MS Access database

[sassman]

We have a ton of data that my boss wants me to put into an Access database. Currently we have everything in spreadsheets, and it is getting messy to transfer data between researchers who are all doing something different with the numbers.

I have some experience with relational databases (mysql), but not much with MS Access. What we need to set up is a system where the original data gets put in the database and then users can make modifications as needed and save them in a more organized fashion. I don't really see how Access is going to be able to do this. Anyone have any experience with setting something like this up.

I am much more comfortable doing web development, and could easily set up a web app to do essentially the same thing. Perhaps a mysql database with a web front end.

Anyone have any suggestions? We are at a university and don't have a lot of money to spend on something like a lims.

[Bruce Hamilton]

I would be very wary of building an Access database, as you can be sure that the users will want lots of query features, and some training on using Access - which isn't intuitive ( to me, anyway ). I would only go with Access if you already were using Access interfaces elsewhere.

There is a lot of online information on building Access databases, but I would strongly recommended that you stay in your comfort zone and build a mysql database with a web front end.

Please keep having fun,

Bruce Hamilton