geesamand
Mechanical
- Jun 2, 2006
- 688
I have a couple of common questions asked by my Sales team. I want a software that helps people to narrow down from a list of options based on the information they know.
One example is helping identify the correct pipe flange. (Customers often don't appreciate that a '30" manway' is not enough to know for sure what they have). They might know the nominal pipe size - then enter it and watch the list shorten. Then enter the number of bolts and see it reduce further. And continue on until one possibility is left, which becomes the result.
I would do a plain datasheet but the pieces of available information will vary, and it's important to know how much data is enough without wasting time on numerous redundant measurements. Plus somebody would have to review the datasheets over and over.
I'd like to build an app that allows me to enter a table of data, and then a series of questions that guide the user to narrow the list until it comes down to a final identification. Then have it output the details of that final selection. Kind of reminds me of those "choose your own ending" books I read as a child.
Perhaps there is a software that does this for diagnostic situations, or taxonomy of wildlife, or anything that helps hunt down an answer that we can use as a framework and limits our setup to the table of data and guiding questions. I suspect this can be done using Excel, but I'm concerned Excel won't be portable enough.
Anyone understand what I'm saying? Have any suggestions?
One example is helping identify the correct pipe flange. (Customers often don't appreciate that a '30" manway' is not enough to know for sure what they have). They might know the nominal pipe size - then enter it and watch the list shorten. Then enter the number of bolts and see it reduce further. And continue on until one possibility is left, which becomes the result.
I would do a plain datasheet but the pieces of available information will vary, and it's important to know how much data is enough without wasting time on numerous redundant measurements. Plus somebody would have to review the datasheets over and over.
I'd like to build an app that allows me to enter a table of data, and then a series of questions that guide the user to narrow the list until it comes down to a final identification. Then have it output the details of that final selection. Kind of reminds me of those "choose your own ending" books I read as a child.
Perhaps there is a software that does this for diagnostic situations, or taxonomy of wildlife, or anything that helps hunt down an answer that we can use as a framework and limits our setup to the table of data and guiding questions. I suspect this can be done using Excel, but I'm concerned Excel won't be portable enough.
Anyone understand what I'm saying? Have any suggestions?
