Patricia, We have created a fake "department" called Accessories for non-accessioned frames, mounts, mannequins, casts, molds, and so on. The object status for these is "MFA owned." Using the "Related" feature in TMS, we link object-related accessories to specific objects. With frames, for instance, some objects have multiple frames associated with them (storage frames, exhibition frames, shipping frames); also, some frames can be used on more than one object and are linked accordingly. Having a separate object record for accessories like frames gives us a place to enter conservation surveys, line items, and media records which we would not be able to do in the component area. We can also use our existing reports for these object records, link constituents (mount makers), etc. We've been working this way for more than a year now. It has been a great help with our Frames Inventory. Linda Pulliam Manager of Collections Information Museum of Fine Arts, Boston -----Original Message----- From: The Museum System (TMS) Users [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Patricia Raynor Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 11:05 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Tracking crates in TMS Dear all, I've tried unsucessfully to send the following message (at least I believe it didn't go through) as I didn't get any responses. I'm hoping to hear from all of you who use TMS to track object crates. We would like to find a way to track object crates, associated object housing, or mounts in TMS. We are soliciting suggestions from other TMS users who might have already found a successful way to use TMS for this purpose. Thanks for your advice. Patricia Patricia A. Raynor Museum Specialist National Postal Museum Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC 20560-0570 202-633-5514 202-786-2767 (fax) Temporary mailing address: National Postal Museum Smithsonian Institution 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Post Office Box 75039 Washington, DC 20002