touring software

[gmac]

Hi

 

Some advice please. We've been managing a few small tours on spreadsheets and email address books over tha last few years. Our tours are now getting bigger, anyone got any advice on software programmes that can help with tour management?

 

Thanks

 

G

[mac.calder]

Specifically geared software for something like touring is extreamly unlikely.

 

There are a few programs out there which are built for vacation tour operators which you could do a bodge job to fit the role you required.

 

One thing that makes life a lot easier is web based groupware software like zimbra which basically allows you to keep all your contacts in one place, and schedule everything (and for someone else at HQ to schedule things too) along with providing email.

 

Other than that, employ good file management practices (that means a decent directory structure and naming convention), and make up a set of templates in your office product, and save them as templates NOT normal files (ie for word, save as .dot instead of .doc)

[Beanzy]

I use iCal on the Mac for organising and synchronising all my contacts and diary which includes clients in London and Cornwall, and the business operations of two companies, one of which involves working abroad, also have my personal life in there too. As the previous poster says good file discipline is important.

 

I like the iCal as I can publish it to the Web with just business stuff for the relevant business up on the appropriate web space. It also allows me to update remotely , link files (accounts, budgets etc) and update to-from the mobile etc. I also use a PDA via active Sync for another PC based set-up so use the mobile to interface between these for diary and contacts.

 

Really you need a good business structure first then you can make the software fit to that. don't try to fit your information needs to the software, or the wheels will fly off the touring waggon before long. <_<

[gmac]

thanks for the advice. Got plenty of sysytems in place and do use ical, but hoping to get something of a smart suite so that all the various prgrammes and storage systems are more efficiently integrated. Will let you know if I find a solution.

 

Will also check zimbra

 

thanks again

 

G