Brainstorming Notes from SAG/PNWADG Jan 8, 2013

PNWADG and SAG Topic Suggestions for 2013

7/2013

· Access 2013 Tools and wizards for converting existing Access tables, queries and forms to 2013

· Access to Excel: Export Access files to Excel and name the column headings as opposed to giving having it use txtname, dtstartedate default from the Access table.

· Working with multi-value fields and multi-value select/lists

· Have the group get and share an Office 365 account.

· What is the difference in using Access from an Office 365 account?

· More web app demos and tutorial!

· Explain Office 365 - what are the web app options for small companies without SharePoint

· Yes - let’s do a charity project!

- 6/2013

· DSN vs DSN Less

· Passthrough queries - how to save without passwords

· Colors --- how to use themes and other UI tips.

· Forms look great on development, but horrid on users

· SQL 2012 backend rights and permissions

· Connection options

· Question-- can thin client work on Hyper-V; is it available;

· Question -- How to use MSN StockQuote with 2013 excer & Access?

Prior ---

· Office 365 and Access 2013

· Access with Azure and SQL Server 2012 (Vicki S)

· Upgrading from Access 2010 to 2013 DONE

Ø Upgrade “gotchas” (David Pearson)

· Legacy MDB’s and dealing with 32-bit vs 64-bit OS and Office. ()

· Macros -- from A to Z

Ø Data macros to implement business rules

Ø Leveraging macros in forms

· Learning to Leverage API calls

Ø What they are.

Ø How to use them.

Ø How to learn what is available.

· Using Functions in Queries - (

Ø with demos, explanations, things to avoid, how to enhance, quick tests.

· Using Active-X Controls (

Ø Example, the Tree Control from Windows.

· 2013 new Access features:

Ø active X controls, how to incorporate; legal issues with respect to distribution.

· Moving from work group (permissions) to Web environments (

· Database security and setting up user permissions in 2010

Ø Security options for frontend and backend

Ø User permission / usergroup, inside app – i.e. forms, code

· VBA Editor – DONE

Ø use different feature like Immediate Window and Watch List

Ø VB Editor tips and Tricks

· Error Handling ()

Ø When OK not to use it

Ø When it is an absolute must

Ø Routines and techniques for consistent implementation

· Locking down your app prior to deployment

Professional deployment packages

Techniques to:

Ø control/limit distribution

Ø limit duration of use (based on trial offer, annual licensing, etc)

Ø turning features on and off (trial offers - trigger code to unlock full features; license expires -- trigger code to limit features w/wo access to select data.)

· Project to Support a Non-Profit -- base on Give Camp model; complete over several sessions to create a functional solution for the organization and provide learning and discussion opportunities for members.

· Web Forms for “intranet” ie LAN

Ø Web style forms

Ø Data file options

Ø Sharing and synching limited data (as compared to the more robust Access app and data available for select users)

· Distributed workforce: Techniques for sharing data, restricting permissions, protecting data and files, etc. For NON-enterprise organizations.

Ø Skydrive; local host, hosted services, back-ups…

· Hosted SQLServer as backend -- how to set it up; evaluating services; other considerations.

· Automated relinking of Access to SQLserver backend --

Ø Possible presenter: JStreet

· “Hybrid” database still possible in 2013 -

Ø some forms and data on client / some on web server

Ø What types of combinations will work 2013with ?

· Access integration with other Apps (both MS and other)

· Visual display of Access data on maps -- routing, grouping contacts, etc. (“Map Point” alternative -- other web apps -- local plotting apps)

· Citrix and Terminal Server

Ø Using an Active Front End -- how to code, how to set up, how to manage user access.

· Lawyer -- -contracts, insurance, property rights.

Ø ( Perhaps contact Robert Freely 425 869 1260 )

· Ideas and discussions on properties, methods and functions

Ø Which are built-in but perhaps less known

Ø List favorites, why and how/why they are used, with demo.

-must frequently used; saves time, specific purpose, ensure reliability, avoids issues, ect

Security Prep List for Visiting Clients (mentioned and used by Willie McClure 2/2013)

Have a check list

Steps to take at Client

Steps to prepare laptop and files for going to client

Steps prior to leaving client

Steps for working on Client files -- Turning on features, adding items to tool bars, etc.

Developer Built Tools and Third Party Tool Demos -- Series of Demos (TH 2/13)

MZ Tools George H

Willie’s Tool Box -- Willie M

Can Office HP365 be used in Europe

What replaces form

Synchronizing External Data -- needs techniques -- a couple good examples please
Well, the most straightforward example I have is my non-profit’s problem. Contacts. We need to maintain contact information for our students, staff, donors, and interested parties in different systems that help us manage each of those different kind of people. Some systems integrate. Some do not. Those that do not offer easy ways to export and import via CSVs/Text/XML. The trick is matching up the changes and determining what to do.

That’s where I get stuck. The sync problem is so big, I don’t know where to begin. I don’t know if I should add audit data to all contact records I can, so I can determine most recent as most accurate. I have built queries before that can find the changes in any field in a given record, but then what. I have three principal contact DBs right now (constant contact, Outlook, and an Access DB), and the three part problem is more complicated than two. I’m looking for ideas. I don’t want to throw everything over into Salesforce ;-)