Membership database

IT services - Asked by stoumbourou on Monday, 26 April, 2021 - 14:28

I run a small member-based organisation, using a database I built myself with Microsoft Access. The database is used to manage about 45 members, with about 300 contacts between them, grouped into around 8 different committees and various other queries and forms. We do not have a budget for sophisticated CRM tools. Our database is functional but the interface is rudimentary, requiring a fair bit of back-end work to keep it updated. I would like to either update the Access version, to make easier for others to use, or migrate the whole thing to a new platform. Can anybody advise what I should do and (if appropriate) what other databases or ready-made platforms I should consider?

Reply by Chris Vine from Vinergy on Monday, 26 April, 2021 - 15:21

Hi. I would definitely recommend looking at the Power Platform or Dynamics 365. As an NFP you get licensing for free (5 Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise OR 10 Power Apps). Power Apps (model-driven) would achieve your requirement very easily and you will have all the capabilities of a CRM solution OOTB - Accounts, Contacts, Activities (Emails, Phone Calls, Tasks) etc. And it's relatively easy to expand the platform and build out to exactly your requirements. Feel free to reach out if you would like more information.

Reply by Glenn Arkell from Glenn Arkell on Monday, 26 April, 2021 - 15:46

Hi, I may be able to help you with a taylor made system that is within budget (pro bono - depending on demands) linked to your website - so online. Email me or visit my website www.glennarkell.com.au for contact details. Cheers. Glenn Arkell

Reply by Piyanut Harris from Huon IT on Tuesday, 27 April, 2021 - 13:49

Hi, there are several approaches for your enquiry. Firstly, it would simply be upgrading your version of Microsoft Access. However, this would still require a need to manage back-end and desktop applications. The preferred solution is to export your data from the existing access database to either an on-premise database, or looking at longer term viability – to custom-build a platform that will give your members access to the data using proprietary i.e., Microsoft or open-source solutions – with the latter providing a lower upfront investment but higher labour investment. We hope this helps, please feel free to reach out if you like to explore further.