Small Scale Data Repository Creation

[pcross29]

We're going to create a large database in Access from thousands of
Excel files. We'll be massaging the Excel data to fit into a database
table containing about 30 fields. I'm guessing between 1 and 2 million
records eventually, maybe less. We really need to track the data
getting added. Who's updating (only 1-3 people will be), the source of
the data, where the original data file is located on the server, etc.
Detailed Data tracking.

It's not going to be a database that's accessed often. It's a
repository that will just sit there until we think of an interesting
question that the data could help answer. Then someone will write a
query and run a report. Not an ongoing, everyday application. But a big
repository. Any suggestions? I'm hoping we can develop a prototype in
Access and then, if necessary, move to SQL at a later stage.

But I'd really be grateful for any advice or admonitions from anyone
who's tackled something similar. Anyone come across a database schema
that we might take a look at? Or anyone know of an off-the-shelf
product that sounds like it fits?

Sincerley,
Paul

 

[pcross29]

Dave -

The Excel workbooks all contain similar, but not exact data. They
contain insurance claims type data. So you've got 30 bits of
information about each claim. Like payment amounts, when claim was
filed, how much it's going to end up costing, etc. I'd say 20 currency
fields, 3 date fields and 7 text fields. We would massage each Excel
file so they have the same exact fields before importing into Access
....