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Database Providers
Microsoft Access Consultants, Developers and Experts

Database Providers has been providing Best-In-Class Service and Products using Microsoft Access, for over 20 years, with 1000+ Customers, 4 Continents, 25 Countries, and Still Growing!

Our Expertise with Microsoft Access and SQL Server and 20+ Years of Business Experience in the Aerospace, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Service Industries make us a unique partner.

Database Application Solutions

Provider of Cost Effective, Open-Source, Multi-User, Microsoft Access / SQL Server database applications for the Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Service industries. Specializing in Quality Management Systems, MRP / ERP processes, and business flows supporting ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliance.

Custom Database Design & Development

Develop, implement, and support custom database applications using Microsoft Access / SQL Server platforms. The customer provides features and functional requirements; we build them by working closely together.

Microsoft Access Support

Our Team can help troubleshoot your broken Microsoft Access database!  We have experience will all versions from Microsoft Access 95 thru to Office 2019, 32bit and 64bit Options, Single File or Client-Server environments, and Single or Multi-Users Arrangements.

Is your Microsoft Access program’s original Programmer or Developer no longer supporting you? No problem. We would be happy to assume the support responsibilities.

Database Consolidation

We assist in the consolidation of independent Microsoft Access databases throughout your organization.  Consolidation of Microsoft Access databases:

Simplifies maintenance and support

Eliminates duplications and inaccuracies of the information

Increases productivity of the workforce

and Improves decision-making accuracy

Multi-User / Client-Server Support

Our Team can help turn your existing Microsoft Access database into a powerful, efficient, and productive Multi-User application. We will provide options and recommendations based on your existing hardware, software, user base, and networking environment, and you decide the direction.

Our team will make it happen in a timely and coordinated fashion working closely with your team and users.

Integration Support

Our Team can assist in Integrating your Microsoft Access database with other 3rd Party Applications such as an ERP/MRP Business System, Microsoft Excel files, and SQL Databases. Integration can increase productivity, improve decision-making accuracy, increase efficiency, and reduce data redundancy.

CLOUD SERVICES

Yes – Microsoft Access can be used with Cloud-Based Data. Use your Microsoft Access application anywhere, provided you have an internet connection.  The Strategy and Approach to a cloud-based Microsoft Access application are unique and one that our Team has plenty of experience in and with proven results.  Call us if you want to upgrade your existing Microsoft Access database to a cloud-based option!

SQL Server Support

Our Experienced SQL Server Team can assist and support them;

Installation and Configuration of a SQL Server Instance(s).

Selection of SQL Server Version and Hardware Recommendations,

SQL Server Security Strategies and Implementation

Creation of New SQL Server Instances and Databases,

SQL Server Jobs, Mail, and Maintenance Plans.

Creation and Support of Stored Procedures, Functions, and Views

Automation

Our Team can assist with automating the laborious and repeating tasks carried out on a consistent schedule. Some of the Automation tasks included:

Emails:

Microsoft Outlook Emails containing information on any Microsoft Access data or set of Data, including preparation of Attachments of any Microsoft Access report or any other file linked to a Microsoft Access record.

Billing Statements:

Preparation and Sending Out of Customer Billing Statements at the end of every Month with User-Defined Distribution Options,

Supplier Open Orders / Delivery Report:

Preparation and Sending Out of Suppliers’ Late Deliverables Reports at the end of every week with User-Defined Distribution Options,

Business  / Quality Assurance Metrics:

Preparing Monthly Business Metrics using Microsoft Excel Charts, Pareto’s, and PivotTables with User-Defined Distribution Options

Alerts:

Sending of Alerts based on an event and condition met with User-Defined Distribution Options.

What Our Customers Think of Us!

Database Providers has played a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of a fully custom and adaptable database to fit our Company’s unique needs. Database Providers staff was instrumental during the development process.  Their knowledge of coding and the ability to grasp our desired outcome helped create a dynamic solution that we are continually honing as our needs change with the growth of our business. Database Providers staff are consummate professionals and has met challenging deadlines with poise.  We look forward to the long-term relationship with Database Providers as our business expands. Database Providers is an invaluable resource for any company looking for custom database solutions.

