How do I set up a ledger database for 200+?

[geigersc]

Currently we use Filemaker Pro 6. This does not serve our needs to the
fullest, however we are unsure how to set up a ledger templet for the 200
people to track these individual accounts. If at all possible, we would like
to link it to their personal information accounts we currently have in
access. It will also need to print these ledgers, so we can give each person
their transaction history, and monies owed. Does anyone know how to do such
a complex proccess? (at least complex to us).

 

[John W. Vinson]

Currently we use Filemaker Pro 6. This does not serve our needs to the
fullest, however we are unsure how to set up a ledger templet for the 200
people to track these individual accounts. If at all possible, we would like
to link it to their personal information accounts we currently have in
access. It will also need to print these ledgers, so we can give each person
their transaction history, and monies owed. Does anyone know how to do such
a complex proccess? (at least complex to us).

Are you talking about doing this in FMP6 or in Access... or in a hybrid of the
two?

A 200 row table is TINY. Access can handle 200,000 records with aplomb.
Without knowing your business model it's hard to be specific, but there should
be no problem storing personal information, account information, transactions,
etc. in tables; creating queries and Forms to enter and edit the data; and
creating Reports to print it out.

On the other hand, there are plenty of good ledger/financial records databases
commercially available. Could you use Quickbooks or Peachtree Accounting or
Microsoft Money instead of reinventing the wheel?

 

[gllincoln]

Hi Geigersc,

Access is a more powerful development and database engine than Filemaker Pro - anything you can do in Filemaker Pro, you can probably do with Access and a bit more.

However, that being said, it would be a fairly serious project to take on. It probably isn't worth it for you to invest the amount of time required, hiring a professional Access developer to build a custom application like this from the ground up would likely cost several thousand dollars.

Various off the shelf products can handle the chore - probably better than a one of a kind Access or Filemaker Pro application will.

One fairly new option is Microsoft Office Accounting - it's a credible competitor to QuickBooks or Peachtree - I did some side by side comparisons between Microsoft Office Accounting and other products, I like Microsoft Accounting Pro.

You can get a cute review of the software at http://www.ideawins.com/default.aspx where the Professional 2008 version sells for $199.00

You can download a 60 day trial version of the software at http://www.ideawins.com/OAProDownloads1.aspx

It's worth taking a look at, given what you have discussed.

Hope this helps...
Gordon