Central database ideas

[Grunchy]

I've implemented a central database for our manufacturing and engineering consulting enterprise (3 engineers) to centralize "knowledge" including just about everything: part number lists, bolt count lists, phone contacts, you name it. Right now it's an EXCEL worksheet that is shared across our LAN and it works fantastic! However, only one person can access it at a time. Has anyone had experience with a database like this, one that's growing all the time, not only in data but in scope? I want to change it over to ACCESS but it just doesn't seem to be easy enough to use-- it seems to have too many options and too bewildering.<br>
Any suggestions or previous experience?

 

[ertan]

You must consider changing your excel spreadsheet to a real database. Depending on number of your clients I can make some suggestions. Also, it is important if you want the clients to edit/insert data or use the database read-only.

 

[mharris]

I have converted several of my databases over from Excel to Access. Once you do it, you won't regret it. As ertan commented, you need to determine if your users are going to have read-only abilities or if everyone is capable of changing the database at once. You can actually open your excel file in Access and Access attempts to translate everything for you. Sometimes you have to change your formatting in excel to get access to read the data correctly. Access also has the ability to create input forms so that it is very user friendly. Access has wizards that make it fairly easy to use. I had never used access until this year so I am by no means an expert, but what I have learned has shown me that it is definately the way to go if you have a database like yours. Also, the interactive help box where you can type a question is very helpful!

 

[dbaraja]

Hi!<br>I am an Oracle DBA working in India currently.  From what you have written, you would prefer to make the data on your worksheet mor global in nature.  If this is the case, I would suggest you use Oracle8i rather than Access, since Oracle is far more effective. <br>If you can give some details, such as how many people will be accessing this data,how many times, whether the access would be 24 hours a day etc., I will be able to help you in choosing between Personal Oracle and Enterprise Oracle and also to design your database.<br><br>Regards,<br>Sriraman.