Every industry has its myths and misconceptions. And one of those is the problem that many IT professionals have with Access. Access is sometimes seen as one of the trickiest Microsoft Windows applications. Yet with the right know-how and training, it can be an asset for all kinds of organisations.
So why do IT professionals react against the idea of Access as a possible database solution?
Reason 1: It grows
Access is frequently used for everyday work activities – even when a larger, more powerful system is available. Sometimes a relatively small-scale Access database outgrows its original purpose to become central to an organisation. The challenge at this stage for IT professionals is to put a lot of work into revamping or upgrading the Access database. This is where some of them get grumpy. They want to know why the system wasn’t developed with a more sophisticated platform from the start. But unless you’re good at reading tea leaves, it’s not easy to look into the future and see how important an Access database is going to become for a company. The secret at this stage is to adapt the database to suit the changing needs of the business.
Reason 2: It needs support
The average Access database isn’t created by an IT professional. It’s set up by anyone from an office administrator to a sales manager. Any person who needs to store, manage and analyse information, basically. Which means it’s often not seen by an IT professional until there’s a problem. The glitch might be due to too much information, lack of training or the need for a new feature. The IT person might be called on, but not want to help because of the complexity of sorting it out. This is why in some companies, IT departments have banned the use of Access. But this is missing the point. The best approach is to assess how Access could work as an asset for an organisation.
Reason 3: It’s not professional
IT professionals can be tough critics. Some of them see Access as a toy instead of a real database and won’t use it. This could be something to do with the fact that a lot of Access developers are from a non-programming background. Unfairly, this prevents IT professionals from recognising the potential of Access. Perhaps they’re a little bit jealous. After all, Access is the most popular desktop database on the market.
Reason 4: It’s too easy
What’s wrong with something being easy to use? A lot, according to some people. Believe it or nor, there are IT professionals out there who won’t use Access precisely because it’s too simple to use. Daft, isn’t it? That’s exactly why clever people use it. It’s flexible, fast and it can help resolve a range of issues.
Reason 5: It’s not strategic
Access is so versatile it’s often the basis for a database used by just a few people. This type of database usually has one clear purpose and gets on with the job. In contrast, at enterprise level, an organisation will use highly complex, powerful and expensive to develop databases to drive its needs. Some IT professionals have a problem with organisations that don’t use these powerful databases at all levels. But why apply one answer to a whole range of different issues? After all, a flexible approach can help an organisation get the best out of IT, at every level.
Nice post, Access defiantly does have hidden depth, and a lot of versatility. I’m sure if non technical people were more empowered to make databases without assistance, IT professionals would be more inclined to suggest it as a tool. I think the issue is discoverability, and training for the user.
At first glance, emphasising the myths can put the reader off. However, when read in totality, the article makes a very strong case for the benefits of Access. It has certainly made me want to begin using it.
Thank you Infero
I have not really used Access that much before – it was too complicated for me and if something went wrong, yes, I ran to the IT which was not helpful. Now, the program I work with is based on Access and after I studied it a little, I find the program very versatile. Good statement!