Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Software Programs/Databases

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Feb 7, 2014, at 10:18 AM, Gloria Hoffman <hoffman1 [at] comcast.net> wrote:

> Can anyone recommend a commercial software program to keep track of finances
> and/or databases for membership information? 

There is a new online service called Freshbooks that is wonderful for finances. 
Since it is online multiple people can access it from various locations. How 
many depends on the level of service. Easy to learn, clean design, good support.

I use FileMaker Pro for membership and information tracking because a database 
is infinitely flexible. From the same information I print contact sheets. 
labels for cubbies, a checklist for fire drills, a checklist for meals, etc. 
Anything a member needs -- tracking sheet for dryer vent cleaning, parking 
spaces, etc. Having a database is very helpful and much more useful than a 
spreadsheet. A less powerful database would probably suffice but I like 
FileMaker Pro.

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org