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I am looking to update our cataloging software; any suggestions?  Nothing to complicated.   The software should be able to upload a picture,  input a description, and able to do a search of the inventory.  Also, if possible, to be able to transfer the information from the system that is being used now into the new system with ease .

Thank you,

If you are not looking for something very robust, PastPerfect is a good option. It is relatively inexpensive and very user-friendly. Good luck!

Assuming your a smaller institution, I would look into Past Perfect.  It does what you are looking for and more.  It's not too complicated.  As for the transfer question, it depends on what you are using now.  Excel speed sheets transfer fairy easily.  If you happen to have a collection that is of several million objects, then you may need to look into something like KE Emu.  It's far more complex, requires a substantial infrastructure, but can do a lot.  I have used both.

This post related to a problem my own department is facing.

Our museum is currently finalizing a system for collections management as well. We had narrowed it down to Embark (through Gallery Systems software options) but post-AAM Expo I'm now torn as well. 

Has anyone had positive and/or negative experiences with Embark? What about Axiell for Museums? Our collection is small (only 600+ pieces) but we still greatly need the technology and are looking forward to the ability to share our collection online to visitors. 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 

I have only used two different collection management software in my museum career, and one of them is KE Emu. Personally, I don't like it. For a small collection, it's like renting a 10 person limo when you really need to rent a Fiat.  It is an insanely over-clunky database that is not very user-friendly.  Yes, we have been able to upload data via Excel and Access but there have been major problems (in my opinion) with those uploads.  Since I was not part of the actual data transmission, I can only speak to the after effects as a user. Granted, our access to it is probably different than other clients because we have layers of red tape to go through as a federal museum, at least I hope it is.  

I would stick to a more commercially available and professionally accepted database like PastPerfect or TMS. 

I am the Collections Department for our museum.  Our inventory of items is approximately 8,000, not including photographs.  About 40%-50% are on loan from the National Museum of the US Air Force/NMUSAF.  Our museum started in 1985 as an active air force base museum.  Initially, Alpha 4 database program was used. With base closure in the works, in 2000 NMUAF made a decision that at a certain point anything donated/gifted to the museum belonged to the museum.  In 2001 the air base closed and the museum continued as a civilian organization, affiliated with the NMUSAF.  The Collections Manager kept the collection on Alpha 4.  in 2005, the museum purchased Past Perfect 4, but it was only used for administrative purposes.  

In 2014, I was able to have all items from the 2000 dividing point converted from Alpha 4 and transferred to Past Perfect.  We kept NMUSAF items prior to the dividing point on Alpha 4.  While NMUSAF sends us an annual inventory of their items, our Alpha 4 has more information. Unfortunately, we have no one who is familiar with it to actually use Alpha 4.   But we are returning items to NMUSAF basedon what we have acquired since base closure

Past Perfect 4 has been a relatively easy program to learn and use.  There are a few quirks, but can be worked thru.  Our biggest problem was updating the various data bases to include the military terminology for describing items and related issues.  We are planning a major revision of our network and I plan to request updating to Past Perfect 5.  You can download a demonstration version of Past Perfect to play with.  I believe it will take up to 300 items.  

I would recommend it.

We have used PastPerfect for several years.  The customer service is excellent.  We have a part time archivist who has trained half a dozen volunteers to input and use the program.  We are a small archive with extensive photographs and manuscripts but few artifacts. I am particularly pleased with PastPerfect hosting our archives On-Line which enables us to make our content more widely accessible through our website to staff, members, researchers and the public while not posing a risk to data on our servers.  This add-on was well worth the investment  in the engagement it made possible. I was pleased to see your inquiry. It has been many years since I have been to Memorial Hall.  I will plan a visit the next time I am with family in Pittsburgh.   Regards,

We have used PastPerfect for about 6 years now.  It is affordable and quite intuitive to use.  I attended an onsite weekend course once which set me on track.  They offer online training and answer questions by email and phone very promptly.  It has many fields that you can populate or not - your choice how to use it.