This article provides a comparative analysis of Using MS Access for Data Analysis over MS Excel.
MS Access and Excel are often compared because of their similar pronunciation and usage. Both these Microsoft applications are used majorly for storing particular type of data; however, Access is a database management software, whereas Excel is a spreadsheet based software which offers extended data analysis tools to the users. Access is obviously better for managing and storing tons of databases as it combines software-development tools and graphical user interface with relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine.
Here we have compared these two, Microsoft software to find out which one is more efficient for Data Analysis (Spreadsheets vs. Databases).
Empowering Information Workers
Both MS Access and MS Excel being Microsoft office products come with inbuilt features (Information Workers) that motivates workers to work on their own, without using any IT professionals.
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Advantages
Excel has a small learning curve which makes it easy to use, which automatically makes it very productive. Excel can be used for easily storing data, performing numerical calculations, formatting cells, and adjusting layouts for generating outputs and reports which can be shared with others. It can also be used for making power pivot tables and charts, analysis toolkit, etc. Users can even tweak its layout to categorize different data.
Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet Disadvantages
Yes, it is very easy to create formulas, copy and paste data, make reference cells, and link worksheets or spreadsheets together, on Excel, but as this data gets more complex, it becomes difficult to change and manage these spreadsheets.
Excel spreadsheets are definitely efficient for creating an analysis for limited or one-time data. But they can’t handle the workflow heavy evolving data. It becomes impossible to update or change the formula, as more rows and columns get inserted in these spreadsheets, which can damage the whole data.
Microsoft Access Advantages
These are the following advantages that come with using databases:
- Using multiple tables for normalization and creating Data structure.
- Scalability: Can add infinite records for free
- Referential and Data Integrity
- Generating Queries and Reports
- Automation through VBA Modules and Macros
Validation and Table Structures
Databases can be used for storing information at one place, which can be referenced within multiple places. Plus if the customer’s information is changed, the changes are automatically updated and implemented in the referenced places.
Databases offer Free Records
One of the main differences in Access and Excel is that in the database, users get records for free. A well-designed record can help the users in easily locating their data anytime they want.
Data and Referential integrity
Access databases also provide several tools for maintaining data quality. Users can easily add Lookup lists as well as validation rules on individual records and fields on table level in Access. Forms can be customized with additional rules when the user enters his/her data in order to respond to their events or selection.
Queries and Reports
Microsoft Access reports and queries are used for slicing and dicing the data which can be present in detail. It helps in allowing the user in revisiting and revising his/her data whenever he/she wants.
Automation using VBA Modules and Macros
While using VBA module or macro, the user can use DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet command for exporting data to an Excel spreadsheet (via acExport option) from Access database. The TransferSpreadsheet command plus acImport option are also used for importing spreadsheets into Access table.
Microsoft Access Disadvantages
Microsoft Access demands more training and skills from its users. It can be complex for people without any programming background to Figure out how they can define normalized tables, or link them together, or change the structure of their database information etc. Further it can crash quite often if its size gets bloated. While working on MS Access, it is advisable to keep an Access fix tool nearby to deal with any incidents of data corruption.
Author Introduction:
Vivian Stevens is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including sql repair and excel recovery software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com
Bath pub to host fundraising night for women with postnatal recession
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Framptons bar is net hosting a fundraising night on Friday, May 11 for women dealing with postnatal depression and anxiety.
the expensive vacation event, [url=htttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charmingdate]charmingdate.com[/url] named Mother of All Nights, Will operate food, alcoholic drinks and a huge raffle, With prizes like tickets to Thermae Bath Spa and and a 100 voucher for Hudson Steakhouse.
Mother Of All Nights is being organised by Bath mums Kerrie Hughes and Gemma Abbott.
After being identified as having postnatal depression, Kerrie set up community blog Mother Bluffer to help you help celebrate and support mums.
Kerrie hughes said: ” I know postnatal a depressive disorder can be a really dark, lonesome place.
“beach front feel guilt, Shame and embarrassment but there are various women who suffer from postnatal depression and it really important that they know they are not alone.
“One of the big issues is that many women don know that there exists local services out there that can help and this is why Gemma and I are doing the fundraising event.
Framptons Bar are hosting the expensive vacation event
“It to be a really fun night. We got some amazing raffle prizes Bath businesses have been so generous and we are inviting ladies to come down to Framptons and enjoy a great night out,
All money raised should go to Bluebell, A charity which provides services to help families manage their emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth. usually, Bluebell are based in Bristol but are hoping set up a base in Bath.
sam Westlake, manager of Framptons says: “We delighted to be hosting the mother of all Nights to raise funds for postnatal mental health services in Bath.
“Our company ethos is one of community and making a difference so anything we can do to help this brilliant cause is a privilege.
“Our new head chef Sam Stone will be whipping up a storm with the cooking and I know the organisers have a few surprises in store so it sure to be a fun evening,
(image: Kerrie gaines)
how could i get tickets? enterance ticket cost 15 (Plus a small reserving fee), that you can get entry to the venue, Access to a mouth watering buffet and one raffle entry.