I'm open to an on line alternative. let me kno when you are ready to take the next step.

Update on Moths in Nuts:

They're everywhere. We have had at least 15 machines with moths in the nuts. I am using Planters Dry roasted, and the moths appear to hatch out of small cocoons on the nuts. We probably have 200 machines with these nuts in them and I need a solution. I have bagged the nuts from an infected machine and removed the moths. 2 days later 3 more moths had hatched with the ziplock bag in the seat of my truck. I have used the Planters Large Virginia nuts in oil as well as Planters Cashews and Mixed Nuts w/o any problems. I'm replacing these dry nuts as we go, but would love a solution since the dry nuts are neater and seem to sell better.

Any one else have any input?

I wasn't disagreeing with you at all.

The whole vehicle thing... I'd spend the same money on maintaining my vehicle even if I didn't have the route so I guess you either have a business vehicle or do a lot more miles than me!

Dont get me wrong about 'business skills'. I 'm not some hotshot MBA. I just keep records. Of EVERYTHING. One day I realised I had to organize it a little better. I happen to be quite familiar with excell and access so I built a database but I dont do anything with the data that you cant do with the 'Vending Solutions' software package.

Bottom Line "Salespeople Lie"

I don't have experience with access, but have considered having someone build the Database for me and teach me to use it. Why did you choose this route instead of using "Vending Solutions" or another software package? I manage a new venture and need to track and plan routes for just over 1,300 bulk machines with 4 products each. I'm currently using Microsoft Excel to track and calculate next service date. I then export the machines to service into a Mapping program to print routes for the week. This system is very labor intensive to keep the data current. Our plan is to grow to 5,000 machines, but using Excel will consume way too much time as well as being very susceptible to human error.

www.softessentials.com (offers free trial download)
www.ezmoneyvending.com (offers free trial download)
www.dmchambers.com ($250 through web site or $50 off ebay)

These are all quality programs. A bit pricey for someone starting out and robust enough for operators like yourself. (100+ heads)

Do you have personal experience with any of these? I manage a new venture and need to track and plan routes for just over 1,300 bulk machines with 4 products each. I'm currently using Microsoft Excel to track and calculate next service date. I then export the machines to service into a Mapping program to print routes for the week. This system is very labor intensive to keep the data current. Our plan is to grow to 5,000 machines, but this system will consume way too much time as well as being very susceptible to human error. Changing software is expensive and time consuming, so I only want to do it once if possible.