COCAM^™: Asset Management For Collectors!
 

COCAM - Using the QuickFilter from the context menu

COCAM - Adding An Item

COCAM - Editing A Log Entry
 

COCAM (Coin-Op Collector's Asset Management or Collectors Asset Management) is an small database application that helps you organize and track items in a coin-op collection.  It is specifically targeted to people that frequent and participate on newsgroups like rec.games.video.arcade.collecting, rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace, and possibly rec.games.pinball.  Early screenshots are above.

The application allows you to enter information about items in your collection, which can range from parts to complete machines; you can specify all of the item Types yourself, as well as information on Quantity, Locations, Statuses, Manufacturers, related Contacts, bind a HTML-based Log Entry to an item, and even indicate if the item is on loan to someone.

It uses a very simple list-view interface.  All of the columns and widths are customizable and persist.  The interface provides sorting ability and the ability to filter the view based on an item's Type, Location, etc.  The interface's sorting, Filter, and QuickFilter feature allow you to quickly locate specific Items based on their Status, Location, Manufacturer, or Type (and Contact, shortly).

For example, you can quickly see where that Gallag board you have is located at, or if it is on loan to someone, or if you have it for sale, and its condition, etc.

It is not designed to handle extremely large collections (e.g greater than 5000 distinct items) on underpowered hardware because all of the data is loaded into the application at startup.

Key Benefits

•  An easy-to-use interface that provides quick access to information
•  HTML-based Log entries (handy for Repair Information on an item)
•  Customizable HTML Reporting capabilities (in development)
•  Export of data to CSV formats (for use in other applications like Excel)
•  Import of existing data from CSV formats (from other applications like Excel)

Future Plans

•  ...

Notes

When the application is first executed, it will create its database schema.  You will also then have the option of having the application create "stock data" for you, which includes an assortment of item Types, Manufacturers, Locations, etc.

A Private Beta is running.

System Requirements

COCAM requires a minimum PII machine running Win2K or higher.  The application may execute correctly on 9x/Me platforms, but I do not have the means to test those platforms that well.  IE 5.0 or greater is also required.  Lastly, a database is required.  If your system already has SQL Server 2000 or MSDE on it, you are good to go.  If not, the installer will ship with the Windows Installer Merge Modules required to deploy MSDE.  This part of the install may need additional testing.

Downloading

Participants in the beta already have the second version in hand.  If you want to join, contact us now!  The help file (in progress) is available here.

Pricing

...

News and Updates:

•  The second beta of the application has just been released.
   
•  COCAM no longer requires SQL Server or the MSDE database service.  It now maintains its own database schema using flat files.  Export to CSV has been completed, and Import from CSV is nearing completion.  Database Integrity tests and automatic backup of the last saved database are also under development.