- Introduction
Our project was to streamline the permit collection system for three townships in Middletown. After a number of thorough meetings on location we were able to draw out a game plan for increasing efficiency in their system.
We came up with a plan to implement a scalable, user-friendly database with Microsoft Access. Even though this solution was almost ideal, a search-able data storage system, the group who were going to use this system presented a secondary challenge. They had been using the same inefficient system for years, and were fearful of any dramatic changes (especially when it came to computer software).
What is a database?
A database is usually an Excel style sheet that has all information in labeled categories. It allows one to input data into a form (pictured below) and to store it securely, and derive reports easily.
- Define Problem
The issue that Middletown was having was a product of the non-scalability of storing information in inflexible word documents. We will solve this problem by introducing Microsoft Access. Unfortunately, this solution causes another issue - the fear of complicated software.
To solve this fear, Jeremy and I began developing a comprehensive tutorial on how to use the system. I also meet with a group who directly with the system, and walked them through a mock data entry and answered their questions about the system.
Above is the conceptual idea of a database. Far left- the input form, you type in the required information here. Center- this is the 'bin' that the information is stored. Far right- MS Access allows you do create reports easily and quickly.
Above is the what the main data entry form looks like to the user. You simply input the data, and click 'enter.' The information will be stored safely in the search-able database for future reports.
- Final Word
This was the first project I was involved with as an Engineering student. It was a successful project, but at times very stressful. The secondary problem, the group's fear of software changes, was only revealed as an issue several weeks before the project deadline. This forced us to do the bulk of the work in the very last stretch. This problem proved to be an effective lesson about projects in general - things never go perfectly.
Fortunately, this project was on time, under budget, and extremely rewarding for both parties. Middletown has been introduced to better information management solutions, and because of my new-found knowledge of MS Access I gained an internship at Hershey Foods Industrial Engineering department.