Salesforce Connector for MS AccessIn this article you will learn how to quickly and efficiently integrate Salesforce data in MS Access without coding. We will use high-performance Salesforce Connector to easily connect to Salesforce and then access the data inside MS Access.
Salesforce Connector can be used to extract/load large amount of data from/in Salesforce.com without any programming. You can use simple Table mode or Query mode with full SOQL query language support (SOQL=Salesforce.com Object Query Language). Let's follow the steps below to see how we can accomplish that! Salesforce Connector for MS Access is based on ZappySys Salesforce Driver which is part of ODBC PowerPack. It is a collection of high-performance ODBC drivers that enable you to integrate data in SQL Server, SSIS, a programming language, or any other ODBC-compatible application. ODBC PowerPack supports various file formats, sources and destinations, including REST/SOAP API, SFTP/FTP, storage services, and plain files, to mention a few. |
Connect to Salesforce in other apps
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Create ODBC Data Source (DSN) based on ZappySys Salesforce Driver
Step-by-step instructions
To get data from Salesforce using MS Access we first need to create a DSN (Data Source) which will access data from Salesforce. We will later be able to read data using MS Access. Perform these steps:
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Install ZappySys ODBC PowerPack.
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Open ODBC Data Sources (x64):
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Create a User data source (User DSN) based on ZappySys Salesforce Driver
ZappySys Salesforce Driver
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Create and use User DSN
if the client application is run under a User Account.
This is an ideal option
in design-time , when developing a solution, e.g. in Visual Studio 2019. Use it for both type of applications - 64-bit and 32-bit. -
Create and use System DSN
if the client application is launched under a System Account, e.g. as a Windows Service.
Usually, this is an ideal option to use
in a production environment . Use ODBC Data Source Administrator (32-bit), instead of 64-bit version, if Windows Service is a 32-bit application.
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Create and use User DSN
if the client application is run under a User Account.
This is an ideal option
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Now, we need SalesForce Connection. Lets create it.
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Now, When you see DSN Config Editor with zappysys logo first thing you need to do is change default DSN Name at the top and Click on Preview Tab, Select Table from Tables Dropdown or you can enter or modify a SOQL query and click on Preview Data.
This example shows how to write simple SOQL query (Salesforce Object Query Language). It uses WHERE clause. For more SOQL Queries click here.
SOQL is similar to database SQL query language but much simpler and many features you use in database query may not be supported in SOQL (Such as JOIN clause not supported). But you can use following Queries for Insert, Update, Delete and Upsert(Update or Insert record if not found).SELECT * FROM Account WHERE Name like '%Oil%'
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Click OK to finish creating the data source
Video instructions
Read data in Microsoft Access from the ODBC data source
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First of all, open MS Access and create a new MS Access database.
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In the next step, start loading ODBC data source we created:
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Then click next until data source selection window appears. Select the data source we created in one of the previous steps and hit OK:
SalesforceDSN
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Continue with tables and views selection. You can extract multiple tables or views:
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Finally, wait while data is being loaded and once done you should see a similar view:
Using Linked Table for Live Data (Slow)
Linked tables in Microsoft Access are crucial for online databases because they enable real-time access to centralized data, support scalability, facilitate collaboration, enhance data security, ease maintenance tasks, and allow integration with external systems. They provide a flexible and efficient way to work with data stored in online databases, promoting cross-platform compatibility and reducing the need for data duplication.
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Real-Time Data Access:
Access can interact directly with live data in online databases, ensuring that users always work with the most up-to-date information. -
Centralized Data Management:
Online databases serve as a centralized repository, enabling efficient management of data from various locations. -
Ease of Maintenance:
Updates or modifications to the online database structure are automatically reflected in Access, streamlining maintenance tasks. -
Adaptability to Changing Requirements:
Linked tables provide flexibility, allowing easy adaptation to changing data storage needs or migration to different online database systems.
Let's create the linked table.
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Launch Microsoft Access and open the database where you want to create the linked table.
