Out of the frying pan, into the fire

I recently accepted a position as the purchasing agent for the hotel which I was previously working in the capacity of a cook. YOW!!! The monthly inventory is a total nightmare, established about 15 years ago by someone who had no training whatsoever. Can anyone provide me with any type of information regarding software or any type of inventory control systems which may be available? It's year 2000...there's got to be a better way. Thank you in advance. P.S. Never thought I'd miss cooking so much........

[Jim]

Woody,
I, too, inherited an ancient inventory system at my current unit. I have set up a multi-sheet (by vendor) workbook in Excel that has 'sticky' panes to make ordering easier. My order guides operate as inventory control as well. I would be happy to pass along my spread sheet. Drop me your email address if you are interested.
If you really want to go hight-tech, you can download your ordering/inventory guides to a handheld unit and do your orders & inventory without having to re-enter information into your desktop unit. Then, to get even 'messier' you can link your handheld computer to your vendor's on-line order entry system (like eSysco).
Good luck and let me know if I can help!

Jim, Thank you so much for your quick response. You have helped me out before when I was considering this position, and now you're offering assistance again...what a guy!! Unfortunately, I am pretty computer illiterate (I'm just an internet junkie) when it comes to certain programs...and Excel is my biggest nightmare. I do not have Excel on my home computer, but plan on loading it soon. I would appreciate seeing your spreadsheet and will take you up on your offer. This weekend is the NRA show here in Chicago and I asked someone to bring me back an exhibitor guide book to see if there is any type of software available for this subject. I currently place my orders with one supplier on-line, which is nice, but I don't have that option with any of the other ones. Thanx again, and I look forward to hearing from you. Any info that might make this job easier would be appreciated (my husband can't understand why I work 12 hours a day just to shop for food...)

[Jim]

Woody,
Always a pleasure to help! I have forwarded those buying guides via email. Let me know if you get hung up or there are any problems receiving the 'package'.