Excel vs. Access Comparing Excel and Access is like comparing Batman and Superman. Each has their die-hard fans and each can accomplish much of the same but in slightly different ways. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Most likely, you can get by with one or the other without running into too many issues. But, for the sake of exploration, let’s see how the two compare.
Superman VS Batman Personally, I’ve done more work with Excel than Access. I’m also more of a Superman fan than a Batman fan. So Excel will be Superman and Access will be Batman. Excel can do quite a bit. It’s true that it is best for more straightforward data management: lists, calculations, spreadsheets, summaries, and more static data. This is how Superman takes care of business. Fly in, boom bang and he’s done. On the other hand, Access is better at more complicated queries, relational data (meaning linking information from one source to another), charts and graphs. Data changes frequently and is often accessed and altered by more people. This is the same way Batman works. He is more complicated. He’s got all his gadgets that are constantly updating and changing. He has sidekicks. He takes a more clever approach to problems. So it all depends on what you want. Consider what type of information you would be working on. For example, if you just need a worksheet to keep records of previous sale data, you will probably want to go with Excel. If you need organized lists of names, dates, addresses, phone numbers, etc., Excel is a great resource for that. It is direct, organized, smart, and customizable. However, if you work with data that changes frequently or if you need that information to be easily linked or associated with other information, access might be the best option for you. Especially if many people contribute data to the same worksheet, Access is ideal. It’s got more “outside” connections, if you will.
Deciding on a Program But remember, both of these programs are powerful and can be made to do much of the same information. Just like our favorite superheroes. Both of them save their cities on practically a daily basis. They handle everything from small muggings to nuclear threats. They are both smart, careful, powerful, and get the job done. Batman is more ideal when it comes to technical things. Superman is better when it comes to more natural things.
So when you are trying to decide which program you want to use think, who would I call upon to save me from this statistical mess? Batman? Or Superman? Also consider which program you or your coworkers are more comfortable with. If you know Excel like the back of your hand and know that it can get the job done, go for it. Even if Access is more ideal for that kind of project, it’s fine to stick with what you know. But if you like efficiency and learning new things, take a course from Microsoft Training Kuwait and get your Microsoft Certification Kuwait for both programs! Photo Credit: svilen001, chocxtc