Leaving aside those odd occasions when the database has exploded, most of the reports from users telling me ‘my report is broken’ are for one of three main reasons: User has forgotten how the report works Incorrect data does not meet criteria Developer error in implementing the report The anatomy of a report Reports can [...]
For the last three years, I have been working on a project to bring together all the disparate systems we employ here, to simplify the task of the user and to try and ensure that when someone is off, another person can pick up the threads. Oh, the system was supposed to do much much [...]
An Access developer’s approach to dealing with the use of Access in the workplace. Encourage, mentor, assist but never support the application!
I once worked on a system that fulfilled the primary objective of the business and technically let the users get the job done; but to use it, you had to have a fair degree of knowledge and skills and remember how to fill in all the boxes and which boxes were meant for each operation. [...]
I joined a non-local archaeology group last year, mainly because they had a website, and the local groups didn’t have anything I could find. Shallow, I know, but a web presence is so important to me – I like to be able to get access to information at any time of day, or when I’m [...]
Much has been said on this topic, by smarter people than me. I won’t attempt an educated version of the topic (as I’m not actually educated in that subject area other than by experience), I have nothing backing this rant other than an ability to empathise with end users and a burning need to Make [...]
I’ve just been sent a copy of the contact list for our major client. Listed within are instructions as to how to navigate the automated switchboard to reach various people. As some of you may know, I’m in the throes of redesigning the software our company uses to manage its contracts/contacts/operations and stuff. What didn’t [...]
For those occasions when you are manually editing data and need to replace what you are removing with a NULL. The keystroke is control-0 The number of times I’ve googled for that, as I can never remember it..
Obligatory comment on X-UA-Compatible
This strikes me as a continuation of those ‘Best viewed in $browsername $version’ badges, that irritate me beyond all measure. I will use what version and what browser I choose, to consume your content. If I choose to have the text chiselled out onto the back of a passing badger, that is *my* choice. At [...]