Locksmith Software

[ta2zandsteel]

I am looking to start up a small business doing locksmith work aside from my normal job. I have been looking at all the different software packages out on the market and have found a few that I really like they way they look. I was wondering if any professional locksmiths on here can tell me what software they have tried and what they liked about it and more importantly what they didn't like about it. I am on a really tight budget for initial start up costs and some of the specific things I want to do would make it easier to have software on my laptop instead of carrying around a bunch of hardcopy text.

Thanks

[zeke79]

What are you trying to do here? Are you interested in code software? Masterkeying software? Invoicing software? Are you going to be doing auto work?

[ta2zandsteel]

I am mainly looking at software for doing masterkey systems, auto lockouts, code cutting, and job parts inventory. I really liked the looks of InstaCode because it has most of those features as well as Doors Scheduling software. Was just curious if anyone can tell me what software packages to stay away from or ones that were not user friendly.

[zeke79]

Instacode will be the best bang for your buck then. Keep in mind that all the extras will cost more than the basic package price. Ie, the My masterkey add on will cost extra I believe.

All of the code softwares are pretty good that I have used. So far, Treskat seems to have codes that I cannot locate in instacode or Genericode. There are some codes that are not in instacode and are in genericode and vise versa.

[2octops]

Agreed, Instacode is nice.

Genericode is nice, Codesource is nice, Treskat is nice. All are easy to work with and like was said before, some will have codes that others are lacking.

If you have a wireless connection for your laptop, I would suggest codes on line at www.blackhawk7.com

It is a very complete software and the code version is only $59 per year for a subscription. You can also access with a web enabled phone. The only drawback is if you can not get a signal where you are working so that you can get online.

Treskat has some nice, easy to use software also and is inexpensive. The main drawback to Treskat is a guy named Ray. Ray writes the software and handles the customer support. He might actually be the only employee, I'm not sure. What I do know is he is a control freak with an eat crap attitude if you have to ask for any help. He has the worst attitude of any one person I have ever had the displeasure of speaking with. However, his software works extremely well.

I would not worry too much about point of sale software and inventory software until your second year in business.

[zeke79]

When dealing with Ray, just make sure you have read EVERYTHING in the help files and readme files before asking a question. If the problem is not solved in those files then he is ok to deal with from what I know.

[linty]

i use masterking, it's the only one i've ever used so i can't give any real useful comparison here but i like the software, does what it should.

[ldnlksmth]

I may be strange, but I like laying out master key systems myself. I do them by hand most of the time just because I can.

I would hold off on the master key stuff until you've got some established commercial contracts that don't have their own system. You might find it cheaper in the beginning to buy systems from other 'smiths (such as myself).

Inventory and invoicing can be done in excel or any other spreadsheet. google inventory spreadsheets and find one that's been written already, don't re-invent the wheel.

first year in business: keep your overhead LOW LOW LOW. If you're on good terms with another 'smith, or have the interent capable laptop setup, go with the online stuff. Less investment means greater profit per part.

[fsdhy]

I am enjoying Instacode... Although I'm using an old version. It seems to do the job for my shop, especially since their codebook set has been a 1" red binder with various torn out sheets from backissues of LL up until now

For invoicing, inventory and accounting I use Quickbooks Pro 2007.

[elipriest]

For us, we use InstaCode for most code series. Very helpful, although quite often there are parts missing from the database. For master-keying, ProMaster is definately the way to go. We have an early version, but it is very easy to use, and from what i understand the newer versions are no different.