by noah | Mar 15, 2017 | MS Access
Choosing a Microsoft Access support company can feel overwhelming at first. How do you know if the company has a firm understanding of MS Access and other database solutions? How can you be sure that the agency will take the time to understand your business and its unique needs? Other considerations include cost, responsiveness and technology.
Ultimately, the decision of which software development firm to choose is up to you. Here at Arkware, we’re hoping that you find what you need with us. Our company is a premier, certified Microsoft Access services provider that has worked with over 250 businesses over the last two decades. Small businesses and large – we have the skills and know-how to recommend the best MS technology solutions.
Below are five great reasons to partner with Arkware for your business’ database needs.
1. We are a Microsoft partner.
Arkware has been a registered Microsoft partner since 2000, so it’s safe to say that we know the ins and outs of Access. When a new upgrade is rolled out, our consultants are on it! They understand the wide range of Microsoft development tools and languages. Any questions that you have can be quickly answered by our team, which is important for your own efficiency.
2. We focus on individualized solutions.
One thing that is very important to our company is that we find database solutions that work for our clients rather than the other way around. Often times, organizations are expected to adjust their expectations. At Arkware, we are committed to finding our clients relevant solutions that are strategic to their goals.
3. We offer free consultations and demos.
When a company is proud of the service and solutions they offer, they aren’t afraid to show it to potential clients. That is why Arkware offers our FREE 3-Step Assessment and Estimate Process to anyone who is interested in learning more. Our consultations are always friendly and no obligation, so we encourage you to reach out with any questions you might have. You have nothing to lose!
4. We think proactively.
In order to provide customized software solutions, we must understand our clients’ businesses and also the unique challenges they may face. Once these challenges are processed, we can build a better software program that will meet these needs. By choosing Arkware, you can expect a relevant solution that will meet your short- and long-term needs.
5. We are familiar with a wide range of solutions.
If your current database is no longer working for you, the Arkware team is happy to help you find something else that will. Other companies might be limited on the software solutions that they work with, but we have extensive knowledge and experience in accounting, regulatory compliance, resource planning, scheduling and business transactions.
We encourage you to take advantage of your FREE consultation and product demo. It’s time that your database starts working for YOU!
by noah | Jan 24, 2017 | MS Access
Not all businesses are sure when it’s time to move to a database. Excel is a useful spreadsheet program that can meet the needs of many small businesses. Yet as their business grows, or they want more capabilities, it makes sense to jump to a database such as MS Access.
So how do you know what’s right for your business and when it’s time to make the switch? The truth is that you should probably be using Excel and Access together, rather than replacing one with the other.
Let’s start by discussing the basic tasks that Excel and Access are used for, and how you know when it’s time to upgrade to a database.
What is Each Tool Used For?
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet tool used for the following tasks:
- Data analysis
- Calculations, statistical comparisons
- Chart management
- Generate shareable output
Microsoft Access is a database tool used for the following tasks:
- Data management
- Display data subsets, complex queries
- Reports for data summarization
- Automation for common events
- Database used by multiple users
In short, Excel is for analyzing data, whereas Access is for managing data.
How Do I Know When it’s Time to Add Access?
If you’re currently using Excel, you realize the potential that this spreadsheet software offers. It effectively analyzes numerical data and is relatively easy to learn. The newest versions also come packed with plenty of templates and shortcuts to make your job easier.
However, when you need to manage hundreds or thousands of spreadsheets, Excel cracks under the pressure. It becomes increasingly difficult to manage data and update your formulas. If you are having difficulties managing your spreadsheets, this is a sure sign that you need a larger and more comprehensive database.
The benefit to Access is that it provides a storage solution for data that needs to be pulled up and analyzed across different locations. You can access these records at any time and make the appropriate changes. Since each record is given an ID, you can sort, filter and query your databases based on your goals.