Michael M, CEO and Founder, Environmental Consulting Firm

Database Providers brings an un-matched level of customer service to its already proven portfolio of electronic data collection and management systems!  The personal interaction and ability to completely customize the already AS9100 designed Quality Management System Database to fit our unique processes, has been a huge asset to our Aerospace Business and our employees for the past 10 years.  We couldn’t be more happy with the results!!

Daniel D, Director of Quality, Aerospace Company

Our Navy Program has been working with Database Providers to help update our personnel database. Database Providers genuinely goes over and beyond to listen to our inquiries and comes up with a solution. Database Providers have worked with our Navy Program over the past three years and understands our service delivery goals. We are able to run report fast, have clear understanding of our client status and capture case management so any staff member going into the database would know what is happening and what is the next steps.

Database Providers support has elevated our small little database to a well-functioning database that streamlines my staff work and allows us to capture reports quickly.

Marie S, Sr. Director of Military Respite Care, Worldwide Non-Profit Youth Organization

Database Providers offers low cost Microsoft based solutions for many standard manufacturing quality related applications. We have implement training and corrective action databases from their standard product offerings with minimal customizations required. Customizations were performed in a timely and also at low cost. Since the product is Microsoft based, our IT department did not need to be involved. I would recommend Database Providers for your manufacturing system’s needs.

Kevin H, Quality Systems Manager, Aerospace Company

When looking to upgrade our quality system workflows and data management in our ISO 9001 manufacturing facilities Database Providers offered us immediate “off the shelf” solutions for non-conforming material, corrective actions, training and gauge calibration.  They quickly tailored their existing products to meet our specific needs utilizing their unique combination of expertise in ISO quality systems and database development.  When technical problems arise they’re very responsive with a solution typically provided within a working day. I have and will continue to recommend Database Providers to other companies.

Darren K.  Engineering Manager and Supervisor of Quality, Manufacturing Company

Microsoft Access FAQs

What is the maximum size of a Microsoft Access database?

2 Gigabytes is the maximum file size for a Single Microsoft Access file. The biggest mistakes we see are databases that embed files into the database and background images used in forms and reports. The embedded files and background images are typically the root cause of a large database file size. Our practice is to store the files in a network folder, provide a link to those files in the database, and not use background images in forms and reports.  Background colors usually satisfy the requirements.

Can Multiple Users be in a Microsoft Access database at the same time?

Absolutely.  However, it is recommended that the Microsoft Access database be split into a Front-End / Back-End or Client / Server for Multi-User databases. The Microsoft Access Back-End or Server side will be stored on a Network Server, and the Front-End or Client file will be copied to each user’s WorkStation.  The Network Server does not need a Microsoft Access version installed. However, the WorkStation will need a version of Microsoft Access installed – either the free Microsoft Access runtime version or a full version of either 32bit or 64bit Microsoft Access.

Are Microsoft Access databases easily corrupted?

Not if designed and implemented correctly. Sadly, the perception is that they do, and most IT professionals shy away from anything to do with Microsoft Access.
Corruption can occur when;

Multiple users open the same file from a network location at a time (should be client-server environment)

Attempting to open Microsoft Access file remotely through a VPN tunnel. (Client-Server does not work through a remote VPN tunnel – a Remote Desktop Connection is recommended or a Cloud-Based Service)

Frequent Network Connection drops between WorkStation and Network Server in a Client-Server Environment. (Usually, a Front-End corruption results in an easy remedy by copying New Front-End / Client file to WorkStation.)

In a Client / Server environment, the repair process on a Microsoft Access data file fixes corruption (inconsistent state) issues 99.9999% of the time.

If a corruption event exists more than once in a few months, the design and implementation approach must be evaluated.

How many simultaneous users can be using a Microsoft Access database simultaneously?

Technically 255, and that is a TCP/IP restriction. A typical environment is 2 – 50 users.

Does the Microsoft Access database slow down over time?

Yes. The Access JET Engine does not process data requests as efficiently as SQL Server. How long it takes for users to recognize the degradation in performance is based on many factors. Factors such as;

WorkStation hardware

Network Cabling – CAT5 vs. CAT6

Network Switch Speeds = 100Mb/sec vs. 1G/sec

Hard Wire Network Connection vs. Wireless Connection

Number of Records in Tables

Number of Simultaneous Users

Query Design

Form Design

When the performance degrades to a point, users start to complain, then convert the Access data file to a SQL Server database, and the performance will be improved significantly.

Can I integrate Microsoft Access with other Office programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook?

