And most exciting...


Sumer is based on a fully relational database!


Actually not very exciting unless you are a programmer. Most managers don't know what a relational database is. Not a problem.

Your management knowledge is your most important asset; you just need an easier way to apply that knowledge.

So when you see an ad like:

It's not you! It's your POS!—Upgrade to WarpDrive. Let us help you explore your needs!

realize that they don't know your business. They mean they are trying to find out enough so they can pull something off the shelf—a relational database— repackage it to do more or less what your are already doing, and sell it back to you.

Behind that big facade of expertise and jargon they do all they can to keep a relational database out of your reach.

Here is why...




Technology has changed, business basics not so much


this invoice for delivery of goods to the palace is recorded on clay

an invoice for delivery of gloves and hosiery to Litchfield manor, 1793, is recorded on paper
an invoice for the handrail on Bob's stairs is recorded as computer blips


but they are all spreadsheets linked in an intuitive virtual database

created by some long-ago genius who invented rows, columns, and totals to build forms and reports

and still used today in businesses based on Microsoft Office or Google Docs


An intuitive virtual database is a manual system, involving a lot of copy and paste, even if using Excel or Google Docs.

But those spreadsheets are correct! Managers know exactly how their business works. Computer don't change business, only the way data is stored.

Using existing spreadsheets as a guide, anyone should be able to set up an explicit computerized relational database.

The reason business software is so expensive and inaccesible is not technical. It is because Big Tech and business software purveyors make tremendous profits the way things are. Driving SMEs out of business can be rewarding.




Here is how Sumer uses spreadsheets to build build a nursery management system...


Features include:

  • Automatic consecutive numbering of invoice, extensions, and totals,
  • A Customer popup that allows on-the-fly editing and adding of new customers... this is the beginning of Customer Relations Management.
  • A Price popup, or even an Inventory popup, that allows instant entry of item and price. (Popups ensure fast and accurate data entry.)
  • Automatic posting to reports including:
    • a Sales report,
    • a real-time Inventory report,
    • and Accounting.
  • Availability to every employee at their appropriate task load and level to maximize efficiency.

And a lot more, because everything is linked.






The spreadsheet behind the nursery sales form is simple...





That's it, the whole template. Not much explanation necessary; if you can use Excel, Libre Office, or Google Docs, you can use Sumer.

Over 150 templates are already available (no cost) in the Library. They are easy to change and customize.

You can pretty much use your current paper or spreadsheet forms and copy them into Sumer.

Or if you can't use a computer at all, most 12 year olds can help.