Andy,
For my part, I have never used Past Perfect, although I have seen it
function a number of times. Although Access(which is what I currently use)
is very powerful, and can do quite a number of things with relational
database setups and "massaging" of the data that other programs can not, it
is not immediately user friendly. I hesitate to use the pun non-accessible,
but there you go.
There are several other programs out there that are based on Access, such
as Willoughby's IO, which are vastly more user friendly because they have
pre-built the database structure to make it so. That usually has the effect
of limiting the flexibility of Access, although you can still go in and run
those complex queries if you want to. Past Perfect is a similar program,
although I do not know what database program underlies it. Perhaps a
proprietary one to that company.
What you change to will be largely determined by what you are using now,
and the ease of translating the data into the new format. You will be more
comfortable with programs that function similarly to the one you use now,
but presumably you are looking for more functionality and ease of use.
Although I love Access, it would probably not be a good switch, as there
can be quite a long learning curve. A pre-built program like IO, or Past
Perfect would likely serve you better as an upgrade.
The choice between such programs as IO, Past Perfect, The Museum System,
Raiser's Edge, etc..... is one that just has to be made based on your needs
and institutional direction, since they all serve the purpose well in a
variety of ways.
Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collections Manager
Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
Wichita State University
(316)978-5850
Andy Dickes
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Past Perfect vs. Access...
04/05/2006 09:32
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Hello-
My institution is considering a change for our collections management
database. I am interested to know people's opinions on Access and Past
Perfect, and the pros and cons of each system. We are interested in
something user-friendly and efficient, with search options that make it
possible to find pertinent artifacts quickly for new exhibits.
Thanks!
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