FAQ's

We can upgrade databases written in older versions of Access. However, it should be noted that databases developed in the very first versions of Access, may require a total re-write.

This is a very common request. We are often contacted by companies who have had a database developed by someone who perhaps was not as versed in the use of Access as was required. The impact of this can sometimes mean delivery dates are missed and functionality is inadequate. We are happy to pick up where another has left off and follow the development process through to its conclusion.

Converting data from one system to the next can be a demanding task. It can involve many hours of monotonous data cleaning and interpretation which is further complicated if the correct procedures are not followed. We strongly recommend you talk with us regarding your needs, as having an experienced developer assist with data conversion can not only save you valuable time, it can also save a lot of money and a few headaches too!

The term "software development" makes most people think "expensive"! Well, to be truthful, it is not cheap. However, as a business solution you will find having software customised to suit your business quickly pays you back. The ability to capture important information about your business, report on this information and work with results immediately soon pays for the development fee. We feel we represent good value for money, and would be happy for you to compare our rates to others.

After we have had a chance to talk with you and understand your needs we then create a proposal, outlining the proposed database functionality and fees involved. If we know your budget we will design a database which is an affordable solution. In some cases it may be that you cannot afford to have the full system developed immediately. With this in mind, and an understanding of your annual budget allocation for future development, we can outline and price modules which can be developed and added as you can afford them.

This question is a bit like "how long is a piece of string?". Development time is relative to the size and functionality of the database. After our initial meeting with you we can give you a good indication of how long the database development time will be.

Absolutely not! The quoted price stands.

Yes. We can supply a full system Technical manual, outlining how the database has been designed. An experienced developer would find the manual easy to understand, however, a novice to Access would need to be very familiar with VBA and Access macros. Our developers can supply full system orientation to your staff, and if needed, ongoing support via email and phone.

No. You do not have to use Fulcrum Group if you need additional development work done. Our developers ensure that all developed code is correctly structured and documented for ease of maintenance. This allows other developers easy access to the source code. However, some of the code used may be from our code library and therefore, cannot be sold on or used by a third party without our agreement.

If you have contracted us to do a complete database solution, we will fix all bugs found in the system for free. That is part of the package. If you have used us on a consultancy basis, either on an hour by hour payment basis, or to fix a database that might have been written by someone else, then our standard hourly rate for bug fixing applies.

It can take many years to be up to speed in Access development. However, we can design a full training course for your staff, incorporating aspects of the database development into hand-on practical exercises. This will give them a deeper understanding of the development process and enable them to get a good head start in their learning process.

You will retain all intellectual property rights to any work or object incorporated within the software where the intellectual property belongs to you, i.e. patents, copyrights, trademarks and design-marks.