Feed Mill Case Study

At Winning Solutions, Inc. (WSI), we are committed to helping businesses modernize their technology infrastructure to drive efficiency and support growth. In this case study, we partnered with a regional feed mill to overhaul their outdated Microsoft Access database. By leveraging Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition for the backend and Microsoft Access for the user interface, we delivered a customized, scalable, and cost-effective solution tailored to their unique needs.

Background

The client, a regional provider of feed and agricultural supplies, faced significant challenges with their existing database system. It lacked scalability and usability, causing inefficiencies and performance issues. As their business expanded, these limitations became more pronounced. They turned to WSI to modernize their systems and ensure readiness for future operational demands.

Project Goals

• Enhance Usability: Create an intuitive and user-friendly interface for efficient data management.
• Scalability: Upgrade the database infrastructure to support growing data volumes and users.
• Efficiency: Automate key processes such as calculations and reporting to reduce errors and manual work.
• Data Management: Streamline the organization of essential data, including ingredient costs, customer orders, and supplier records.

Solution Overview

To meet these objectives, WSI implemented a robust solution leveraging:

• Database Platform: Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition for a scalable and secure backend.
• User Interface: A customized Microsoft Access front-end designed for ease of use and minimal training requirements.
• Deployment: Local area network integration compatible with Windows 7 and higher, ensuring offline operation for enhanced security.

Key Features

• Ingredient Management: Efficiently track and manage bulk and bag quantities with advanced sorting and updates.
• Customer Management: Utilize advanced search, mileage mapping, and recipe customization tools.
• Order Processing: Automate ingredient cost calculations with real-time updates for improved accuracy.
• Supplier Integration: Enhanced filtering and procurement tools for seamless supplier management.
• Pricing Automation: Accurate calculations for ingredient costs and batch weights to streamline pricing.
• Reporting: Generate detailed reports on inventory, pricing, and orders to inform decision-making.

Outcomes

• Efficiency Gains: Automation significantly reduced manual workloads, improving productivity.
• User Satisfaction: The familiar Microsoft Access interface minimized training time and improved user adoption.
• Scalability: The SQL Server backend provided the capacity to support business growth.
• Cost Savings: Utilizing Microsoft Access runtime avoided additional licensing expenses, making the solution highly cost-effective.

This project exemplifies WSI’s expertise in developing modern, scalable database solutions. By addressing the client’s operational challenges, we enhanced productivity and ensured readiness for future growth. To learn how WSI can support your business with innovative solutions, Contact Us.