Microsoft Access 2016 hit the shelves earlier this year after waiting 3 long years from the previous version of Access 2013. Many people who use Access on a regular basis made the switch almost immediately, but others are still on the fence. If you’re one of them, we at Arkware would like to help you decide if upgrading is right for you.
What are the differences between Access 2013 and Access 2016? If you’re happy with your current program, is it really worth upgrading? Let’s find out!
Features and Functionality
Access 2016 has all the same features and functionalities as Access 2013, but with a couple of new things added. For one, you’ll notice a more lively border and a “Tell me what to do” text box at the top. This user-friendly search box allows you to enter in words or phrases that relate to what you want to do next.
Though it doesn’t transform the way Access works, the search box makes tasks faster and more efficient. And, if you can’t find a button, you can click on the search box and filter through the commands you’re looking for. Other than that, the look is very much the same as the 2013 version, and no existing features were removed.
Office Themes and Template Updates
Another highlight to MS Access 2016 is the brand new Office themes: Colorful and White. The new themes probably won’t make or break your decision to upgrade, but they are a nice perk if you’re undecided. Five of the most popular templates also get a modern lift: Asset Tracking, Contacts, Event Management, Students and Task Management.
Show Table Dialog
Microsoft assured users that they were listening to their concerns about the Show Table dialog and its height restraints. With Access 2016, the height on the Show Table dialog has been extended so you can see more table and query names in your database. Hey, every little bit helps, right?
Export Linked Data Sources to Excel
A final upgrade that is worth talking about is the ability to export linked data sources from Access into Excel. If you are working on an Access application that includes a lot of different data sources, it’s nice to have a list of the data sources and their types. With the new version of Access, you’ll find this much easier to accomplish thanks to the Linked Table Manager and its new functionalities.
In the end, we think that most people can benefit from the upgrade, especially since it’s been 3 years since the last version was released. You get an updated look and feel, which is always nice, plus a few upgrades that make working within the database easier and more efficient. If you’re still not sure whether it’s worth it to upgrade, give Arkware a call and we can help determine what’s right for your business!