by noah | May 23, 2018 | MS Access
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.
by noah | Mar 21, 2018 | MS Access
Microsoft Access is a database application included with Office 365. It’s used to enter, manage and run reports using large amounts of data. Large businesses and corporations often need larger databases, though many still prefer to use Access because of its affordability, easy installation and quick learning curve. For small and medium size businesses, Access is a top choice.
Are you curious to know which companies benefit most from using MS Access? The top industries are listed below.
Top Industries That Use Microsoft Access
According to iDataLabs, there are 67,474 companies that use Access. The majority of these companies are in the United States, have between 50-200 employees and earn 1M-10M dollars in revenue. Many businesses that use Access also use other Microsoft products such as PowerPoint, Excel and SQL Server.
The top industries, in order, that use MS Access include:
- Computer software
- Hospital and healthcare
- Information technology and services
- Higher education
- Nonprofit organizations
- Financial services
- Construction
- Government and administration
- Retail
- Computer hardware
iDataLabs also reports the biggest companies that use Access as their choice of database: UnitedHealth Group, OfficeTeam Inc., WellCare Health Plans, National Older Worker Career Center and Jones Lang LaSalle. As you can see, the healthcare industry is a big proponent of database programs, largely because they are safe and secure and take the place of paper files that contain sensitive information.
Can You Benefit from Using Access?
Any business that tracks data will find Access to be a great solution. Here are some of the ways that you can tell if you’re ready for a database management system like MS Access.
- You have a large amount of data that you need to track and manage
- You’re wasting time entering information into multiple fields
- You’re tracking related information in multiple spreadsheets
- Your spreadsheets aren’t synced
- Your administrative and IT costs are high
Do you think that your company could benefit from MS Access? Maybe you feel that you are not getting enough from your current database. Before switching to a different one, call Arkware. We can help determine if you’re using the right database and ways to see more from it. Our consultations are always friendly and free!
by noah | Mar 6, 2018 | MS Access
Microsoft Access is one of the most popular database programs in the world. It’s easy to install, easy to learn and a natural progression from Excel. Moving to Access is an obvious decision for many businesses, particularly when they need more stability, greater storage capacity and multi-user support. But, what some businesses don’t realize is that MS Access can actually save them money! And saving money is a very good thing!
Let’s explore the reasons why Microsoft Access is an affordable database solution and the ways it can save your business money.
Access: Less Expensive than Oracle and SQL Server
Microsoft Access is a cost-effective database option, largely because you don’t have to pay a third party to build and maintain a large, custom database. All you need is a subscription to Access, which is included with Office 365 Business and Premium plans. The software has many templates that you can download, modify to your business needs and use right away.
To maximize what you can do with Access and increase ROI, it’s helpful to work with a Microsoft Access support company. This way, you can discover the least expensive ways to accomplish your business objectives. Plus, there are many Access consultants available, which means you can find the help you need at a competitive rate.
Why Databases Save Businesses Money
Now let’s discuss the cost benefits to having a database like Access to support your goals.
- Manage invoices. If you’re not keeping up with invoices, money can slip through the cracks. Customers may not pay on time or maybe not at all. Staying on top of your invoices helps you manage a positive cash flow.
- Improve sales. Your database can be used to store customer names, sales histories and accounts. It should also include leads and new prospects. Knowing who your customers are allows you to segment them into groups and plan appropriate campaigns.
- Track inventory. Not knowing the status on your inventory can lead to money wasted. In order to balance things accordingly, you need to be organized. Too much on your shelves is a waste of space and money, while too little can interfere with sales and growth.
- HR management. A database is an excellent tool for managing your HR needs. You can automate tasks, keep track of staff hours and leave and organize payroll. This frees up time so that you can focus on more important things around the workplace, such as growing your business.
Microsoft Access is a powerful addition to your business. Whether you’re considering upgrading from Excel or maximizing the return from your current database, call Arkware for assistance. We can make sure that your needs are being met and ways to plan for future growth.
by noah | Feb 20, 2018 | MS Access
Microsoft Access is not the only database software program out there, but it is one of the most popular. If you’re looking for something easy to learn and simple to integrate into your business or organization, Access is the one. It’s not overly complicated, and you don’t need a background in programming or coding to create highly customized databases. When Access 2016 was rolled out, it came with an assortment of new templates as well. Find a template you like, and you can literally start inputting data within minutes.
As you consider your options for database management systems, here are five must-know benefits about MS Access.
1. Easy to Install and Use
If you are a small to midsize business, it may not be necessary to hire someone to build a complex database. Access will probably meet all of your needs – and more. When you purchase your copy of Office 365, all you need to do is run the program. In minutes, Access delivers fully functional databases to work with. Like other Microsoft programs, Wizards walk you through the features and tools on Access, including setting up your first database.
