Features
The My Inventory System is designed for basically four purposes. First, to be able to prove to an insurance company what you really had. Second, to act as a visual reminder or cue to you as to what you had and where it was located. While the second may sound strange, if you read the Welcome & Introduction you will understand this. The third is to be able to demonstrate the condition of the items at the time of the inventory. The fourth is to give you the ability to identify and recover your possessions in the event of a theft. Unfortunately, there are cases where the police recover items and the rightful owner can not recover them because of lack of proof that the items belonged to them to start with.
The My Inventory System allows you to add images via your computer from a digital camera, scanner, web camera or import them from a file on your computer. All of the images brought into the program are stored in a compressed TIFF format and are linked to the record you create for each item. All of the images for a specific record are contained in a single multi page TIFF file. The Data files and images are all stored in a directory below the inventory program Called "DATA". The principal program data file is called "DATA.INV".
Other things you should have:
1. A clearly read white ruler, preferably one that will stand up.
2. Storage device like a CD Burner (CD-R, CD-RW) or Zip Disk
3. Digital camera or Film Camera.
4. Scanner for photos and documents that are not on disk.
5. The latest version of the Adobe PDF Reader
Today, most computers come equipped with a CD burner or CD-R, CD-RW drive that allows you to make copies of files from your computer. If you do not have one of these devices, they are inexpensive and easy to install. If you need assistance, you can contact a local computer store for more information.
This program can provide you excellent benefits in the event of a loss but not if the computer it is installed on is stolen or destroyed in a fire or natural disaster. One of the keys to protection is to have a copy of the data off site and away from the computer. If you have a safe deposit box at a local bank you can burn a copy of the program and data and store it there. You might have a relative you could store a copy with. Many insurance agents are glad to keep a copy of a CD in the folder that holds your insurance information. Whichever you choose, it is important to store this vital data off premises for your best protection.
Updating the data is one area that people seem to forget about. You should update the data as often as needed to make sure you have included any new items you have added to your inventory and to demonstrate the condition of existing inventory. I would recommend that you update the total inventory at least once per year and more often if your possessions change frequently. Remember, CD's are cheap, your possessions are not.
Backup your data. You have heard this before and here it is again. Always Backup Your Data.
What should be included in the inventory? Simple answer, everything you would need to replace or need to show the condition of. In your home for example you would want to have images of: All of the rooms, specific items of value or interest, antiques, collections, firearms, coins, artwork, cabinets, audio and electronics equipment, closets, clothes, jewelry. You might also want to include images of your automobiles, boats, RV's, campers, lawn equipment, power tools and equipment. In your office you would include your furnishings, inventory, artwork, supply cabinets, warehouse or storage areas, specialized equipment and tools. In short, if you might have to replace it due to a disaster then record it.
What about important papers? By all means, record them. The My Inventory System allows for you to record documents as well as other physical property. With an inexpensive page scanner you can easily make copies of wills, insurance papers, tax documents, contracts, receipts, appraisals, birth certificates, deeds and more. Also it is not a bad idea to have copies of credit card information, drivers license information, social security cards and the like. All of these things might need to be replaced in the event of a disaster.
How do I do this? Well, next read the section Photography 101 for the details on how best to record your inventory then review the section on Using The Program. You will find that the program is very easy to use and you can quickly keep track of all of this important information.
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