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NFT: NFT: Software for Database

Sy'56 : 5/26/2023 1:39 pm
Hey all-

I am speaking with a couple people about this already - figured I would check if anyone had thoughts about it here.

I am looking into cleaning up my system for scouting and personnel work and data-build. Currently use a ton of Google Sheets / Docs but I think it can more efficient. Do any of you have experience with software (preferably nothing expensive) for a "database" of personnel I could look into? I am not overly tech-savvy but I do learn pretty quickly especially if it can make my process more efficient.

Send me an email or reply here if you have any views on the subject. Thanks

sy2256@gmail.com
There's probably a few  
Spiciest Memelord : 5/26/2023 2:09 pm : link
open source database servers out there, if you're looking for something with a bit more flexibility and power than a spreadsheet.
Hi Sy-  
Heisenberg : 5/26/2023 2:18 pm : link
If you already use Google Sheets for your data, you might want to try Google Tables. It's a product in Beta that they are developing and it's a bit like MS Access, except it also has a workflow automation component (that is really for teams and companies/orgs)

But you can import your sheets data directly into the Tables really easily from a menu and it kind of creates a database for you. From there, you can customize table and it auto generates a form that can help you enter the data by providing validation so you are always entering the right data in the right column. Theres a bunch of youtubes you can watch about stuff you can do in it. Of course, most of those will target uses that are generic business uses (inventory control, sales leads, etc) and not scouting related so it may be difficult to see how it might apply to you.

And then it will have better searching and sorting type abilities.
Google Tables - ( New Window )
MySQL or Postgres  
bluewave : 5/26/2023 3:30 pm : link
Those are the two largest players. If you need help let me know. I'd write up some scripts to automatically import them if you need it.
RE: Hi Sy-  
bluewave : 5/26/2023 3:36 pm : link
In comment 16123764 Heisenberg said:
Quote:
If you already use Google Sheets for your data, you might want to try Google Tables. It's a product in Beta that they are developing and it's a bit like MS Access, except it also has a workflow automation component (that is really for teams and companies/orgs)

But you can import your sheets data directly into the Tables really easily from a menu and it kind of creates a database for you. From there, you can customize table and it auto generates a form that can help you enter the data by providing validation so you are always entering the right data in the right column. Theres a bunch of youtubes you can watch about stuff you can do in it. Of course, most of those will target uses that are generic business uses (inventory control, sales leads, etc) and not scouting related so it may be difficult to see how it might apply to you.

And then it will have better searching and sorting type abilities. Google Tables - ( New Window )


Didn't know about this... Seems like a good option!
RE: RE: Hi Sy-  
bluewave : 5/26/2023 3:57 pm : link
In comment 16123840 bluewave said:
Quote:
In comment 16123764 Heisenberg said:


Quote:


If you already use Google Sheets for your data, you might want to try Google Tables. It's a product in Beta that they are developing and it's a bit like MS Access, except it also has a workflow automation component (that is really for teams and companies/orgs)

But you can import your sheets data directly into the Tables really easily from a menu and it kind of creates a database for you. From there, you can customize table and it auto generates a form that can help you enter the data by providing validation so you are always entering the right data in the right column. Theres a bunch of youtubes you can watch about stuff you can do in it. Of course, most of those will target uses that are generic business uses (inventory control, sales leads, etc) and not scouting related so it may be difficult to see how it might apply to you.

And then it will have better searching and sorting type abilities. Google Tables - ( New Window )



Didn't know about this... Seems like a good option!


I take that back. After looking at the docs, I don't think you're going to get what your looking for out of that. A database is the way to go.
Certainly an actual database would make sense  
Heisenberg : 5/26/2023 4:21 pm : link
But without a knowledge of how they work they can be a little difficult to use. Thats why I recommended Tables. Old school MS Access is available with the personal Office 365 account too.

I'd guess that Sy is looking for a database to keep player data, historical data and a nicer front end than entering data in a spreadsheet. He didnt really say. I think Tables can do that, even if it's kind of designed for other stuff too. Its non techy, free and might be better than a spreadsheet

If he puts it in a MySql database, what's he doing for a front end? Can he write SQL queries? Maybe he can.
RE: Certainly an actual database would make sense  
bluewave : 5/26/2023 4:44 pm : link
In comment 16123868 Heisenberg said:
Quote:
But without a knowledge of how they work they can be a little difficult to use. Thats why I recommended Tables. Old school MS Access is available with the personal Office 365 account too.