Yes. The Microsoft Office suite of products, including Excel, Outlook, and Word, are all designed to be accessible from other Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Access. While the newer versions of Microsoft Access have enhanced Office integration features, there are few limits on integrating the various Microsoft Office applications. For example, you can take data from your Access database and merge it into an HTML and have Access automatically generate this email and send it out via Microsoft Outlook. In addition, you can create Outlook tasks, appointments, and contacts from within Microsoft Access.

Word mail merge documents are another integration possibility. You can merge data from your Access database into a Word mail merge document without leaving Microsoft Access. In addition, complex Excel worksheets can be created from data from an Access database, allowing you to export your data out of Access to Excel format with which more users are familiar.

New features in Office 2013 allow the integration of Microsoft Access with cloud-based technologies such as Office365 and SharePoint Server. These cloud-based integrations open new opportunities for collaboration, sharing, and automation of Access database information.

Can I integrate Microsoft Access with other 3rd Party software applications such as QuickBooks accounting software and MRP / ERP business software?

Yes. Most accounting software packages, including QuickBooks, include a programming interface (API) for integrating with their accounting software application. In addition, most ERP /MRP business systems have an ODBC driver to communicate to their data tables. Finally, other ERP / MRP business systems have alternating methods for syncing up with their data from a Microsoft Access program.

Can I integrate Microsoft Access with Microsoft SQL Server, and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

You can use SQL Server database software as a backend for a Microsoft Access database application. This is called a Front-End / Back-End or Client-Server environment where the Front-End or Client file is a Microsoft Access file containing all objects, and the tables are a direct link to the SQL Server database.

The free version of the SQL Server database software is the “Express” version (e.g., SQL Server 2012 Express) can be used, or you can use an existing licensed version of SQL Server. The “Express” versions of SQL Server have a size limitation (between 4 GB and 10 GB depending on the version), whereas the licensed versions have a substantial size limitation.

Advantages of using SQL Server as the database backend for an Access database application include;

scalability,

security,

and increased database capacity.

SQL Server is a more scalable database technology allowing more Access to database users while maintaining performance. Therefore, where an Access application requires many users, using SQL Server as the database backend improves performance. SQL Server also has more robust security, including integrated Windows-based security, making it a more suitable backend database choice where data security is an issue.

Microsoft Access has a database size limitation of 2 GB, whereas SQL Server has a minimum size limit of 4 GB for the free version and unlimited capacity for the licensed versions. Therefore, where databases are predicted to be significant, SQL Server can provide a better platform for building an Access database application. 

Other advantages to using a SQL Server backend with Microsoft Access include gaining access to the other functionality available in SQL Server, such as Reporting Services, SQL Server Integration Services, Maintenance Plan, Automated Jobs, Database Mail, etc.

A Disadvantage is that SQL Server elevates the support expertise level. As a result, support will need additional training and expertise above Microsoft Access which generally increases support costs, and the pool of support personnel is smaller than those supporting Microsoft Access databases.

Can I migrate my Microsoft Access data to Microsoft SQL Server?

Absolutely.  If and when the time may come when the choice of using a SQL server database for the data side of your program makes sense, the SQL Server offers an Import Tool to import data from various data sources, Microsoft Access being one-choice, into a SQL Database. After the import, the table design on the SQL Server side must be reviewed. For example, primary Keys might need to be identified, and the bit fields might need default values entered. It’s best practice if the table structure, field format, and default values are verified once the SQL Server Database is created.

Can upgrade versions of Microsoft Access impact my Microsoft Access program?

Rarely. The one upgrade that caused havoc was the release of the Office 64bit platform.  Some custom code in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) could not handle the more significant long data type and rendered some Microsoft Access programs inoperable until the custom code was modified to accommodate the long pointer in a 64-bit Office platform.

Version upgrades typically add new features and functionality in Microsoft Access and rarely remove old features and functions, mainly because of the number of Microsoft Access databases throughout the world in use.

What are the security options with Microsoft Access?

Varies.  The first is to identify the security level that is required.

Are you securing it from a user perspective – only letting certain users access the data? If so, this is accompanied by adding a login step to the Microsoft Access program that can also include read-only and read-write permissions.

Microsoft Access can be password protected.  I can’t open the file unless the correct password is entered.

Added security can be applied if the data is in a SQL Server database, and the security functionality of SQL Server can be applied within.