Create a prototype application with Access' built-in or online templates

by Mary Ann Richardson | Mar 27, 2007 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Microsoft Office, Databases, Mary Ann Richardson, prototype application, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office Suite Access Tips Newsletter

1 comment(s)

Takeaway: Access can set up prototype applications for you, which will save you time and provide you with a better idea of what your users want. Learn how to create a prototype using Access' built-in or online templates.

When users ask you to develop a database application, they often neglect to tell you some of the things they would like to see in that application. It is not uncommon for a developer to spend hours creating a prototype application according to users' specifications only to find that, once the users look at it, it is not what they really wanted. Rather than developing a prototype application from scratch, save time by creating one from Access' built-in or online templates.

Say your organization would like you to develop a general ledger application. Follow these steps:

Open Access and click the New button in the Standard toolbar.
Under Templates in the Task pane, click My Computer.
Click the Database tab, select the Ledger icon, and click OK.
Navigate to the folder where you want to locate your database.
In the Filename box, enter ABC Company Ledger Prototype and click the Create button.
Click Next three times.
Enter ABC Ledger and click Finish.

You now have a prototype application that took only minutes to create. As you demonstrate the application, the users can see for themselves what they like and don't like, making it easier for you to customize the application to their specifications.

Miss a tip?

Check out the Microsoft Access archive, and catch up on our most recent Access tips.

Help users increase productivity by automatically signing up for TechRepublic's free Microsoft Office Suite newsletter, featuring Word, Excel, and Access tips, delivered each Wednesday.

1 comment(s)