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Client Details
- Member Since: Oct 2009
- Last Login: 23 Feb 2012
- PPH Verified: Yes
- Jobs Posted: 3
- Jobs Awarded: 2
- Paid out: $3,767
Category:IT/Web/Programming > Database Development
ID:23790
Title:Access database development
Location:GERRARDS CROSS
Job Description
Our Access database was originally designed many years ago. It is not particularly pretty but it delivers - most of the time. Our main problem area relates to the Memo fields which we use for recording Contact histories. They get overloaded and sometimes reports are corrupted. We are looking for two things:-
Creative suggestions on how we would overcome the problem with Memo fields;
A general clean up of the data-base so that it looks more professional.
It is a large data-base with many thousands of records and is of critical importance to the business.
The scope and method of working will need to be agreed during the initial consultation.
Job Budget
Type:Fixed Price
Budget:£1,500 - £2,000 (Approx $2,352 - $3,136)
Additional Information
Attached Files: None
Bidding ends:Bidding Closed
Job Posted:02/05/2010 10:31
Clarification Board
G. V. on 02/05/2010 16:14Hi Alan
I have extensive Access experience and feel able to help you. Is this a role you are offering remotely or ONLY to onsite in London?
Thank you.
GUy
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 16:51This is the first time I have put a job on People per Hour. I now realise that, with the benefit of hindsight, I should have limited it to freelancers who could visit on site. I am sorry about this. I feel I need to meet with a short list and I would not want this job done remotely. This month our organisation is very busy and as the data-base is in constant use, we are not going to start working on this until mid-June.
S. L. on 02/05/2010 20:06Is there any reason you want to stick with an access database or would you be prepared to upgrade to sql server.
Thanks
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 16:55My maxim is if it ain't broke don't fix it. I could be persuaded to upgrade to sql, providing it did not require relearning new software - some of the users are not particularly computer literate and the benefits were significantly greater than the increased costs.
J. L. on 03/05/2010 12:52Is this primarily a contact management database or is there other functionality required?
Approximately how many different reports or outputs do you need from your database?
Is your database networked or held on one PC?
What version of Access are you using?
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 17:13We are currently using Access 2007. The database is held on a server and networked to 7 PC's. It is used to as a contact data-base for international associations based in Europe. As dealing with international associations and winning bids for international meetings demands building relationships over a number of years, we need to track and report on information over long periods of time. One of the most useful reports is a Monthly Report on activity. We also track and record communications, mailings, trade show activity and promotional events. ACCESS gives us flexibility to generate our own reports tailored to specific activities and we probably have 20 or so reports on the database.
C. T. on 04/05/2010 10:45Is this database networked? If so, then I would not recommend remaining with Access as it can corrupt very easily. You would be better off with a SQL database than could be access via a Web interface which would be a lot more stable. Which version of Access do you use and do you take regular backups of the data within it.
Kind regards
Chris
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 17:21We have been using ACCESS for many years now and have rarely encountered problems with corruption. With a handful of records we have had to create a duplicate to avoid overload and potential corruption. We have two levels of back-up - tape on site and remote. I am reluctant to change our MO as we have had very few problems. i cannot see that a web interface would create significant advantages. Our current IT man has already recommended the introduction of a terminal server which would give us effective remote access to the server. We have not gone down that route yet as we would prefer to work on site and stay in touch with staff rather than working remotely.
R. G. on 05/05/2010 10:15Hi
I am based in Wexham near Gerrards Cross, perhaps we could meet to discuss this project?
Thanks
Rax
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 17:25You will see from an earlier reply that I do not want the project handled remotely- though I do accept that some of the development and planning might be done off site. I would be happy to meet - either in my office,or your office. Before any meeting, however, I would obviously need to know your level of relevant experience. ( I am not an IT man by the way!)
K. E. on 05/05/2010 16:05For info: Problems with memo fields might not be solved by back-ups if you only know a record has a problem when a customer contacts you or if you only print it occasionally, if so, how would you know when the problem happened? A possible solution is to use external text files which the database would manage and could be backed-up separately.
Reply from Client
A. S. on 06/05/2010 17:31The problem I had with memo fields related specifically to the production of monthly reports. I was allowing data to accumulate in oner field over quite a long period so the field would get very full. The solution I have now come up with is to have one field holding current reports and another field/fields historic reports, This means that data from the current field needs to be cut and pasted into the historic report if you get another contact report for that record.
N. W. on 10/05/2010 18:51As I said in my bid, I'm based near Tring so visiting / working at your office wouldn't be a problem.
There is a slightly more flexible and longer-term alternative to your memo field workaround, but obviously I'm not giving away any bright ideas on here ! Any other experienced developer worth his salt will have come up with it too.
Reply from Client
A. S. on 12/05/2010 15:43I have already indicated that I would definitely favour working with an experienced locally based free-lancer rather than remotely. I am sure there are alternative methods of dealing with memo-fields but our main criterion for effective solutions is to minimise change for the user, So far our solutions seem to work. I am aware that the fact that our data-base was devekoped by myself - not an IT specialist - means that it is certainly not very pretty but it does work.
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