The Goal

Access is simply a tool, like a hammer or screwdriver. Used correctly, the end result will make your life easier; ignore the tool's purpose, and you might just bang your thumb. Just remember that your goal is personal in terms of what the database can do for you. For your own purposes, a database can help you become more efficient or more productive.

But there's more to a database than just storing data. A well-designed database helps protect the validity of your data and is also easy to use, flexible, and efficient. If you design your database properly, it will help you store exactly the data you need.