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How to send Fax from Microsoft Access database
In my Microsoft Access 2003 database, we generate Access reports, print them & then manually fax them through a fax machine to various destinations. We generate reports quite rapidly & hence, need to Fax them rather quickly. I would know if it is possible to directly Fax the Access report (maybe convert to PDF first?) without having to physically print hard copy first? if so, how?
Also, I am curious to know how the program would dial the Fax # since the computer is connected to a cable modem?
Also, I am curious to know how the program would dial the Fax # since the computer is connected to a cable modem?
If you have a Fax listed as one of your installed printers (Click Start, Printers and Faxes - check here), you should be able to open the report, click File, Print, and select Fax as an option.
ASKER
JDettman: Exchange is not available, but I can look into getting it. However, we are sending these to hospitals & they expect to receive Faxes only.
GrayL: When I get to the window, in the left pane, there is an option "set up faxing", upon clicking I am asked for an install CD. Anyhow, as mentioned above, my recipient expects a cop
GrayL: When I get to the window, in the left pane, there is an option "set up faxing", upon clicking I am asked for an install CD. Anyhow, as mentioned above, my recipient expects a cop
ASKER
a faxed copy*
You can send a FAX over the Internet. Google - FAX over Internet - is this an alternative? I appreciate you are transmitting medical info - and the Internet cannot guarantee the integrity of some data - but a FAX over Internet can go a long way to solving your problem.
ASKER
GrayL: Actually, I am a developer. The client requirements are as I have described. I appreciate your alternative suggestions, however, it is frustrating that when requirements are clearly outlined, experts are suggesting solutions that are either obvious or dictate changing business process.
JDettman: Looking forward to your input.
JDettman: Looking forward to your input.
Jim?
Sorry.
Ray has already mentioned two options:
1. Fax over the Internet. There are a number of services out there that will take an e-mail with an attachment and fax it to a number. In this case Access only needs to generate an e-mail. No other hardware is required.
2. A fax print driver - Here you print a report and fax it out directly. This can be done by either a fax modem in a machine or a network attached Fax box.
The third I was referring to is somewhat of a cross between the two, which is the use of Exchange or a copier. Exchange offers faxing service, but here the fax modem would be accessed by Exchange. Access again would simply send an e-mail via Exchange, and it would handle the faxing. Many copiers also have this option.
It's hard to know what direction to tell you to go in without a lot more details (number of faxes, frequency, what needs to be transmitted, etc), but the simplest is a service. Here's one site with compairisons:
http://www.faxcompare.com/
and there are many, many out there.
Options #2 and #3 given you more direct control, but a little more effort on your part, but they are still pretty plug and play. Depending on the direction you go, you may or may not need a fax modem of some type and a phone line.
Ray has already mentioned two options:
1. Fax over the Internet. There are a number of services out there that will take an e-mail with an attachment and fax it to a number. In this case Access only needs to generate an e-mail. No other hardware is required.
2. A fax print driver - Here you print a report and fax it out directly. This can be done by either a fax modem in a machine or a network attached Fax box.
The third I was referring to is somewhat of a cross between the two, which is the use of Exchange or a copier. Exchange offers faxing service, but here the fax modem would be accessed by Exchange. Access again would simply send an e-mail via Exchange, and it would handle the faxing. Many copiers also have this option.
It's hard to know what direction to tell you to go in without a lot more details (number of faxes, frequency, what needs to be transmitted, etc), but the simplest is a service. Here's one site with compairisons:
http://www.faxcompare.com/
and there are many, many out there.
Options #2 and #3 given you more direct control, but a little more effort on your part, but they are still pretty plug and play. Depending on the direction you go, you may or may not need a fax modem of some type and a phone line.
ASKER
JDettman: To answer your questions: Number of faxes is pretty high, over 150 in an 8hr shift. What needs to be transmitted is a Report which is a single sheet of standard 8.5"x11". Let me know what other questions you have. The criteria is that speed is critical
can you elaborate on Fax print driver? It seems like you will either need a Fax Machine attached to you computer that can get input from Access & then transmit it onwards like a regular fax machine? What is a fax box?
I dont mind making wahtever programing changes I need to, just want to make sure that the solution is fast, efficient for my client.
can you elaborate on Fax print driver? It seems like you will either need a Fax Machine attached to you computer that can get input from Access & then transmit it onwards like a regular fax machine? What is a fax box?
I dont mind making wahtever programing changes I need to, just want to make sure that the solution is fast, efficient for my client.
ASKER
The ideal solution would be that my client clicks on a button in the Access program that generates the report & then automatically faxes it over.
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Do you have anything available to you besides Access (ie. Exchange?).
There are a multitude ways of accomplishing this.
JimD.