Web Based Project

[sturner333]

My company is currently using Access for all of our engineering projects. It
has many forms for entering and updating projects, business meeting notes,
etc.. It has a time log for time spent on there projects and other duties. We
have developed all kinds of reports from the data.

We do have several problems:
1. Security of the data is not that robust with Access. Each engineer has a
copy of the database on their laptop so it can be lost or taken with them if
they leave the company.
2. Engineers have to synch their data with a network hard drive. This
creates conflicts in the data, and not current data for others looking at the
data.
3. Not easily sharable with others in the company that we would like to
have some kind of access to the data.
4. Pretty much maxed out what I think Access is as a GUI.

My question is , is there other software packages that you are aware of that
could do a better job than Access? It would have to be highly customizable
for unique forms, reports, etc.. It would have to be able to have multiple
users interfacing with it. I am also thinking that it has to be web based
also easier user access. Or is using Access with Sharepoint for example a
good solution?

Thanks for the input!

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

It seems as though you have not split your database. That is the first
consideration if you are in a multi-user environment and will solve many of
your issues.

Splitting the database:
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp/overview.htm

 

[sturner333]

It is split. I have a backend and a frontend. The backend is synched with a
network hard drive so everyone is updated. This still has all the issues I
mentioned already. Thanks.

 

[aaron.kempf]

You should just move to SQL Server.

SQL Server supports real replication.
It is fast-- it is secure and it is scalable.

If you want to use your db over the internet-- you should move to
Access Data Projects.
There isnt' anything else in the Access arsenal that allows you to do
this.

If you've maxed out the UI-- then move to Reporting Services. SSRS
allows reports to get emailed once a day-- silly things like that.

It is absolutely the most beautiful thing in the world.

Access as a database- isn't reliable enough for 5 users and 25 mb of
data.

And _SHAREPOINT_?

Let's put it this way

You can have
Access on top of SQL Server

or

Access on top of SharePoint on top of SQL Server.

if you were making a sandwich; which option would give you more
layers?

ADP allows you to use your existing forms and reports.. and it gives
you a _MUCH_ better environment for replication and sharing data.

I believe that MSDE would be your best bet on laptops; and that
wouldn't work on Vista-- so I'd probably move to Access 2007 before
anything else. Access 2007 is the best choice for working with SQL
Server express.

-Aaron

 

[Arvin Meyer [MVP]]

The only reason to Replicate a database is if the users spend their time
disconnected from it and cannot connect over the Internet. Assuming they can
connect, if you want to spend a fair amount of money building a web
front-end, but you can just use a Terminal Server, and keep the front-end,
If you have only a dozen or so users, you might even consider WinConnect:

http://www.thinsoftinc.com/

which is less expensive and will easily handle up to a dozen users (They say
21, but I think that may be pushing it.)

If you are worried about users stealing data when they leave, you will have
the same problem over a web connection. That problem needs to be solved by
careful database design and good hiring practices.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access
http://www.accessmvp.com

 

[aaron.kempf]

Terminal Services is just a waste of money.

ADP can do everything that TS can do _FOR_FREE_.

-Aaron