Service Industry

Develop a Client/Server Database

Core Technologies Used: Microsoft Access 97 database, Microsoft Data Access Objects (DAO), Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and Relational Database Design

Better Business Methods, LLC (BBM) was responsible for the creation of an Access 97 database to track the day-to-day operations for the client’s employees and customers.  A monthly process was required to allocate funds for completed tasks.  The existing procedures were performed manually, and required hours of user time over each month.  Through use of a client/server database application, the new system allowed the procedure to be completed in minutes.

The automatic processes were written in VBA, using DAO to connect to the database.  It contains built-in forms to speed data entry, and several reports to provide data output as requested.  For security purposes, it supports multiple user accounts and a single administrator.

Troubleshooting and Data Verification

Core Technologies Used: Microsoft Access 97 database, Microsoft Data Access Objects (DAO), Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)

Better Business Methods, LLC (BBM) objective was to troubleshoot the client’s current system to identify errors that were not corrected by the system developers.  In addition, the client required an extension to the system, to perform basic data verification between the Access database and their accounting database.

BBM analyzed the current system and made adjustments to the database design, repairing the problems that the client was experiencing.  The verification portion was implemented by creating a new form in the Access database, which checks for discrepancies in the data between the two systems.  Two new reports were generated to identify discrepancies between the systems.

Integrate an Access 97 database with an address verification application

Core Technologies Used: Microsoft Access 97 database, Microsoft Data Access Objects (DAO), Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)

Better Business Methods, LLC (BBM) upgraded an Access database that enabled the end user to increase their overall process productivity. Prior to our involvement, addresses were verified by entering them into a separate application, viewing the output, and manually copying this output into the appropriate fields in the Access database.

BBM added code to the database forms to allow the end user to enter unverified addresses directly into the form.  A command button calls the verification application, and the returned data is displayed in the database form as the verified address. This small enhancement enabled the end user to complete the data entry process in less time, and without needing to switch applications.