CASE STUDIES
access and sql databases

Area of assistance: Multi-User Client-Server application

Technology involved: Microsoft Access 2000, Microsoft SQL Server

Problem: An application needed to be written that could record, calculate and print various business processes specific to the client's company: load records, bills of lading, trip sheets, invoices, etc. Using conventional means, these processes often take hours of employee time. The application had to give the client the ability to enhance and support changes.

Analysis: A front-end user interface including reports and forms was developed using Microsoft Access 2000. The client, being familiar with Access 2000, felt comfortable with the development environment and fundamentals of the Microsoft office product. In order to provide a robust and familiar data source, we utilized an SQL database revolving around stored procedures and multi-tier data access strategies.

Strategy: A user can log in, and depending on their security access level, can locate or start a new Load Record, calculate a quote with a Quote Form, print a Bill of Lading, Trip Sheet or invoice, or print out a report of a specified time period.

From a Load Form, a Permit Form can also be brought up that can calculate weight distribution, which allows the user to adjust axle height and recalculate the load. In all, twenty-five departmental processes are included in the application.

The administrator of the application can track all changes made and view who made them, when they were made, etc., for added security. The administrator can also make higher-level changes from a menu bar available only to him or her.

Conclusion: The client has a secure, usable, time-saving application providing historical and archived data for the purpose of managing the business processes within their department.

If you would like to know more about this solution or the client for whom we provided it, please contact us.