2. Integrates with Other Programs
Another benefit to MS Access is that it’s easy to integrate. You can use Access with just about any Microsoft program, though the most popular combination is Access and Excel. For example, you can link an Excel spreadsheet to an Access database or import one into the other. It’s also possible to use Access with non-Microsoft programs such as Oracle or Sybase. Overall, Access is compatible with most products.
3. Economical
Microsoft Access is arguably the most economical database management system available. Your business only needs to pay for the full version of Office 365 for administrator/developer computers. Not every computer needs to have Access. What you should consider is downloading and installing Access Runtime on user machines. This way, users can access your applications. You can save on licensing fees and keep data safe, as users will not have access to the source code.
4. Widely Popular
One of the most popular databases in the world is Microsoft Access. This is a huge benefit because it means that the program receives the appropriate attention in the form of updates, system improvements and more. Also, Access has a similar look and feel as other Microsoft programs. You can easily share and work off databases with employees, clients and partners without much of a learning curve.
5. Ability to Create Apps
One of the most exciting features to Access 2016 is the ability to create and share apps – without being a developer! To improve security and free up physical and digital space, Access lets you move your data to the cloud. This allows you to share information with your colleagues anytime, anywhere. As your business changes, simply update your apps to meet your evolving needs.
Microsoft Access is a powerful asset to any business or organization. If you are considering Access for your company but have more questions about its integration, call Arkware. We are Access experts and we can help find the best database solution for your needs!
by noah | Jan 8, 2018 | MS Access
Microsoft Access works with Office 365 to help businesses like yours take control of data. Every business generates data in some form, whether it’s collecting customer information, tracking orders or managing payroll. With new cloud-based data, you can access this information anywhere, whether you’re sitting at home or traveling for business.
If you’re considering upgrading your spreadsheets to Microsoft Access to take advantage of the latest technology, here are some things to know. It’s time to take control of the data you have so that you can make data-driven decisions for your business!
Use Templates – No Coding Necessary!
Some people are hesitant to work with databases because of the coding. This may have been an issue decades ago but not anymore. With Access 2016, you don’t need to hire a professional IT person, and you don’t need to learn code. The templates that come included with Access allow you to build databases quickly and efficiently. Choose the template that fits your needs or create your own.
All Tables, Queries and Forms are There – Just Add Data
Once you choose a template that you want to work off of, you can start adding data in just minutes. Everything you need is there: tables, forms, queries, reports and more. You can make changes to the database to fit your needs, too. If there are forms you don’t need or tables that you do, simply add or delete them as needed. And, with the ability to add data immediately, you can start running reports right away!
Auto-fill Recommendations Make Data Entry Easy
No one wants to spend their time entering in information field by field. Thankfully, Access 2016 has drop-down menus and auto-fill recommendations that make entering data a breeze. Not only is it faster but also more accurate. You can’t rely on your reports if your data is not accurate. This won’t happen when you use the built-in features available with Access. You can finally trust your data!
Create Web Apps for Secure Sharing
You probably want to share your databases with others in the workplace. By creating a web app, you can share your data on any device securely. In a web app, all information is stored in an SQL database, making it more secure and reliable. You can also manage and monitor your web apps using Sharepoint. This helps you keep track of users and their permissions so that data stays secure.
2018 is the year to take back your data! Don’t get lost in the numbers. Data is a great thing, and when you have a program like Access 2016, you can organize this information, make better decisions and work smarter.
by noah | Nov 30, 2017 | MS Access
When was the last time you used Microsoft Access? This database program is flexible and can be used for home and personal use. It is considered an information management tool that lets you store information for running reports and analyses. Access is a good choice over Excel when you need to store and manage large amounts of data.
Let’s look at four different things you can use Microsoft Access for.
1. Personal Applications
Microsoft Access is easy to use. It has a similar interface to Microsoft’s other programs, so you should feel right at home. Also, the addition of wizards and templates make it easy to create spreadsheets that you can start using right away. For example, people might use Access to track their finances, manage a home inventory or store the names and numbers of friends and relatives.
2. Small Business Applications
If you have a small business to run, MS Access will be one of your biggest assets. It’s affordable and easy to implement, so you don’t have to worry about making a big financial investment. Also, Access is user-friendly and has a small learning curve. You can customize the reports to fit the needs of your business. Some of the tasks Access is best for are generating reports, tracking expenses, entering payments, managing inventory and producing receivable reports.
3. Departmental Applications
Departments within large organizations can also benefit from MS Access. Large corporations have bigger budgets compared to small businesses, but departments enjoy having ownership. This is where Access can come in handy. A PC expert within the organization can use Access to generate applications that everyone on the team can contribute to.
4. Corporate Applications
Access is best suited for departmental applications, but it can also be used for applications that will be dispersed throughout a corporation. There are a few things to think about, however. For example, Access works best with a smaller number of users. If too many users are on the database, it will negatively impact performance.
Microsoft Access is an amazing asset that can be used in your personal and professional life. Whether your needs are big or small, Arkware can help. Give us a call and let’s discuss how you can best utilize Access for your business operations.
