Sync data between MS Access and Salesforce

Question

We need to sync data between MS Access with Salesforce.

1. I could import or link table using MS Access external data connection for Salesforce on Access version 1908. However, client's version is very old MS Access 2003. Does Access 's external data function to access Salesforce work on Access 2003 ( I don't have permission on their Access machine now)?
2. The external data function of MS Access is not exactly what we need. We will have two systems running at the same time and need sync data between Access tables and Salesforce objects. The data will be entered from Access form and updated into Salesforce. What's the best practice?

Answer 1

Part of these problems seems to be “where to look” to find out what to do. I have not linked to Salesforce and barely know how to spell it. But my understanding is that it runs as an Oracle app.

That’s my story.

Answer 2

As noted, I don't know if your older  version of Access used ODBC (linked tables) to SalesForce.

However, as a FYI, be it access 2003, or say 2019 access, they both work the same in this regards.

So,  updating to a newer version of access will not change what was working before (we just not sure how things were working before!!!).

The only possible issue is if you are using some 3rd add-in or API that was x32 bits. If you use Access 2019 (or whatever recent version of access), such add-in or API to SalesForce should  continue to work as before, the ONLY exception is that you continue to use Access x32. If you now using office x64 bits, then you likly need a new x64 bit version of that external 3rd party library to work with Access x64. 

If the  use of the SalesForce data was ODBC before, then you should be able to use any recent version of Access with ODBC. If some special Sales Force ODBC driver was being used here, then you need a x64 bit version, or continue to use Access x32 bits. 

So, Access 2019 should work the same as the access 2003, it really comes down to what "add-in" or interface being used with Access 2003. It is almost for certain that the same approach can be used with new versions of Access. The only real issue is the x32 vs x64 bit issue, but other then this issue, how the  older Access application worked with SalesForce should be a option with any recent version of Access.

Regards,

Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP 2003-2017)

Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Answer 3

You would probably know more about it than I. I had doubts that Salesforce would allow a third party application to modify data outside their programs. 

I have no knowledge of Salesforce development. I would suspect that it is possible to use ODBC to connect to an Access file and red the data in their tables. If Salesforce coding allows you to append data to the Salesforce objects, then this can be done.

I would, by the way, advise your client to update their Access app to current versions of Access if they want to continue to use it.

Answer 4

Thanks Scott for your input.

I already talked with Salesforce Support. Not much they can help.

MS Access current version do have a ODBC add-on for Salesforce. It can link to a Salesforce object (similar to table concept) and pulling data. However, what I need is using an existing MS Access table and sync'ing the data into Salesforce. 

I am a Salesforce developer and not quite familiar with MS Access. The client has app on a very old version of Access that MS no longer support and had hard time to upgrade. 

Since Salesforce is on cloud, I feel writing some code on Access to call API of Salesforce probably is the right direction. Trying to find some samples online.

Answer 5

I would consult with the Salesforce people on this. I doubt if you can link from Salesforce to Access. So to update Salesforce with data entered in Access would need to be done in Salesforce. 

I also doubt if Salesforce would allow an Access front end to link to their data tables (but you should check with them about that), its possible they can allow an ODBC link.