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Microsoft Access database development,
from design to working implementation,
is the VBArtistry specialty.

Practical Capabilities                    Key Features                    Contact

Philosophy

A good database is a useful tool. An outstanding database is a work of art. It is not merely a dependable tool, it is a thing of beauty. Sure, the application is founded upon the exacting disciplines of mathematics, computer science, and engineering, but there's no one absolutely correct way that it must be constructed to serve its intended purposes, to accomplish the desired objectives. There always are alternatives, more ways than one to desired ends. And if two solutions are equally valid, if two methods are comparably purposeful, if two renderings are likewise illuminating, then what's the difference? Why are there so many variations on so many utilitarian objects?

Art. Craft. The art of craft. And that's what is embodied in our databases. Not only—and not necessarily—because of superficial graphics, but by virtue of their design, their structure, their clever and resourceful ways of accomplishing their tasks. The construction of a truly excellent Access database requires knowledge, experience, skill, craftsmanship, artistry, and Visual Basic for Applications, which is to say, VBArtistry.

Let us compose a work of art for you, featuring —
 

	Function — First and foremost, sound, stable, reliable, performance
	Convenience — Design and features saving time, effort, fatigue
	Aesthetics — Well-organized controls, attractive packaging, optional graphics
	Support — If you need us, we're standing right behind our products

From a small, simple shopping list to a large, complex archive, the versatility and power of Access can be wielded into a unique utility that suits your purposes and objectives perfectly. Access isn't just for the standard, conventional list of records but can be applied creatively to many different problems and projects in unexpected and even exciting ways. With the additional power of Visual Basic for Applications the possibilities are almost endless. VBArtistry has had a keen eye for recognizing the applicability of Access and VBA to unlikely data management problems and enjoyed great success conceiving and implementing solutions.
 

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Practical Capabilities

There will be four main categories of function in your database. Each will be given thorough consideration in light of your objectives. The underlying structure will be designed to support these functions efficiently, yielding a valuable custom tool that in all probability will exceed your expectations.

Data Entry

Just what is it you want to do, anyway? The answer to that question determines the nature of your data and the structure of the underlying tables that will house it. That, in turn, leads to the means and methods of populating your database.

If you have an existing set of data that you want to carry forward, conversion to the structure and format of your new database will be required. This is a crucial step, requiring great care and thorough understanding of your processes and objectives to avoid information corruption, loss, destruction. Appreciating the potential for mishap at this stage is the first and best measure that can be taken to insure that your data is imported and converted with full integrity. This is not to say that your existing data, as a whole, will not at all be modified. To the contrary, part of the advantage of a relational structure such as Access supports is the economy realized in eliminating duplicative data. Recognizing opportunities to establish relational structure is a fundamental aspect of good database design. We may rework your data extensively, but your information will remain unaltered.

Data Retrieval

A database that can't search and retrieve your records is useless. It is useless also if it retrieves all records. The utility and power of an Access database is in the ability and facility by which records can be retrieved selectively, strategically—usefully. We will build into your database powerful, versatile criteria specification functions that enable you to formulate efficient, productive searches and retrievals of your data quite easily.

Data Output

First satisfying your specifications, results are thoughtfully presented in ways that organize and arrange your information so that its substance and significance are readily conveyed and understood. These results can be rendered on various media with equal facility, including screen displays, hard-copy reports, and disk files.

Special Functionality

The typical database does not require the special functionality of process monitoring and control, dynamic display, embedded audio/video, etc. However, special functionality is an area in which Visual Basic for Applications usually is indispensable; pure Access can go only so far. Automation/OLE objects/ActiveX controls are the means most frequently used where special functionality is indicated. Relax. VBArtistry is very capable and comfortable with deploying these tools. We have amassed a comprehensive store of techniques and resources for treating both routine and unusual problems and moreover have realized consistent success in applying our own ingenuity toward difficult and unique objectives. In fact, some of our most challenging and impressive programming has been derived from the implementation of our own concepts. You may be assured that we have developed great expertise in using VBA to coax whatever we want out of Access.
 

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Key Features

In light of your objectives, all of the following will be considered in the development of your tailor-made database. Expand these items for greater detail.
 

	Thorough ascertainment of your objectives
	Conversion of your existing data—a crucial step

Environmental compatibility Network Multi-user

Unified or distinct data entry, edit, and retrieval functions/screens

Structured data entry to minimize operator input errors Smart defaults Shortcut keys Validation Event sounds Interactive/dynamic/progressive prompts Full wizards

Data retrieval and reporting—intelligent, versatile schemes serve results per user-supplied criteria

	Reports Grouping, sorting, formatting for maximum relevance Detailed, intermediate, and/or summary presentations, as appropriate
	Visual Basic for Applications—expanded versatility, functionality not possible with pure Access Added convenience features Automation—control Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc. applications ActiveX controls—control Windows Media Player, Acrobat, dialog box, etc. objects Complete error handling and exception recovery Commented code
	Security and integrity-preservation features Password protection Hidden components Custom menu/toolbars MDE execute-only files
	Multimedia Background graphics Clip art Animation Music
	Archival Per preset schedule On demand
	Administration and housekeeping Usage monitoring Internal auditing Self-maintenance

Custom, context-sensitive help, documentation

 

Let's get started!
 

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Contact Info

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