Question Should I use Access for this?

[glenngleep]

I need to create a record of our suppliers, at the minute I have basic info about them in an excel spreadsheet. This needs to be expanded to include details of their insurance cover, with the ability to attach PDF doc's to certain records. The main function will be to record the expiry date of each insurance policy, create an email to the supplier asking for an updated copy of insurance, send this email to me for review and I can then forward this on to the supplier.
Would anyone have an idea if this is easily doable and what programme would be best to use? I'm thinking Access.
I'm not a programmer btw, I just need to know where to start looking for one!

 

[gemma-the-husky]

I would, personally

access is faster than excel, and importantly gives you more control over the data. But it is not simple and needs coding. you could achieve the same with excel with similar coding.

one benefit with access is that multiple users can edit the data at the same time.

 

[jdoathout]

Most serious dbase programmers prefer an sql based system. For your needs, access sounds perfect. Their are already many templates that include the fields you desire. You will need to tweak a few and make a few tables queries forms and reports. The question is, how confidant are you that you can pull this off in the time limit you have available?

 

[jdraw]

I'm not a programmer btw, I just need to know where to start looking for one!

Have you identified and documented your requirements?
Have you laid out any of your business processes and the data required for each? The changes to any data as it moves from process to process.

The better and more complete the info you have to show a designer, the better the chances of good communication. And, the better you will know what it is you are trying to do.

 

[jdoathout]

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/desktop-sales-pipeline-TC001225353.aspx

That help?

 

[cpc]

Hi, I can't help but notice that you are already using Excel but apparently feel that it is missing something and not doing the job for you. Based on the brief descritpion of your needs, Access might be the logical next step.