How to Use Microsoft Access to Improve Operational Efficiency: Expert Microsoft Access Database Development

 

It should come as no surprise that the majority of mid to large sized organizations depend on one or more of the Microsoft databases (Access, SQL Server, Azure, and Power BI), at least in part, to get their work done.  Even if their IT department manages their Oracle or SQL Server databases, you will still find Microsoft Access and SQL Server used at the desktop level. Often the person sitting at that particular desk will know enough about Microsoft Access to make changes on their own, or with outsourced assistance. I have personally worked with dozens of such persons in both accounting and finance.  Many of these individuals can even write some Access VBA.

 

All of the Microsoft databases can be integrated and automated with any and all of the Microsoft applications via VBA.

 

For example, when you use a Microsoft Access database you can with the click of a command button on an Access form see the detailed records and the summary details of your client files.  You can easily pull up reports on any of your vendors and at the same time see the associated orders your staff have placed with each vendor over x amount of time. When it comes to managing inventory a Microsoft Access database is an easy way to keep the inventory properly up to date. Access makes data manipulation a non-event.  Pumps right through it.

 

Housing too much data in Microsoft Excel is highly inefficient, that is what a Microsoft database is designed for

 

Over the past 25 years the power of desktop computers has soared and as a result it has made the storing and retrieving of detailed information significantly easier and faster, but that alone doesn’t mean that your MS database is functioning as well as it should be.  A slow, sluggish, or simply disorganized Access database could be costing your staff time, time is money, and wasted time is a hassle. Fortunately for most organizations you will find that your office is most likely using modern computers running many of the Microsoft desktop productivity applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Access and Power BI.

Excel Consultant’s team of seasoned Microsoft application experts can help your organization with your staff’s use of these powerful desktop productivity applications. Applying our decades of Microsoft programming experience to any need with any of the Microsoft applications sets us apart.

 

 

Below we cover how your organization can use Microsoft Access to improve your efficiency through more advanced database development techniques.

 

What is Microsoft Access?

Most people use applications like Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook on a daily basis to perform their work responsibilities, but fewer are familiar with Microsoft Access. For one reason, Microsoft Access is not in every version of the Office Suite. That is because the majority of Microsoft Office users will not use Microsoft Access.

This program is more technical than the rest of the Office Suite. Basically, it is a DBMS, or a database management system, an application that captures, examines, and stores information, integrates with other applications, and can be viewed or modified by a user. Microsoft Access has a powerful calculation engine which is one of the major advantage over using Microsoft Excel.

 

Microsoft Access is equipped with many built-in features that an intermediate Access user could leverage to create simple Access databases, as well as providing advanced development tools that expert Access programmers can use to design more complex Microsoft Access solutions.

This application is a versatile, powerful tool in the hands of an expert coder. Access uses VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, a Microsoft specific programming language for the entire Office Suite. It is VBA that allows a developer to build an integrated and automated solution.

 

Microsoft Access Abilities

Many businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and non-profits never realize the full potential of Microsoft Access because they don’t understand the wide variety of functions that the program can perform. You don’t know what you don’t know, but we know, so we will help you.  In truth, Access is an incredibly adaptable and powerful tool. You can use it to:

  • Financial Applications:
    • Small business databases
    • Accounting departments use Microsoft Access database applications
    • Inventory systems
    • CRMs
    • Financial analysis and portfolio management
    • Programs for personal use (financial planning, basic organizing, etc.)
  • Support an unlimited number of records
    • Stay under the Microsoft Access 2 gig size limitation
  • Cross-reference vast amounts of information via Access queries
  • Work with intricate data manipulation technics
  • Complete mail merges (processes by which the program instantly imports names and addresses to use for personalized mailings) with Word
  • Create a more intuitive graphical user interface for ease of use
  • Author reports on the state of your business or other activities
  • Streamline spreadsheets to avoid repetitive data
  • Integrate a database with other Microsoft programs and files for easier use
  • Collect, filter, and sort information seamlessly

 

Our team of expert Microsoft consultants and trainers can get the most out of Microsoft Access for your organization. We know the inner workings of this program and can leverage its functions to our clients’ advantage.

 

Microsoft Access Database Development

The Excel Consultant team is made up of exceptional consultants, programmers, and trainers. One of our many specialties is Microsoft Access database development. Of course, as Microsoft Access experts, we program Access to help our clients utilize their valuable information. We’ve created database systems for a wide variety of clients, building each according to their unique needs and preferences.

Databases are indispensable, especially in a corporate environment, so we give them the care, attention, and thought they merit. Our clients have been extremely satisfied with our database work, reaping the benefits of it every day at the office.

 

 

Case Study: Toyota

 

One of our

recent database development projects was a project for the renowned Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota. This international company wanted us to create an aesthetic, easy to use interface for customers to track their maintenance records and submit information. Initially, our programmers designed and developed the interface onsite, working closely with Toyota executives to capture and code their vision for the database. From this point, one of our East Coast Senior Developer offices completed the latter stages of the project.

 

Our level of collaboration with Toyota did not diminish in any way while working with the team remotely. We use software like Skype and GoToMeeting to complete appointments, store important documents on the Cloud with Dropbox and Box.Net, and email back and forth to ensure we remain in good communication. The Excel Consultant team is here to serve your needs—we are available to meet with you in person, cooperate with you offsite, or some combination of the two to ensure that you are satisfied with your database.

 

We used the many utilities of Microsoft Access to create an advanced GUI, or graphical user interface, delivering a truly point and click experience for Toyota’s users. All their customers have to do is navigate a few clearly labeled tabs and enter their information in simple, dropdown menus to receive excellent service. Combining the power of Microsoft Access with our team’s advanced skill resulted in an innovative, intuitive interface for their customers and a solid database for company employees to use.

 

Enhancing Efficiency with Database Development

 

As the above demonstrates, database development can help companies and individuals radically improve their efficiency. Rather than filing paper forms or emailing maintenance queries back and forth, Toyota representatives can now quickly and easily check the custom database we built for them, automatically tracking the work they need to complete and delivering it on time. One of the manifold benefits of databases is that they can store large quantities of information and perform complex functions nearly instantaneously. Investing in a customized database could free up your employees’ and administrators’ time for more important and profitable ventures, allowing your company to flourish.

 

Access Success with Our Database Designs

 

Having the right databases at your fingertips could make a world of difference for your business. If you’d like to see what the Excel Consultant team could build for you with Access,
contact us today to find out more or schedule an appointment.