Using Access or Excel in Managing Data

• Capabilities of Excel and Access in Managing Data

  • enter data using forms
  • run queries
  • sort and filter data to derive the information needed
  • evaluate sophisticated calculation
  • analyze data using the PivotTable and PivotChart
  • generate reports to view data in different format
  • share the file to multiple users
  • import and export data to other file formats

  
  
• Flat-file Database

  • It is also called a non-relational database.
  • Stores data in a single table or worksheet.
• Relational Database


  It divides the information into logical pieces and places each piece in a separate table.
• Relational Database


  In Access, it stores data in table that look like worksheets but are designed to store a large amount of data.

  Examples: Library System, Point-of-Sales
• Flat-file/Non-relational Database


  In Excel, a worksheet stores unit of information in rows and columns of cells.
• Excel

  • All data in one table.
  • Better for statistical comparison and data analysis
  • Designed to store number and perform sophisticated calculations
  • It can generate forms, but it has limitations
  • Columns with data validation are not supported.
  • Data are presented in Charts and Data Bars.
  • It is easier to work on PivotTable and Pivot Charts
  • It is easier to learn than Access.
• Access

  -It can handle both text and numeric.

  -It can store a large amount of text.

  -It prevents users from entering data in the wrong table.

  -It stores data in separate tables for easy access.

  -It works best in managing a large amount of data.

  -It can generate forms for easier data entry.

  -Multiple users can work on the data at the same time.

  -It generate reports that users can run anytime.