Hello all,

My institution currently uses an Access database to keep track of reporting/invoicing deadlines and other routine tasks for our sponsored projects.  We like Access because it can be edited simultaneously by multiple people and it is easy to move projects from one accountant to another when portfolios are reorganized or when team members come/go.

Lately, the database has become glitchy.  Over the years we have implemented significant changes requiring conversion of large datasets.  Now the system is bloated with unnecessary data which might be contributing to the recent instability.  Our database experts are no longer with our team so it is difficult for us to clean it up ourselves.

I’m curious what methods others are using to track all the things you need to do with the grants in your portfolio.  We are trying to decide whether we start from scratch with a new Access database.  Are there other software systems out there that would meet our needs?

Thanks!

Valerie Henry, she/her

MS in IAKM (UXD)

Interim Assistant Manager, Grants Accounting

Controller’s Office, Kent State University