Excel isn't really created for that type of storage. Really, once you put the spreadsheet together the way you want it, it would be much more of a headache than it's worth. Access is definately the way to go, but you need someone who is experienced in database creation to create a system in Access for what you need it to do. A common misconception is that Access is a fully functioning program all on it's own like Word or Photoshop. Access is used to create a system, not be a system.

The type of system you need depends on what you want it to do, but based on the systems I've put together, Access will do what you want it to once it's set up properly.