| Handling Information Quickly and Efficiently |
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As a business or organisation grows, it amasses a huge pile of information.
This information needs to be handled efficiently in order for you to keep on top of things. Good
administration is fundamental to all organisations but managing and reporting on the information becomes
increasingly difficult and time consuming when using old-style book systems and card records. A computerised
information system enables quick and easy maintenance of the data, as well as accurate and timely reporting.
Databases provide the best solution for any small to large organisation in handling it's financial, stock,
employee or customer records.
We have been building database systems for over 20 years. These days we primarily work with Microsoft Access
databases, be they stand-alone systems, or as a front-end to a large server database. However, over the years
we have worked with many of the standard and non-standard database platforms out there. We recommend to any
business which does not yet have a computerised database system in place, to contact us for an appointment
to discuss how we can help save you time and money and increase efficiency in your organisation.
Why choose Microsoft Access for your database development needs?
- Microsoft Access database is available with the Microsoft Office Professional suite of products.
Therefore, no additional database software is required if your organisation purchases computers with this
software already installed.
- Microsoft Access database is likely to be available and supported for years to come because Microsoft is
the premier software company in the world.
- MS Access is the most widely used desktop database system in the world.
- If database support is important to you then Access may be your best choice since Access has more support
and development consultants than any other desktop database system.
- It is significantly cheaper to implement and maintain compared to larger database systems such as Oracle or
SQL Server.
- IT consulting rates are typically lower for Access database consultants compared to Oracle or SQL Server
consultants.
- Fairly complex databases can be setup and running in half the time and cost of other large database systems
(the simpler the database the greater the cost advantage).
- Access integrates well with the other members of the Microsoft Office suite of products (Excel, Word, Outlook,
etc.).
- Other software manufacturers are more likely to provide interfaces to MS Access than any other desktop database
system.
- When designed correctly, Access databases can be ported to SQL Server or Oracle. This is important if you want
to start small or develop a pilot database system and then migrate to the larger database management systems.
- An Access database can be placed on a website for access for remote users. Simple screens can be developed
within Access, Data Access Pages. Or full control and functionality can be implemented using Active Server
Page (ASP) programming.
Don't use cowboys!
Having a database system designed and developed by a professional with a proven track record is crucial.
Not understanding how to use your database, not having it provide the information you require, not being able
to utilise it as much as you like (ie. you know the information is in there, but you just can't get to it) or
having it constantly crash or produce errors are common of non-professional developed systems. There are also
a few more technical problems we find with databases developed by hobbyists or 'cowboys':
- Poor relational design, too much duplicated data, no (appropriate) primary keys.
- Using a Microsoft Access template database that doesn't perfectly fit your needs. (No template does!)
- Attempt to overly control the database forms with custom controls for everything like: deleting records;
moving to the next record; adding records.
- Using Macros to handle events within the forms because the developer doesn't know Microsoft Visual Basic
for Access Applications (VB script).
- Many 'on format' controls/VBA Code in reports because the developer doesn't know the SQL programming language.
- Use of data fields to link between tables resulting in significant duplication of information and
unnecessarily large tables.
- Use of weird colour combinations on forms and screen backgrounds making the information on the screen
difficult to read.
We are often called in to upgrade or fix database systems that have become too bloated or don't work as they
should. If the system is not designed correctly from the start there will always be inherent issues that pop up as
the system grows. Get the job done properly the first time and save yourself money. We can develop databases for
businesses, organisations or even
personal use. Check out the section relevant to you for more detailed information on
the specific features of these database types.
For further information or to discuss your needs you can phone us on 07 3800 1509 or email your inquiry to
sales@virtuosoit.com.au
  
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