Database Project: Access 2003

We have been reviewing Microsoft Access in class for the past few weeks and I find the database program very easy to navigate. Throughout the course of completing my project, I did hit a few snags but nothing that I couldn't over come. I have taken Access classes in the past so I remember much of the information. Unfortunately, I only have Apple's so I had to use my mothers computer which has Access 2003. I would say that the 2007 version is much improved!! When auto numbering my MemberID's. I found that when adding in a new form the auto numbers would randomly generate in large negative numbers. I was unable to figure out why it was doing this. It only did it for two forms but the others were correct! I can see why this knowledge would be beneficial within the work place. Access saves alot of time typing when you can just import tables you have already created. You can run reports, queries, or add more information. It is a great way to navigate through information.

I work for a logistics company and we recently converted to a new program to manage our information. The old program was created and used through Access. It was very advanced but we began losing information. We have millions of "loads" which had to be archived into another system. This was the largest limitation when using Access. Our new system works through the Internet, so we are able to have an unlimited amount of information. But over all, as I previously stated I believe Access is a great system with not to many faults. There is a great deal of information over the Internet and books available on how to navigate through Access 2007. Microsoft provides a great deal of helpful information online. Here are top ten reasons why Microsoft suggest using Access with Excel as well!

Reason 1: Copying an Excel worksheet to an Access datasheet

Reason 2: Sharing data by linking to an Excel worksheet from Access

Reason 3: Moving data by importing Excel data into Access

Reason 4: Connecting to Access data from Excel

Reason 5: Using Access reports with Excel data

Reason 6: Using Access forms with Excel data

Reason 7: Filtering, sorting, and querying in Access is so like Excel

Reason 8: Collecting data for Excel analysis by using Access

Reason 9: Doing a Mail Merge or creating labels

Reason 10: Combining Excel and Access with SharePoint technologies

So take a risk and give Access a shot. And remember if you have the 2007 version available it is much improved compared to the 2003!

Week 10: Clear- How Can Access Help You?

After watching all of the lectures this week and reviewing the book, I began to realize how much Access can help me both in my professional and personal life. I never realize how much detail was involved when using Access, but also how much easier Microsoft has made Access 2007.

When I first began looking around in Microsoft Access, I was a little overwhelmed by the options and really where to being. But after I learned how to create tables and run reports or queries on them, it began to fall into place. There is a great definition within Wikipedia about Microsoft Access. This definition gives you a quick look at what "real" people out there think of Microsoft and how it can help. Now you might be asking yourself...Why or what would I use Microsoft Access for? Well many people have created simple databases that can help manage data at their workplace. This will demonstrate your value to your company and help improve data management. You may also want to use a database at home for you personal contacts or if you have a business ran from your home.

There are so many great features within Microsoft Access that caught my attention, such as being able to lock certain areas so others can only view them and not edit them. This is beneficial within my company because we need to ensure some lanes of data is not changed. Here is a few great reasons other have used Microsoft Access:

1. Its cheap
2. Its easy
3. Development costs less
4. Prototyping is a snap
5. Its easy to upsize
6. Its a one time fling
7. It can provide a quick fix
8. Flexible changes
9. It communicates with Office
10. It offers connectability

So take time to look around and see what you maybe able to accomplish it in. There are any free references online that will walk you through how to operate the system or build a database that will benefit you. <Hyper>gurl does a great demonstration on how to create a database from scratch with great videos to walk you through it. 

Good luck!!