Information Management Services
Complete Information System Development Life-Cycle Services
Featuring MS Access Database Application Development

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Choose one or more of the following services to suit your budget and needs:

 Information requirements analysis

  • critical first step in development, involves definition and documentation of the application objectives (e.g. required input/output, security requirements) and associated tasks; forms basis of design specifications
  • can be lengthy for large and/or complex databases; usually requires significant client input

 Relational data modelling

  • preparation of logical data model which reflects the business processes/information system using object-based approach
  • normalise database, create tables, create primary and foreign keys (physical implementation)
  • establish referential integrity and validation rules

 Intuitive user interface design

  • create the application objects or "Front end" (i.e. -what the user sees when navigating through the database)

 Custom analysis and reporting functionality

  • implement required output capability
  • move from data to knowledge
  • data rollup, graphical analysis
  • data mining

 Application testing/troubleshooting

  • testing that an application meets requirements laid out in the design specifications
  • troubleshooting for potential performance or integrity issues
  • modifications to improve performance or enable new database functionality

 Data/UI migration

  • bulk import available outside data (e.g. Excel spreadsheets, Paradox tables etc.), resolve integrity issues 
  • cleanup legacy data
  • Test user interface upgrades to current Access versions

 Documentation

  • user guides, technical manuals

 Training

  • train users in application functionality
  • train power users to develop ad hoc queries
  • MS Access courses delivery

 Spreadsheet Nightmares

  • conversion of spreadsheet functionality to a database -when your spreadsheets have grown unweildy/overly complex its time consider a user friendly database alternative

 Availability

Current Status

Currently available for Access development projects, free initial consultation

On-site services available throughout Southern Ontario 

Ecosystems is centrally located in Lindsay, Ontario Canada about an hour northeast of Toronto

Remote Services available almost anywhere

Many projects can be done very effectively via remote development.  Applications can be transferred via Email (or cloud storage for larger files).  Client interaction with the Developer takes place primarily over the telephone and Email. This approach works so well that very often I use it with my local clients as well! 

Remote development works best for:

Development - complete implementation for smaller projects where requirements are precise

Reengineering (e.g. conversion from other applications to Access), or where requirements are clearly understood and well documented 

Troubleshooting -where an application's original design did not fully implement some of the required functionality, where data integrity has become suspect (data error "Creep"), or where database performance has begun to depreciate

Enhancements, custom queries/VBA coding -when you just can't seem to get that required functionality 

Housekeeping/Cleanup/ -Ecosystems can analyse your application and remove those unnecessary queries and tables that are cluttering things up, but you were afraid to delete them

Documentation -provide application/object/data diagrams to clearly describe application flow, or which queries/tables reports get their data from, where tables are used 

Cost Reduction -where the client does not want to commit resources to providing the developer with office space, computer equipment and software licences

 If your requirements fall into one or more of these categories then you should seriously consider the remote development option. 

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you check references before you hire any developer -there's nothing like a trail of satisfied customers to demonstrate you'll be getting what you need
  • Think twice before choosing an inexperienced local developer -I get plenty of work cleaning up the mess left behind by Access rookies
  • Don't equate value with hourly rates -think in terms of the total cost of delivery.  In most cases experienced developers with higher rates get the job done better, more quickly and more economically.  I can provide a quote based on an hourly rate and estimate or fixed project price

Go with an experienced MS Access Specialist and maximize your return on investment