Copy to tracking log on network - Feasible?

[hutch@edge.net]

Greetings, Gurus.

I just need to get an expert opinion on the feasibility of a potential project.

Here's the scenario:

We currently have dozens of suppliers responding to all purchase orders in a standard Excel format. The buyers receive these responses, and run a macro, (created with the help of the awesome people on this site), that sorts the data and filters it to show only the items which require changes, (i.e., backorders, quantity changes or price changes).

That all works perfectly. My thought now is to incorporate a means to track supplier performance, which would require consolidating all of the information from multiple responses and buyers into a central database. I'm afraid that the row limitations of Excel may require that we import the data into Access in order to maintain a fairly large database.

Questions:
Is is possible to automatically, (via VBA), update an Access database, stored on the network, using Excel as the data source?

Would there be problems if two buyers, on different computers, were running the macro at the same time, and is there a way around this?

I hope I was clear in my description. If I find that this is a possible solution, I'm certain I will be back to seek help.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Jerry

[Leith Ross]

Hello Jerry,

Access can use Excel as data source with no problem. VBA allows data to be exchanged between the programs. As for the question about simultaneous running of the macro, they shouldn't be a problem if each user is only updating their information. If the database is on a network drive, be sure the users are given the proper access privileges.

Sincerely,
Leith Ross

[hutch@edge.net]

Thank you, Leith. That's what I wanted to hear. I'll start trying to develop the database, and I'm sure I'll get back with you regarding the VBA to automate the updates.

Have a good one.