Business owners frequently come to us saying, “We have great data, but it’s unusable,” or “It takes too long to do anything with it,” or “I can’t keep my system together.” If, like them, you need to track, filter, analyze and report information and off-the-shelf applications don’t suit the specifics of your business, then you’ve grown into the need for a custom Access database.
Why people choose KCT for Access Database design and consulting
Our Access Specialists are experts in maximizing the relational design that Access can provide. When customized properly, an Access database will transform your static data into high-impact business intelligence—without the need for a full-time database administrator.
Our services are aimed at small business, departmental niche functions of medium-sized companies, and entrepreneurial start-ups. We work with many companies that have access to state training funds to help their employees use, modify and grow their continuous process and improvement programs.
Why people choose KCT to consult on existing Access databases
We offer a menu of Access Clinic Options for existing Access databases. We’ll evaluate what you want your database to do and whether the design of your database is capable of delivering it. We can coach your users to improve its stability and usability, expand its functionality, check the status of its general health, and advise you on preventive maintenance.
How do I start?
KCT offers one free hour of consulting to review your needs. E-mail us, or call 319.266.0703 to set up an appointment.
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Custom Access Database Application
If you’re serious about a customized database for your business, there are a few things you should know. The more normalized your data structure, the more flexibility it will have, and the more powerful and useful your application will be. It requires a level of detail that takes more time to construct, but reduces error and increases the integrity of your information. We can ensure maximum flexibility to meet current and future needs with a meticulous design of your data structure.
Prior to your commitment to a Customized Access Database Application we will walk you through every anticipated step. Additionally, we do not lock down your finished product. You will have the tools, the blueprint and the keys so that anyone with appropriate Access skills will be able to ‘get under the hood.’ We encourage clients to designate an internal liaison during project development to handle the adjustments that changing needs, software updates or service releases often precipitate. We offer excellent maintenance contracts, but you will never find yourself obliged to an ongoing relationship. We want you to want to work with us, not to have to work with us.
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Access Clinic Options
1) Scope analysis: We will analyze the scope of any new or expanded functionality you want your existing database to accommodate, and the improvements and changes required to meet those needs. We will layout an appropriate data structure with your final report.
2) Relational Analysis: We will evaluate your current data structure and make recommendations for improvement. A well designed data structure is the backbone of future development and the ability to upsizing an application.
3) Access Coaching: We’ll help you grow your Access database application more effectively and efficiently.
4) Access Checkup: How is the general health of your database? Is it robust enough to meet your needs, present and future? Does it employ commonly accepted best practices in design and development? Is your maintenance program adequate? We can design a system for preventive maintenance and back-up procedures.
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Illustrative Cases
A few examples of what we've done for previous KCT clients
Our advice is that if you can find an off-the-shelf solution that works, use it. If one doesn’t exist, call us. Here’s what we did for a few of our clients.
Non-profit agency
Off-the-shelf solutions were not available to help this human service agency track the enrollees in its training programs, so KCT designed a Custom Access Database Application from scratch to track client characteristics, program enrollments, and client progress. Essential for the provision of quality services, it also helps track statistics for annual reporting requirements. KCT developed the entire project off premises.
Niche operation of an international corporation
Identifying, testing, procuring and warehousing parts for a major manufacturer produces massive amounts of data and correspondence relating to multiple part, blueprint, order, tracking and shipping numbers. KCT designed a multi-pronged database to bridge major gaps between legacy systems, and to facilitate JIT shipping and delivery.
Entrepreneurial start-up
Innovators, by definition, have special needs, and when expeditious data analysis and reporting is a company’s core product, the database must be powerful, flexible and efficient. KCT provided the application to help this entrepreneur analyze diesel emissions in highly specific environments, track vehicles, associate test data with vehicles, and analyze report data for EPA regulations.
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Confidentiality
We treat client information with the utmost confidentiality and take every precaution to ensure that client data is safe, secure and private. We will discuss these precautions with you thoroughly.
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"There are several reasons I would recommend Ketels Contract Training.
First, Ketels Contract Training is discreet and professional. My company’s database contains proprietary information and calculations on which the company’s niche business depends. Ketels Contract Training came prepared with non-disclosure paperwork and would have “worked around” sensitive information if necessary.
Second, the very knowledgeable database trainer, Elizabeth Wilson, will work with a timeframe that suits the trainee’s work schedule and amount of time dedicated by management to database development. What worked well for our company was meeting with Elizabeth 2-3 times a week and receiving “homework” for the days not scheduled.
Third, rather than hiring a full time database administrator, our company could train an existing employee in database development and maintenance. That employee is in position to keep the application evolving to meet changing needs.
Finally, the trainee is taught “best practices” in database development and how to “map out” the application. So, no matter when or how our database application evolves, the foundation it rests on is both solid and readily comprehendible.
Travis Patterson
Mirenco, Inc.
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