Conclusion
As Excel becomes overloaded with spreadsheets and you find it more difficult to maintain and update your data, it’s a clear sign that you are ready to move to Access. But don’t throw in the towel with Excel. You can import Access into Excel and vice versa and enjoy the best of both worlds.
by noah | Jan 11, 2017 | MS Access
Microsoft Access comes with a learning curve. It has a similar look and feel as other Microsoft Office products, so you should get used to the arrangement rather quickly. The next step is to learn the different terminology so that you can use the program effectively and take advantage of all it has to offer.
In this post, we are going to discuss macros, what they are and how they are used. By the end of this read, you should feel more comfortable using them!
What is a Macro?
A macro is a type of tool that lets you automate tasks and add functionality to your forms, reports and controls. In other words, it simplifies the programming language that you write. With macros, you are able to build a list of actions that you want the buttons to perform when they are clicked.
Microsoft provides this example. You add a command button to a form and associate the button’s OnClick event to a macro. Every time the button is clicked, it performs the action that you assigned to it.
In the updated software from Access, there are more options than ever to add functionality to your database without the need for code. Macros are more stable, functional and secure than ever before.
How Do I Build a Macro?
You do not need a background in programming to create a macro. It’s easier than writing VBA code, although VBA offers more flexibility.
Microsoft has a built-in Macro Builder tool that makes it easy to develop your own macro. On the Create tab, in the Other group, click on Macro. You will see that there are different fields for you to fill out.
- Macro names. If your macro object only has one macro, you do not need a name. Simply refer to it by the macro object name. If you have a macro group, you will need to assign it a unique name.
- Argument. An argument is a value that provides information about the action. Some arguments are necessary while others are optional.
- Conditions. A condition indicates the criteria that has to be met in order for the action to be performed. The expression must equal True/False or Yes/No.
- Macro actions. Access gives you a range of actions to choose from such as open report, find a record or display a message box.
If you’ve never worked with macros before, they can be confusing. Once you get used to the process, however, you’ll see that macros are an excellent way to make your tasks more efficient. In the meantime, let the Arkware team help you build your first few macros! This will save you time and frustration and get you using Access more comfortably!
by noah | Dec 21, 2016 | MS Access
Did you know that Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel make the perfect team? It’s true!
MS Access is a database and MS Excel is a spreadsheet. Even though they serve different purposes, the two work in tandem. As a matter of fact, when used together, Access and Excel bring out the best in each other. The key is to understand when and where to use each program.
Below are 10 great reasons to use Access and Excel together.
- Share Data. When you plan to keep the data in your Excel spreadsheet but take advantage of the features in Access, you can use an Access link. With your data linked to Excel, you may create reports, queries and read-only forms in Access.
- Copy Data. If you want to copy data from Excel to Access, you don’t need to create a new datasheet. Access sets things up automatically and even guesses the datatype.
- Move Data. Importing data into Access means that the data is stored to a new or existing table without changing anything in Excel. This way, you can use the data natively in Access.
- Set Up Connection. If you create a connection in Excel to the Access database, you can retrieve the data from your query and even update your Excel workbooks.
- Similar Interface. If you’re comfortable using Excel, you’ll be comfortable using Access. Both programs are similar when it comes to tasks like filtering, sorting and querying. Even the icons, command menus and dialog boxes are similar.
- Access Reports. When your data is in Access, you can take advantage of all the tools, including group and summary reports, simple reports, graphical reports, subreports and mailing labels.
- Access Forms. In addition to the report wizards, Access also offers a range of forms that can be used for data. Creating, changing and using reports is similar to what you see in Excel.
- Collect Data. If you want to collect data on people to use in Excel, you can achieve this through Access. Once you have the data, use Excel for analysis.
- Mail Merge. Access can also be used as a Mail Merge service for letters, cards and email messages. There are plenty of wizards to complete the tasks, such as creating labels from reports you generating.
- SharePoint. Publishing your Access database to a SharePoint site means that you can work with the data offline. If changes are made by other users, they will be resolved by a conflict resolution wizard.
We hope that these top 10 reasons have helped you better understand why Access and Excel make a great team! If you have more questions about how to use both seamlessly, give Arkware a call for a FREE consultation. We have the answers, and we’ll be happy to show you how things are done.
by noah | Dec 8, 2016 | MS Access
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!
