1) What is ODBC? - It stands for Open Database Connectivity. What this translates to is this. ODBC allows different programs to communicate to each other by translating their language into a common language. The common language that ODBC uses is SQL. It is ODBC that provides the ability for data to be read directly into Excel or any other ODBC compliant program.
2) How can ODBC benefit me in my the performance of my job?
The possibilities are endless. The reality depends on:
- Your willingness to venture into to new ways of approaching existing processes and procedures.
- Your willingness to embrace technology and learn more about applications such as Excel, Microsoft Reporting Services, SQL Management Studio, Microsoft Access, and Word.
3) What are some practical uses of ODBC?
- Creating complete financial statements in Excel by live linking the trail balance information in Ajera into an Excel workbook.
- Create an Access interface database and live link the Ajera tables in Access to execute mass changes quickly & efficiently.
- Make quick and easy "back-end" changes to your data that are not available from the user interface.
- Live link information into 3rd party software such as Newforma to reduce or eliminate redundant setup and data entry and leverage the power of the Axium Ajera database.
- Exchange up to date project lists with your plotting software.
4) How do I setup an ODBC data source for my Ajera SQL Database? - Click here for step by step instructions Other ODBC resources can be found here: ODBC Related Downloads
5) How do I get started?
It is great to get out and learn these types of things on your own. I learned the majority of my knowledge experimenting and performing my own research. However, I can honestly say it took me several years to master the concepts. Begin by educating yourself on these topics:
- ODBC
- Ajera data file structure. Where an how the data is stored.
- Mastering the application you are interfacing with such as Excel or Access.
If you want to accelerate your learning and employ some of the uses of ODBC sooner rather than later, then seek the assistance of Certified Axium Consultant or other training source. It helps immensely if your training is centered around Ajera and not an unrelated database such as Northwind (sample SQL database). You can contact me for assistance at: mbrennan@unlockthedata.com.
6) What if I am having trouble?
- Check out my YouTube Channel for narrated video tech support
- Contact me mbrennan@unlockthedata.com or by phone at 707-280-7724