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WHAT I WANT TO DO
After downloading the data into Excel/into an access table, I want access to automatically create and print reports for each student. Essentially I want access to look at the table, sort the data for each unique student, find out which students need a report to be created, and then for it to create a report for each student. Ideally, I'd also like to automate that all of the reports are sent to the printer. Then all I'd have to do is pack and send.
Ideas?
The best way would be to put the data in some sort of relational database (MySQL, MSSQL, Oracle or whatever is available) instead of Access. You can still access the data with your favorite programs (Excel and Access can access and manipulate data in a relational database via ODBC drivers) but these databases are also accessible by other programs like external report generators or commandline utilities that are called from batch/shell scripts.
Another advantage of these relational databases is that they can be accessed from a wide range of webserver scripting languages like ASP, PHP, Perl etc so with some programming you can also fully automate the current manual import of data from the intranet to your database.
Although we use MS SQL for the big number crunching components of our sites, we still use Access for several parts. Mostly becasue I've got too many other items on my plate to migrate them.
