Case Study
Mediboard: Modernising Microsoft Access with a Hybrid Cloud Architecture
MediBoard Ltd needed a practical way to modernise its Microsoft Access environment without disrupting the familiar tools its team already used. With health information distributed to more than 730 medical waiting rooms across New Zealand, the business relied on several Access databases to manage site details, brochure stock, census data and monthly reporting.
DB Gurus helped MediBoard take a staged approach to Access modernisation by retaining the existing front-end applications and connecting them to a hosted data platform through custom synchronisation. This gave the team a more centralised, multi-location way to work with operational data while protecting the value of their existing systems.
Client
MediBoard Ltd
Platform
Microsoft Access, hosted SQL platform and custom synchronisation
Industry
Health Information and Distribution
Services
Access Modernisation, Data Synchronisation, Hosting, Support and Training
Project Brief
MediBoard Ltd distributes health information to more than 730 medical waiting rooms across New Zealand. Its operations rely on several Microsoft Access databases that manage site information, brochure stock, census data and monthly reporting.
The database environment had become difficult to use across different locations. An earlier move to Citrix ShareFile did not support the queries required for reporting. As a result, the working system remained on one employee’s laptop.
MediBoard engaged DB Gurus to modernise the environment while retaining the familiar Access applications used by its team.
The Challenge
MediBoard needed to make its operational data available beyond a single computer. However, a complete application rebuild was not the preferred first step.
The project needed to address four practical issues:
- Support users working from different locations.
- Retain useful Microsoft Access front ends and established workflows.
- Create a central location for shared operational data.
- Reduce dependence on a database environment tied to one laptop.
The Solution Delivered
DB Gurus designed a hybrid architecture that combined the existing Microsoft Access applications with a hosted data platform.
The Access front ends remained in place. DB Gurus then developed a custom synchronisation component, MediBoardSync.accdb, to exchange data between the local Access environment and the hosted system.
The technical work included preparing tables for synchronisation, adding unique identifiers, creating synchronisation tables and macros, adjusting the Access front ends, and testing the push and pull process.
DB Gurus also provided procedural documentation, instructional videos and ongoing support. These resources helped the MediBoard team understand the new synchronisation process and work with the system across different locations.
Results and Review
The project created a practical path between a local Access environment and a fully rebuilt online application.
The hybrid solution delivered four important outcomes:
- MediBoard retained the Access interfaces and workflows its team already understood.
- Users in different locations could work with data connected to a hosted platform.
- The business gained a more centralised approach to managing data for more than 730 medical waiting rooms.
- DB Gurus continued to provide support for the Access and synchronisation environment after the initial implementation.
This approach protected MediBoard’s investment in its existing Access applications while addressing the immediate need for shared, multi-location access.
Project Snapshot
Business Need
Enable users in different locations to work with operational data held across several Microsoft Access databases.
Solution
Retain the Access front ends and connect them to a hosted data platform through custom synchronisation.
Technologies
Microsoft Access, hosted SQL platform and custom Access synchronisation.
Duration
-
DB Gurus Services
Access modernisation, data synchronisation, hosting, support, documentation and training.
More Related Case Studies
Learn the benefits of migrating a million-record Microsoft Access database to SQL Server while minimizing disruption.
Learn the benefits of migrating a million-record Microsoft Access database to SQL Server while minimizing disruption.
Discover how Russell Island Tractor Slashing and Mowing upgraded from an old system to a custom cloud-based application for efficiency.
Ready to
Future Proof Your Business?
Book your FREE 30-minute consultation or get a ballpark estimate today. Discover how our technology solutions can streamline your workflows, boost performance, and future-proof your business.
Trusted by leaders in mining, manufacturing, and government. ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 certified. Local team. Real results.