Hypothetical: Structuring a sm/med business' data infrastructure...

[RickDB]

Hello,

I am fishing for advice on what systems people would recommend...

Currently, our system breaks down like this:

• We use Peach Tree (old version - sucks) for accounting (this is where my question will kick in)
• We use a rudimentary database I built for contact/prospect management (I intend for the above to become much more advanced as I learn, something more than "rudimentary as soon as possible)
• We are incorporating a new phone system that will allow us to track may things and incorporate into our database (as far as area code reports, things like that as to track advertising effectiveness in specific areas

My question is this:

To eventually get to the point of having a fairly seamless infrastructure, what accounting software would you all recommend? Being able to integrate with an access interface is vital. We will likely get to the point soon where we hire someone to build a database so as my responsibilities will shift to more of a maintenance role, with support, rather than design...

This is a company that is built on paper, not a huge one yet, but decent size, and we want electronic info to increase efficiency...

I am looking into suggestions for a 20 - 40 person company. Currently, I am starting to look into MAS 90, and would love to get some insight.

Thanks!!!

 

[Banana]

Can't tell you anything about the accounting software, but I would at least recommend you consider the possiblity of using SQL as a backend to the Access; espeically if you are going to have 20-40 people using it concurrently and much more so if it will take up a significant portion of their time (e.g. it's very data intensive).

That way, you can make a fully informed decision about what database system will meet your business' need for now and in short future.

 

[RickDB]

Thanks, you always are quick with good answers. I need a name other than "Banana" though ...

The db is used concurrently by only 3-7 users, without much likelyhood to expand beyond 10-15 for medium term...

I am looking into SQL, as of now I use a split db design in access, but I am sure in order to ensure cross application compatibility with accounting software, I will have to transistion to SQL as my backend.

However, I have just begun working with db's recently, and not much over a month ago, I would have been pretty clueless of how to make the most basic app. So adding SQL to my short term learning curve then seemed a little overwelming.

I do see the benefits of a SQL backend, and intend to switch as soon as I am able in the coming weeks.

Any others with advice on accounting software easily integrated into Access would be appreciated! (I am aware of how vague this may seem, but the criteria I am using for exploring options right now are for a 20 - 40 person company [only 7-15 of which will use a computer], one that ships many products nationwide [heavy-duty industrial equip], and uses an open-ended data structure that is integrated into Access easily)

 

[dsigner]

Another member of my family has good experience upgrading from Access to Oracle so you could look at Oracle for accounting. My guess is that it is not a cheap option but at least you will not create a ceiling for expansion.

Also suggest that you ask your accountants what they are happy to interface with. If they get what they need you will save quite a lot of money at that point.