Sample Projects
Disclaimers:
As is the case in many other industries there may be slight disagreement with definitions.
What is Data Conversion?
Often an older database or other non-Microsoft Access database program needs to be updated to the latest version of Access. Sometimes company policy dictates a new software standard. In addition there still are plenty of non-Windows database programs still in use today. Many of these programs are no longer supported or available from the original vendor. On occasion the process may be simple with no real conversion issues. Often Access will not convert the unknown file type. In these cases the process can be quite involved. There is also the dangerous issue of accidentally losing or destroying the data. Yet another issue involves the converting of data types. For example, dates are often stored differently in different programs.What is Database Administration?
Database Administration is normally the prerogative of the client. Database Administration normally deals specifically with administrating the data. Occasionally the Database Administrator will generate a query or report when necessary. The database administrator would not be expected to develop a menu, deal with control properties or write Visual Basic code.What is Database Management?
Similar to Database Administration but requires significantly greater knowledge of Access, some database analysis, and writing of code. It also differs from Database Administration in that Database Management does not require knowledge of the data.What is Database Analysis?
Database Analysis could either be analyzing a current database for conversion or upgrading or analyzing a business situation for developing a new database. In the first situation an understanding of the existing database is necessary to improve the database or to prevent damage during an upgrade. In the second situation an understanding of the client business is necessary to properly design and build the tables, queries, forms, reports and modules needed for a database application.What is Database Design?
There are a multitude of design issues with every database. Access has several different data types and several different query types. Forms and reports have a very large number of available controls and each control has an even larger number of properties. There are also a large number of documented and undocumented events.What is Database Development?
This is the entire process of creating a database Application. Often a novice will create a few tables, a couple of forms and reports and then consider the job done. Database Development spans the time from the original analysis through the process of installing the final application on each users computer.What is Database Security?
Your database may or may not be secure and you wouldn't even know it. There are many ways to secure an Access database. Each situation creates its own needs and may not be suitable for all applications. The most important word in security is trust and it's not for everyone.What is a Database Application?
A Database Application is a complete Access program. Generating an application requires knowledge of business rules, system analysis, design parameters, table properties, form properties, controls and control properties, modules, networks, network security, Access security, writing code, problem solving, Add-Ins, and users just to mention a few. A complete and properly designed application requires no knowledge of Access. The user 'clicks' on their choices and fills in the blanks.What is a Database Definition?
The Database Definition consists of the names and properties of the tables and the table's fields.What are Topaz® Signature Pads?
Laumann Consulting also can provide signature pads. Signature pads allow the user to sign their name and Access will save and display the signature where required, either on the screen or on a report. There are several different sizes and types of signature pads.What about Microsoft Access & SQL?
Laumann Consulting utilizes Access as its standard Front End product. Either Access or SQL (or another product) can be used to house the data. The Back End can be developed in Access and moved to another product when growth requires it. There are different versions of Access and the Client will need to provide Access as needed.Why Visual Basic for Applications?
Visual Basic for Applications is the underlying code for Access Development. VBA is used almost exclusively in developing an Application. It runs faster, is more versatile and has many more options. Laumann Consulting rarely uses macros. Macros found will be converted to VBA.Where do Networks fit in?
Database Applications normally are of two parts. The Front End and the Back End. The Back End normally consists only the data and will be out on the network so that all users can access it. The Front End normally consists of the forms, queries, reports, modules and code so as only the data needs to cross over the network.Any Development or user extras?
There are additional programs that can be purchased by the client to save both the client and the developer time, money, and effort. Such programs as Total Access Analyzer, Total Access Admin, Total Access Memo, and Total Access Speller can be a terrific aid.