Newbie - Is Access right for me? Please Help

[Guest]

I have been an end user of access, siebel and numerous other software
programs in an international corporation. I now have been downsized out of a
job and am trying to start a courier business. I have downloaded Access 2007
trial. I will only have a limited amount of customers but will have to track
all of the items being delivered and the location of deliveries. I have
started setting up my tables. My problems is that after doing a little of the
database setup I'm not sure this is what I need (Access). I will have 2
employees doing data entry from their homes. How can I set this up? Should I
have them type the info and send a file to me to import into my Access
database? Should I put it online somehow? Where can I get more information
about how to do whatever I need to do? I was told I should use SQL? Any
information is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Guest]

In a word: No.

First off have you check things like trade journals to see it someone is
alreadly selling a software solution that will meet your needs? It would
almost have to be cheaper than having a newbie design a database.

Second your data input is being done remotely. It could be possible to use
replication; however, I'm assuming that your business will be dynamic and
timely data is important. You won't get that with replication. If you have a
web server you could put your data entry forms out on the web so that the
users could do it that way. However there are better solutions than Access
for a database web app.

 

[Guest]

There is an application which isn't user friendly and costs $75/month to use
and $100 more a month to have access to it online. It also doesn't allow ANY
customization at all. I think there has to be a better answer but don't know
where to look to find it.

 

[Guest]

aps, You are not the first person to start a courier business. Find another
courier business and check them out. See what they use, see if they have
crossed the bridges you will need to cross to make your business a winner.
Don't pick a courier business that turns out to be a loser or a big talker
(all talk and no profits).

But hanging your business future on you learning and creating a tracking
system in access doesn't sound like the ground work (business planning) has
been done correctly. I have been learning access for several years and
wouldn't bank my family/future/nest egg on me writing a tracking system and
starting up a new courier business and making enough money to feed the
family. The Business Project Plan would have to past the keen eyes of my MBA
teachers and even then I would say budget money to buy a system that is a
proven piece of software. Too much is riding on that software to allow any
bugs/failure.
Good Luck to you, PS. Maybe get a job for a courier company and learn from
the inside before going out on your own.
Thanks for your Help and Patience.