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Go to the "External Data" tab on the Ribbon. >> "New Data Source" >> "From Other Sources" >> "ODBC Database"
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Select the option "Link to Data Source by creating a linked table:
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Continue by clicking 'Next' until the Data Source Selection window appears. Navigate to the Machine Data Source tab and select the desired data source established in one of the earlier steps. Click 'OK' to confirm your selection.
SalesforceDSN
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Proceed to the selection of Tables and Views. You have the option to extract multiple tables or views:
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When prompted to select Unique Key column DO NOT select any column(s) and just click OK:
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Finally, Simply double-click the newly created Linked Table to load the data:
Guide to Effectively Addressing Known Issues
Discover effective strategies to address known issues efficiently in this guide. Get solutions and practical tips to streamline troubleshooting and enhance system performance, ensuring a smoother user experience.
Fewer Rows Imported
The reason for this is that MS Access has a default query timeout of 60 seconds, which means it stops fetching data if the query takes longer than that. As a result, only a limited number of rows are fetched within this time frame.
To address this, we can adjust the Query Timeout by following the steps below.
The path may vary depending on the MS Access bitness, such as 32-bit versus 64-bit.
\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Jet\4.0\Engines\ODBC
\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Jet\4.0\Engines\ODBC
\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\ClickToRun\REGISTRY\MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Access Connectivity Engine\Engines\ODBC
We can identify this issue by examining the Fiddler Log, as MS Access doesn't display any error regarding partial import, which is quite unusual
Please refer to this link : How to use Fiddler to analyze HTTP web requests
#Deleted word appears for column value in MS Access for Linked Table mode
If you used Linked Table mode to get external data and it shows #deleted word rather than actual value for column after you open then most likely its following issue.
Make sure to re-create Linked Table and DO NOT select any key column when prompted (Just click OK)
How to Fix
Table Selection UI Opening Delays
The Table selection UI takes a significant amount of time to open after clicking the 'New Data Source' -> 'Other Data Sources' -> 'ODBC'
The reason for this issue is that MS Access sends a dummy query, leading to several unnecessary pagination cycles before an error is thrown. To mitigate this, we can prevent wasted cycles by configuring the 'Throw error if no match' setting on the Filter Options Tab.
Enhancing Performance through Metadata Addition (Reduces Query Time)
We can optimize query performance by creating Virtual Tables (i.e. views with custom SQL) on Datasource and incorporating META=static columns. Learn how to capture static metadata in this guide.
Performance Options - Generate Metadata Manually
Execute the query initially, save the metadata by selecting 'Save to Meta' (choose Compact Format), and then click 'Save to Clipboard.' Utilize the resulting list by pasting it into the META attribute as follows: 'META=paste here.'
SELECT * FROM products
WITH(
META='id:String(20); title:String(100); description:String(500);'
)
Optimize Workflow with Automated Import
Employ Automated Import when Linked Tables are not feasible, and we need to depend on Imported Tables with static data.
While using Linked Tables sometime it encounter errors, and we are left with no alternative but to utilize Imported Tables, Automatic Refresh becomes crucial in such scenarios.
Here's a guide on automating refreshes. We can set up automatic refresh on different events, such as when the database opens, a form is opened, or a button is clicked.
To initiate the import process, follow these steps:
- Perform the data import using the standard manual steps.
- In the final step, we'll encounter a checkbox labeled 'Save Import Steps.' Ensure to check this option.
- After saving the steps, we can locate their name in the Save Imports UI. Identify the name associated with the saved steps.
- "Now, we can execute the code as shown below:"
Private Sub cmdYes_Click()
Label0.Visible = True
DoCmd.RunSavedImportExport "Import-DATA.products"
Label0.Visible = False
End Sub
Conclusion
In this article we showed you how to connect to Salesforce in MS Access and integrate data without any coding, saving you time and effort. We encourage you to download Salesforce Connector for MS Access and see how easy it is to use it for yourself or your team.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact ZappySys support team. You can also open a live chat immediately by clicking on the chat icon below.
Download Salesforce Connector for MS Access Documentation
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