Hi, all!

Sorry that I have been away from this for a couple days, but since I started the thread, I figured I'd better chime in again. Thank you all for the posts. They have given me some food for thought. My primary reason for starting this was because I have been unable to find anything out there that will do everything I need in one package. I hate having to use three or four different pieces of software to get my work done. I am a "reformed" computer programmer/website designer turned abstractor. I've been in the industry for six years, now, and in my so-called spare time have been creating a database to simplify and streamline my processes.

The database I have designed is called 'Adam' and is currently created in MS Access 2000, since that is the best I have to work with. I have previously worked with Access 2007, which I like, so I intend to port Adam to that format as soon as I can, and make use of some of the new features.

The first incarnation (dubbed 'Gidget' by my wife) began simply as a way to keep track of our work and prevent orders from slipping through the cracks. We found early on that occasionally an order would be lost and not get done, or else it would be missed when we did our billings. Gidget has been redeisgned as Adam, a tool that gives us a very quick snapshot of what orders are still open, as well as where we are and how we have done financially over whatever period of time we care to choose. It also  creates itemized invoices to send to our clients at a click of a button. It can be used by itself, or in conjunction with accounting software, such as Quickbooks.

Just like John Rutledge, I too handwrite my work (although I scan and email all of it instead of faxing, now). I am currently working on the next big addition to Adam, which is the ability to enter the information into the database and have it regurgitated in client-specific forms when required, or in our own company forms.

Again, thank you all for your input. I look forward to hearing more from you later.

 - Jim