Efficiency and Collaboration Proposal

Efficiency and Collaboration Proposal

When it comes to running a business, efficiency is important to both the business and the customers. But what makes the business efficient? The most important programs to run in a business are the database system as well as collaboration tools. If you are using the Microsoft Office Suite, Access is the most efficient because of its ability to process information using a relational database system. However, the collaboration tools that a business uses are equally important. These tools whether it is an inter- or intra-net type system, are critical when working with other team members or employees to process work efficiently and effectively for the business and its customers. This proposal will discuss the benefit of converting data from Microsoft Excel into Microsoft Access, and also discuss the usefulness of using Microsoft Access within the work place. Lastly this proposal with discuss potential collaborative software that may improve internal communications and streamline work processes.
Microsoft Excel is as adequate tool for storing some data in a business setting. However, when that data needs to be sorted, searched, or made into a report, Microsoft Access has quite a large advantage. Microsoft Access has the correct tools incorporated into it to quickly and efficiently convert data from an Excel spreadsheet to a database. After the data is converted, it can be stored and manipulated in numerous ways. In the case of Party Plates, each customer can have their data stored in the main table of the database. Additionally, this table can be relational to a table containing all orders that have been made. Having relational tables can greatly cut down on the time it takes to find information about customers, like the frequency of previous orders, discounts given, or type and timeliness of payments made.
Microsoft Access is also simply better for managing data. Data inputted into Access is easily searchable, easy to organize, and can be accessed by multiple users at the same time. The query feature in Access allows the user to view data in many different ways, especially as business situations change. Queries make it easy to retrieve information in multiple tables. Microsoft Access allows multiple users to access the databases and edit information simultaneously. Alternately, Microsoft Excel allows users to view data at the same time, but they cannot make changes simultaneously. Another benefit of working in Access is data is saved continuously while the user works, which helps prevent data loss. “Some common scenarios for using Access in a business environment is order tracking, event planning, management of contacts, inventory tracking, etc” (Microsoft.com, 2013).
To further improve communications and streamline work processes within Party Plates, there are additional software tools that may be of use to us in the future.