I was helping someone with a project.  I tried talking them into using Access, but they insisted they wanted the information in Excel.  I did try a pivot table, but it didn't "look" like the chart on their whiteboard.  They also wanted an easy way to update changes.  Told them about Access update and append queries, an e-mail form to populate the table from outlook.  Even the table tree - they could click on the + in the Directors table and it shows the managers, click on a manager + and it shows the supervisors...I really tried!  So, I made lists and used data validation. They seem to like that.  Thank you for your help. Cathy

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Reply from Richard Rost:

One thing my 16 years as a computer consultant has taught me is that even though you know what's best for the client, they will still want to do things their way. I don't now how many times I've had to fight tooth and nail to get my client to switch their way of doing things. I do know, however, that once they got over their stubbornness and decided to try it my way, almost EVERY time they agreed it was a better solution.

What I've found works best for me is to hit them with a bunch of analogies. "You wouldn't argue with your doctor about the best way to remove your appendix, would you? Are you going to tell your auto mechanic how YOU want your brakes changed? I'm the professional. Let me show you how to do it right!"

Of course, make sure you pick an analogy that you're fairly confident your client knows nothing about. Don't use the plumber analogy if you're working for a construction company. There's a good chance they might know something about plumbing. :)