Are you interested in using Microsoft Access as a Customer Relationship Management database, or CRM? Luckily, you can use the database templates to help you create a CRM that fits your needs. Included on the templates are tables, queries, reports and forms that will give you a head start. Once you set up the template, all you have to do is fill in your data.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps of using Access to create a CRM database. Let’s begin!
Step 1: Download a Template
Open Microsoft Access and find the template gallery. Choose the business category and look for the customer relationship management database. This can be found within the other business templates. When you locate the template, download it.
Step 2: Review the Template
Go through the template and make sure that it fits your needs. To view the entire database, hit F11. This way, you can see all of the tables, queries, forms, reports, modules and macros.
Step 3: Make Adjustments
The neat thing about Access templates is that you can customize them to fit your needs without having to start from scratch. Modify the tables and forms and edit them to your liking. To do this, you may have to edit the field properties of the tables and forms.
Step 4: Review Relationships
Not only do you have to review the tables and forms but also the relationships between tables. These relationships should be modified to fit your needs, which many involve breaking relationships or starting new ones.
Step 5: Enter Your Data
When everything looks good, it’s time to input your data. You can do this either by entering the data into the forms or the tables. Using the tables, the information is entered automatically. The forms, on the other hand, require you to add the info manually.
Step 6: Run Queries
Many times, templates include queries. If yours does not, you can add queries using the query wizard or query design view. Queries are inquiries that help you find information within a database.
Step 7: Run Reports
The next step is to run a customized report. As with the queries, if your template does not include reports, use the report wizard or report design view. Reports give you a series of queries that can help you make data-driven decisions.
Step 8: Complete Customizations
Store your work for future access in this last step. All of your customizations will be saved.
Once Access is set up as a CRM, you can continue using it to manage business relationships and the data that goes along with them. This can be a much cheaper alternative to buying CRM software. And, if you’re already familiar with Microsoft Office, you will feel comfortable using Access.
i want to see how this works
Hi Aaron, we will be glad to discuss this further with you!
I agree with Aaron, it would be great to link this article to a youtube video showing the capability/function of the database. I am debating using access vs finding a free crm product.
Thanks!
I am looking for a CRM that can do the following:
1. How did they hear about us?
2. What are they looking for?
-Office space, hot desk, event venue?
3. to schedule a meeting
4. Assign tasks
5.Custom reports
6. Auto email
Hello Soula, let’s connect and discuss. I will send you an email!
Hi, I need Ms Access CRM. Can any one assist me for that?
Hi Sherry, we would be glad to help you. Please connect with me via email at info@arkware.com
In my access the button of f11 is not working. What else can I use instead of f11?
You may have a locked version of Access. Template files or a downloads for sale will often be locked until a purchase is made.
Greetings!
Our challenge is moving data from Onstream into Access which at present we have to do manually. We are using Access 2010.
Any suggestions would be most helpful.
Thanks!
Tom Berkas
Center for Victims of Torture
Hi Tom, let’s connect and discuss potential options. You can reach us by sending an email to info@arkware.com
hello, is there any youtube video for this instruction please?
Hello, we do not have any youtube videos out at this time. However we are preparing to release a few instructional videos in the near future.
Hi,
I have used this type of crm in other companies so i know generally it will do what I need it to. However a few questions I have if you could answer would be amazing.
Do you have an online portal that can be used by a company rather then it being downloaded? So multiple users can log in from different locations remotely without having a server?
Also these databases can generally be exported so everything can be downloaded off them – is their anyway I can block a user from being able to export it? – this is more of a data protection aspect. I would want non of my staff to be able to export it only myself and any directors if required.
I can’t seem to find the CRM template in Access 2016, is it still available?
Hi Nancy, Microsoft is continually updating, adding and removing templates so this one has more than likely been removed. Feel free to contact us by email at info@arkware.com if you cannot find a replacement CRM template and need one built.
Hello ,
I cant find a CRM database template, where i can find it
Hi Salwa,
We are nearly finished with our own CRM Access Template. If you wish, send your contact information to me at info@arkware.com and I will notify you as soon as it is ready!