Office 365 (Microsoft 365) provides several add-ins and utilities

Office 365 (Microsoft 365) provides several add-ins and utilities that enhance the functionality of Microsoft Access. These add-ins allow you to extend Access's capabilities for data analysis, integration, and user experience. Below are the key utilities and add-ins available:

1. Microsoft Access Database Engine Redistributable
   • Purpose: Provides the ability to import, export, and link to data from other sources such as Excel, SQL Server, or SharePoint.
   • Key Features:
     • Enables Access to work with external data sources.
     • Essential for integration with non-native formats like CSV or Excel spreadsheets.
   • Installation: Download from the official Microsoft site.
2. Power BI Integration
   • Purpose: Connect Access databases to Power BI for advanced data visualization and reporting.
   • Key Features:
     • Easily export Access data to Power BI for interactive dashboards.
     • Use Access queries as a source for Power BI reports.
   • Use Case: When you need dynamic, visual reporting beyond Access's built-in reports.
3. Microsoft Graph API (for Access Web Apps)
   • Purpose: Access and interact with Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
   • Key Features:
     • Query Microsoft 365 data directly from Access.
     • Automate workflows using Access and Office 365 services.
   • Use Case: Building custom apps that integrate with Office 365 services.
4. Total Access Analyzer
   • Purpose: Comprehensive database analysis and documentation.
   • Key Features:
     • Analyze database performance, detect unused objects, and optimize design.
     • Generate detailed reports on database structure and dependencies.
   • Use Case: Debugging, optimization, and compliance documentation.
   • Availability: Paid add-in from FMS, Inc.
5. Total Access Statistics
   • Purpose: Adds advanced statistical analysis tools to Microsoft Access.
   • Key Features:
     • Perform regressions, percentiles, cross-tabulations, and other statistical calculations directly within Access.
     • Automate statistical computations via macros or VBA.
   • Use Case: Advanced data analysis for research or business intelligence.
   • Availability: Paid add-in from FMS, Inc.
6. Office Add-ins for Access
   • Purpose: Extend Access functionality by connecting to other Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.
   • Key Features:
     • Automate data exchange between Access and Excel using VBA or macros.
     • Generate and email Access reports via Outlook integration.
   • Use Case: Seamless data workflows between Access and other Microsoft Office apps.
7. Linked Table Manager (Enhanced)
   • Purpose: Manage and update linked tables more effectively.
   • Key Features:
     • Bulk relink tables to external data sources (e.g., SQL Server or SharePoint).
     • View metadata for linked tables.
   • Availability: Built into recent versions of Access.
8. Microsoft Dataverse
   • Purpose: Integrates Access with Dataverse, Microsoft's low-code data platform.
   • Key Features:
     • Synchronize Access data with Dataverse for use in Power Apps or Power Automate.
     • Extend Access database functionality to mobile and cloud-based platforms.
   • Use Case: Building cloud-enabled apps and automating workflows.
9. Access Runtime
   • Purpose: Allows users to run Access applications without a full Access license.
   • Key Features:
     • Simplified deployment for users who don’t need full Access features.
     • Reduces costs for applications distributed to end-users.
   • Installation: Free download from Microsoft.
10. Database Comparison Tool
    • Purpose: Compare two Access databases to identify differences.
    • Key Features:
      • Highlight differences in table structures, queries, forms, and reports.
      • Ideal for version control and debugging.
    • Availability: Included in some Office 365 plans as part of Access.
11. Add-ins for Specific Tasks
    • Third-party vendors provide specialized add-ins to address niche requirements, such as:
    • MZ-Tools: Enhances VBA productivity with code templates and refactoring tools.
    • SmartTools: Adds features for data validation and workflow automation.
    • Mail Merge Wizard: Simplifies merging Access data with Word documents for bulk mailing.

How to Add and Manage Add-ins in Access

1. Open Access.
2. Navigate to File > Options > Add-ins.
3. Select the desired add-in type (e.g., COM Add-ins, VBA Add-ins).
4. Click Go to enable or install the add-in.

By leveraging these utilities, you can significantly enhance your database capabilities, improve user experience, and streamline workflows.

Access has a number of utilities that have been added to help make life easier. These utilities are referred to as add-ins because they are added into Access for our convenience. There are also custom add-ins that you can purchase to help with various tasks, but only those add-ins that are shipped with Access are discussed here.
The table below describes the add-ins available from the Tools menu. Note that some of these tools are pretty advanced:

Take a moment and test your skills by clicking on the Quiz link below.
Access Add In - Quiz