I'd guess that Sy is looking for a database to keep player data, historical data and a nicer front end than entering data in a spreadsheet. He didnt really say. I think Tables can do that, even if it's kind of designed for other stuff too. Its non techy, free and might be better than a spreadsheet

If he puts it in a MySql database, what's he doing for a front end? Can he write SQL queries? Maybe he can.


Valid points. Sy, what are you looking to do?
RE: Certainly an actual database would make sense  
thefan : 5/27/2023 12:49 am : link
In comment 16123868 Heisenberg said:
Quote:
But without a knowledge of how they work they can be a little difficult to use. Thats why I recommended Tables. Old school MS Access is available with the personal Office 365 account too.

I'd guess that Sy is looking for a database to keep player data, historical data and a nicer front end than entering data in a spreadsheet. He didnt really say. I think Tables can do that, even if it's kind of designed for other stuff too. Its non techy, free and might be better than a spreadsheet

If he puts it in a MySql database, what's he doing for a front end? Can he write SQL queries? Maybe he can.


This, I mean basic SELECTS and WHEREs are easy, but you could quickly create a mess, then you get into learning joins, unions, optimizing queries. It's a lot.

I'd give something like what this poster is suggesting a try before committing to learning the basics of databases like mysql or posgresql.

Be forewarned, google has a tendency to release something and then kill the product a year or two down the line though.

Sy, if you think there is a scouting product in moving your sheets into a db/application lemme know.
Microsoft Access  
yalebowl : 5/27/2023 3:17 pm : link
I have been using Microsoft Access as the database for our bookstore forever. We created our own data entry form to enter our Used Book inventory. It's a simple flat database and we use it to lookup titles and authors we might have on hand. And we record into this database when we sell a book.

We also upload the same database to our web site. Customers then to do their own searching and placing orders. This has to be in a more secure environment otherwise hackers from China and Russia will try to break in and steal credit card information. This process is not that sophisticated as we could sell something in-store before we are able to delete it from the on-line database. But that is a rare occurrence.

And we also generate our own tailored reports from this database to compute the "Cost of Goods Sold" and for entries into our Quickbooks accounting system at a higher level.

Another database process is for our New Book inventory and non-book inventory items is using the database feature that comes with Quickbooks. This is pretty simple to use and when we buy inventory from Wholesalers, we enter new inventory purchases into Quickbooks and then record sales to this inventory from daily activity. Quickbooks tracks and computes a fairly accurate "Cost of Goods Sold" automatically for us.



RE: Certainly an actual database would make sense  
upnyg : 5/27/2023 9:22 pm : link
In comment 16123868 Heisenberg said:
Quote:
But without a knowledge of how they work they can be a little difficult to use. Thats why I recommended Tables. Old school MS Access is available with the personal Office 365 account too.

I'd guess that Sy is looking for a database to keep player data, historical data and a nicer front end than entering data in a spreadsheet. He didnt really say. I think Tables can do that, even if it's kind of designed for other stuff too. Its non techy, free and might be better than a spreadsheet

If he puts it in a MySql database, what's he doing for a front end? Can he write SQL queries? Maybe he can.


Probably best to go web based. As other said, a MySQl and PHP script is probably already out there for free. Lots of this stuff is done under open source.

Suggest hiring a web developer to set up a site with the database in the back end. You should be able to sort and edit dynamically via internet access and a passcode.

One thing to consider is security. I used to do some of my own websites with a similar database, but if you are not on it all the time, there are hackers looking to mess with your site.

Hire someone and pay a little more upfront to save the headaches later. Going this way will allow you to include it in your website, can be searchable online if you want it, etc.

Good luck!
Good points above  
widmerseyebrow : 5/27/2023 11:40 pm : link
A relational database is ideal for what I imagine you're using it for, but a polished, user-friendly interface on the front of it is probably what you need. The Google Tables option above sounds intriguing. If it's free, even better.

One type software that might work would be something like a customer relationship management (CRM) tool. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, but you might be able to find one where you could customize it enough to be more football centric. i.e. each "customer" would be a football prospect, each interaction would be a time you have scouted them, broken down film on them, etc. Just a possibility, but it will likely cost something (subscription or one-time fee).
Sy, unrelated question:  
widmerseyebrow : 5/27/2023 11:48 pm : link
Have you considered (or do you already have?) Substack or some other subscription platform? Love your content.
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