers the opportunity to enter all the information you are questioning. You can track where & when you got the plant, how much $$$, what size, what type, color, size, spike date to bloom date, add pictures...and the list goes on and on.

I love it...except for the fact that I got it when my collection had already grown rather large so it's a daunting job to get them all entered...and I'm still working on it

I try to get 20 or so done whenever I have a few extra minutes.

I'd suggest you download the free trial version, which will allow for ten plants. By doing that, you'll be able to see all it offers...make a point of going in to all the detail entries available.

goodgollymissmolly · #10 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 08:54 AM

I know two people already said it, but why not use Excel? Or if you wish a free one you can download Open Office for free. Open Office includes a version of all the Microsoft Office software products...Excel,Word,Powerpoint,Access, plus a couple of other things.

Actually I prefer it to the MS products. It will open all the MS documents that you already have and you can save your new documents in MS formats so you can share them with those who insist on buying MS products.

Why buy a limited use program? Just use what you have. It's much more flexible.