When you first start the software, the View Window appears.  Using the View window you can view existing records, you can add new records and you can edit existing records. On the View Window you will notice a folder control in the middle of the screen. This control allows you to select the type of information that you would like to view or edit. You can select from description, detail, images and features.  Please note that depending on the type of inventory you are tracking, you may notice two additional tabs that let you record more item details.   The description fields are used to store the characteristics of a record. The detail fields are used to store notes about a record. The image area allows you to associate multiple images with a record. Lastly, the features area provides a checklist where you can quickly enter common item characteristics.  The View window is completely re-sizeable.

At the top of the View Window you will find a toolbar that allows you to access all major program functions.  A toolbar appears at the top of every software screen.  The first ten toolbar buttons on the View screen are specific to the View Screen.  These buttons are explained below.  The rest of the buttons are common to every screen, and are explained in the toolbarToolbar section.

Viewing Records

You can use the first four View screen toolbar buttons to navigate through your database:  

The left arrow takes you to the previous record in the database.  

The right arrow takes you to the next record in the database.

If you have information on the Search List, you can move to the previous record on the search list using the up arrow.

If you have information on the Search List, you can move to the next record on the search list using the down arrow. 

You can also add and remove a record from the Search list by clicking the “On Search List” check box on the top of the View Screen.

Adding New Records

The add button allows you to add a new record to the database.  You can also access this function by selecting the “New Record” option from the main Edit menu, or by pressing the “CTRL-N” keyboard shortcut.  After you invoke this option, a blank record will be created and attached to the end of the database. You will also be automatically transferred to this new record. You can then enter the new record’s information in the middle part of the screen, where the record information is displayed.

Editing Records

Editing records is easy. Simply navigate to the record you would like to change. Then make the required changes in the middle of the screen, where the record information is displayed. When you next save the database, any changes that you have made will also be saved.

Pull-down menus are used to enter data in the left-hand description fields on the description panel. To enter a value in one of these fields, simply click on it. These fields are used for record classification. Accordingly the corresponding pull-down menus are nested. If a particular pull-down menu does not contain the value that you would like to add, select “Add New Category” from the pull down menu. A Tree View will appear where you can enter a new value.  To enter data into any of the remaining fields, you simply type data directly into the field.

You can display description information using the full classification of the item or you can display just the final classification of the item.  To toggle between the 2 modes click on the “Short Description Values” main menu option.

You can also delete, copy and insert records using the toolbar and the options in the edit menu:   

The delete button erases the current record and copies the record information into the save area.  You can also access this function by using the “CTRL-D” keyboard shortcut. 

The copy button copies current record information into a save area.  You can also access this function by using the “CTRL-C” keyboard shortcut.

The insert button creates a new record and fills it with information stored in the save area.  You can also access this function by using the “CTRL-I” keyboard shortcut.

Making Records Read-Only

If you are concerned about accidentally erasing data in a record you can make it read-only.  Click the read-only box on the tool bar to make a record read-only.  When read-only is selected for a record you will not be able to alter any record information and you will not be able to delete the record. 

Sorting Records

The Sort Function button sorts the database.

Related Records

The “Display Related Records” button displays a list of records related to the current record.  In other words, this function will display all of the records that contain the same data as the current record in a selected field.  To view a list of related records simply select the type of related records you want to view from the pop-up window that appears after you press the “Display Related” button.  You can select related records using the complete description category, the primary description category or a detail field.  A list of related records will appear on a separate window.   To view a related record, select it from the pop-up window list, and then press “Display”.  To return to the current record, press the “Close” button on the pop-up window.

Images

You can associate multiple images with a record in the Images section.  The images may be in .BMP, .JPG, .PCX or .GIF format. You can associate up to six images with a single record.  To switch between images use the Image tab buttons at the top of the image area display.   To select an image from disk press the “Image File” button.  To remove an images from a record press the “Clear Image” button.   If you want to stretch or reduce the image size to fit in the image area click on the “Auto Size Image” checkbox.  The auto-size function will automatically preserve aspect ratio.  Images are saved in a special image directory so you do not need to keep a copy of your image on your hard drive after you have entered it into your database.   The image area contains four other useful functions:  You can use the “Scan” function on the image tab to scan an image from a TWAIN complaint scanner.  You can use the “Export” function to save a copy of the current image and you can use the print function to create a special image report that prints the current image to your printer.   Finally you can use the “Image touch-up” function to touch up the current image.  Using this function you can change brightness, contrast, lighting etc.  You can also add special effects such as motion blur.

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