Every second matters in business. This is something that you don’t have to learn the hard way if you have up-to-date and swift access to your data. Using Microsoft Access, your company can create a powerful business database, one that is vital to the ongoing operation of your company when the time comes to make a business decision. Though a simple database will do the deed, you may need every trick in the book to create an effective management information system. This is some design pointers of how you should approach planning and developing Microsoft Access databases.

Data organised into Tables

With Microsoft Access, you can organize your business data into tables. While the simpler database will contain only few tables, a more complex database may have several – in order for the data to be optimised. Similar to Excel worksheets, these tables contain rows and columns. The row in the table is called a record, while the column is often referred to as a field.

No duplication of data

The basic principle of what makes an effective database design is that it should not contain duplicate information, which is known as redundant data. To simply put, redundant data should not exist in a database as it will not only waste space, but also increase the probability of inconsistencies and errors. In designing the database, one should strive to keep it accurate. If you’re using an inaccurate database, when it comes to making decision based on said data, you can imagine the highly potential damage it has on your business.

This problem isn’t completely unheard of. The solution to this common problem is to contact Microsoft Access database consultants that will help guide your company create databases that fit the need of the company. They will help create smart databases that will support and ensure the integrity of your data, as well as the subsequent information processing and reporting. A good design allows you to start small and let the databases grow with you as your commercial entity expands in the future.

Database design

The database consultant will need your full cooperation in order for them to formulate the best solution for your company. For example, start with defining the purpose of the database and how your company expects to use them. Also provide information of who will be granted access to the data, whether to view, edit or both. It’s advisable to outline the user teams, so that data access permissions can be clearly determined. Coming up with well-defined mission statements, which you can refer to during the planning process, will also help your company to target specific goals that you wish to attain from the Microsoft Access database.