Online cigar storage / smoke tracker

[Zenistar]

I'm currently working on an online database system that allows me to store information related to the cigars in my humidors and then record smokes along with tasting notes etc.

Now the system is based upon the entry of 'lots' which are numbers of cigars added at the same time, e.g. a box of 25 cigars would be added as a single lot to the database along with purchase information, source, box codes etc and recorded against one of a number of locations e.g. I have two desktop humidors and a coolerdor which are recorded in the system. Smaller purchases like singles or doubles would be added in the same way, e.g. a purchase of 2 Cohiba robustos at the same time would be a single lot. Smoked cigars and general removals (think gifts, bombs etc) are recorded individually along with notes etc.

I am now looking to expand the application to allow anyone to register on my website, setup their humidors and record their stock and smokes, the system will also allow users to view the contents of the database (where cigars etc can be attributed to a specific user, or be anonymous depending on the user preference), as well as see average ratings, tasting notes added by other users, average cost etc for their smokes etc.

The app will also produce stats and reports such as the most popular cigars in storage, most smoked, country of origin stats etc.

What I am looking for is:

• First of all, a general indication that such a system would be of interest to people.
• Suggestions and notes regarding what potential users see as being critical functionality, and what would be 'nice to have'.
• Lastly, a number of users perhaps three or four who would be interested in becoming beta users - if interested either post here or PM me giving me an idea about the following - how many smokes you have in storage, quantity smoked in a week and quantity purchased in an average week - I will then make the selection of beta tester to ensure they cover the different user types and invite them to use the system via PM when it is at a suitable stage.

Cheers

Adrian

[DriftyGypsy]

Adrian sounds good, but I currently use Stogie Rate by Dr Stogie to track my smokes...

[Zenistar]

Cheers DG, I've looked at the offline solutions like Stogie Rate but I want something for myself that I can use no matter where I am, in the house, at work, on the road, in the B&M etc.

Perhaps most people are happier with an offline solution, which is cool, if enough respond here along a similar line I guess I will just develop it for self use

[DriftyGypsy]

Originally Posted by Zenistar

Cheers DG, I've looked at the offline solutions like Stogie Rate but I want something for myself that I can use no matter where I am, in the house, at work, on the road, in the B&M etc.

Perhaps most people are happier with an offline solution, which is cool, if enough respond here along a similar line I guess I will just develop it for self use

Actually, I would like to see it after you got it done... it may be another way to track your smokes.

[tech-ninja]

Zenistar, I have been working on one in MySQL and PHP. What are you using? I would be glad to beta test for you. PM sent.

[Zenistar]

Same thing, MySQL, PHP and a Joomla (still not sure on this though) front end.

[JPH]

This sounds like a good Idea..Here are my suggestions:

1. A picture of the ring would be nice instead of the name because sometimes I am looking for cigars and I see one Ive had and think "no the ring looks diff" mostly I probably don't remember.
2. Maybe not only have what others said about it but a rating system the users could give based on their experiences. Like have several categories (Taste, Burn, smell, ect....) and it sums it up out of ten or something.
3. Spread sheet like format would be great because it is easy to use...like excel.

Those are just a few right off the top of my head if you would like to run some ideas past me I would love to give you feed back. I don't think I would be right for a beta test since I don't have very many cigars at the moment, I'm just getting humidor up to par with RH/Temp. But I am very good at problem solving, and finding alternatives so If you need more Ideas let me know.

[RGD]

I've tried to write a few over the years - but my biggest single problem is actually using a tracker. If I was a one a day of just a couple a week smoker then it would not be a problem - but with the amount that I smoke I just don't have the time to write it all down or log on to a computer to keep track. Add to that the amount that I just give away to friends and now with bombs, passes, etc etc - just no time.

All that in mind - a bar coded system would be my ultimate idea -
Of course all the smokes would have to come coded and the program would have to be updated by others -


Ron

[Baric]

Sounds like a good idea Adrian-hope youve got plenty of site memory as this idea could be really popular.
Are you going to allow pictures of the humidors and smokes as that would be cool. also, will it include reviews of humidification solutions etc so you can do a total humidor setup online-e.g. a coleman coolerdor with cigar oasis, western digital hygrometer and 'x' boxes of cigars etc?
I think its a great idea, especially if you could allow some sort of messaging between users [like our PMing] so they could advise/compliment/offer help. could be a nice community.

Good Luck

David

btw if you do need another beta tester im willing but i dont think my cigar consumption will be quite what youre looking for lol

[whiteboard]

Originally Posted by RGD

I've tried to write a few over the years - but my biggest single problem is actually using a tracker. If I was a one a day of just a couple a week smoker then it would not be a problem - but with the amount that I smoke I just don't have the time to write it all down or log on to a computer to keep track.

I have the same problem. That's why after each purchase, I now embed a small chip about the size of a tobacco beetle and made entirely of carbon into each cigar. The chip makes constant contact with my DB by wireless. Once incinerated, that particular cigar, which has a unique signature, is removed from the database. Works really well.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by whiteboard

I have the same problem. That's why after each purchase, I now embed a small chip about the size of a tobacco beetle and made entirely of carbon into each cigar. The chip makes constant contact with my DB by wireless. Once incinerated, that particular cigar, which has a unique signature, is removed from the database. Works really well.

Now that's what I'm talking about !!!!! Cept I may have to find someone to embed the chips for me -


Ron

[Hammerhead]

Adrian, I think most of us here would appreciate such an application, though I think that it shouldn't be exclusively online.

Check out this thread to see some very interesting discussion on features, so that you don't reinvent the wheel: CLICKY