Can Access outdo the functionality of my Excel "Costings" system?

[Guest]

Hi, I am thinking about migrating and combining our current costings systems
in to Access, if it's able to achieve this for me. Currently we use two
Excel spreadsheets, one which contains static data (linehaul, vehicle,
labour, materials and summary page with commonly used combinations) and a
second which is the "calculator" which also contains variable data (mainly
delivery rates and packing formulas) and also the lists which power the
calculator (which has some VB code behind it)

My main goal for moving this to Access if this is achievable is that
currently each branch (we have 4 branches) uses a separate set of the 2 files
for costings meaning that global updates cannot be performed.

Basically I just want to know if this is achievable in Access before I waste
time trying to set it up.

Thanks in advance

 

[Guest]

Yes. Access should be the better solution. However it won't be easy unless
you know Access and relational database design theory. Here's my standard
suggestions:

1. Check trade journals to see if there is an off-the-shelf solution to your
problem like Quickbooks. It may seem expensive but in the long run it will
probably be cheaper than reinventing the wheel.

2. Hire a consultant to create the database if you can't find something
suitable off-the-shelf. Possibly even more expensive, but even cheaper in the
long run.

3. If you have plenty of time and want a challenge, roll you own. But first
get some relational database training such as a college course or studying
something like "Database Design for Mere Mortals" by Hernandez.

 

[John W. Vinson]

Hi, I am thinking about migrating and combining our current costings systems
in to Access, if it's able to achieve this for me. Currently we use two
Excel spreadsheets, one which contains static data (linehaul, vehicle,
labour, materials and summary page with commonly used combinations) and a
second which is the "calculator" which also contains variable data (mainly
delivery rates and packing formulas) and also the lists which power the
calculator (which has some VB code behind it)

My main goal for moving this to Access if this is achievable is that
currently each branch (we have 4 branches) uses a separate set of the 2 files
for costings meaning that global updates cannot be performed.

Basically I just want to know if this is achievable in Access before I waste
time trying to set it up.

Thanks in advance

In general I agree with Jerry: yes, this can be done in Access; but
*it won't be trivial*.

Access is NOT a bigger, better Excel. It's an altogether different
KIND of program, and will require a different mindset and a
top-to-bottom redesign of your application. You'll probably end up
with a more suitable solution for your business problem (hey, I'm
biased, an Excel guru might well disagree), but don't expect it to be
a weekend's - or a week's - work.

John W. Vinson [MVP]

 

[Guest]

Thanks alot, I will look at some tutorials on the net to see what I can work
out for myself! I like a challenge and I don't have a deadline or anything
so I can work on it for as long as I need!

 

[Guest]

It can be done. I was an aircraft mechanic before learning Access. I wish I
had read "Database Design for Mere Mortals" by Hernandez before learning the
hard way!

Bet we see you back here. You might even want to answer a few questions in a
year or so!