The Insight Scoop

One of the fun perks of working at a young company is choosing from the infinitely large sampler platter of web-based business-streamlining software. After a rather complicated fling (they never start out that way. . .) with MS Access, we took on a trial (dabbled, if you will) of Dabble DB, an online databasing service that would enable us to keep records of experts we’ve contacted, open projects and calls we’ve scheduled or need to schedule. We had two basic criterion for our database hosts: 1. that the software needed to be able to handle a substantial bulk of data and 2. that it would be user-friendly and accessible not only to Tribeca Insights associates in New York, but also to our team members in Seattle and Wisconsin.

To these ends, Dabble preforms exceptionally well. By using an online platform, we’ve eliminated the cumbersome task of saving, uploading and/or emailing database contacts. We can also deftly manipulate large numbers of expert contacts, biographies and projects in ways that were much more intensive in MS Access, and impossible in MS Excel.

In addition, we discovered a number of delightful Dabble DB functions and applications. I’m no tech pro, but it didn’t take long to become familiar with Dabble’s simple, essentially idiot-proof system, with the aid of their HELP forums (and a couple of calls to Technical Assistance). A few of my favorites, and most frequently used—

Pages. Apparently a newer addition, this sharing function allows us to incorporate user-submitted information—including survey results, questionnaire responses, and contacts—into our database. We can then view the results and benchmark accordingly.

Link to Entry allows a particular piece of information (e.g., an expert’s name) to be linked with a database entry (e.g. an expert’s complete biography and contact information). Derived Fields enhances the Link’s usability by giving viewers quick access to each designed Link. This makes it simple for us to create call schedulers and connect cross-project information for experts without having to re-enter the data each time.

Filters. Oldie-but-goodie filters allow for us to quickly build and dissemble page views.

Import / export. Before touting this rather inextricable tool, I should warn users that the import function bugs out occasionally when burdened with large (in my experience, in excess of 200 Excel rows) hunks of information. There’s fortunately a duplicate-eliminating function for when the system freezes in the middle of a big import task. The program also nicely integrates new information into existing column headings so you don’t have to. You can also export data in all the usual formats.

Now. I’m not the most informed web-based software user (far from it), but the following need fixin’—

Server speed. I’m not sure how frequently encountered this is—my previous experience with benchmarking web-based software hadn’t had this problem in the same capacity—but I’d say once every few days, I get a server-related issue, such as data overloading or freezing. Dabble’s blog keeps users somewhat informed of server maintenance issues.

Invalid Entry ErrorsThese occasionally pop up—but the error doesn’t seem to actually exist. Ideally, I’d like to know where my invalid entries are, and how to remedy them.

All in all, a very satisfying trial. I suspect there’s a lot we haven’t tested or tried yet with Dabble, but I’m looking forward to exploring additional functionality to further optimize our processes.

technorati tags: Dabble DB

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