Database Design &
Administration in Fort Frances
Get out of spreadsheet hell and into proper data systems. Custom databases, performance tuning, reporting dashboards, and the business intelligence work that turns raw data into answers.
Talk databases with us →Data work that gives you
back hours every week.
If your spreadsheet broke
three times last month — it’s time.
Spreadsheets are wonderful tools. Almost every business starts running on them, and many should stay on them for years. But there’s a point where a spreadsheet becomes a liability instead of a tool: when two people overwrite each other’s edits, when the file gets too big to open quickly, when one wrong sort breaks every formula, when nobody trusts the numbers anymore.
When that happens, a proper database is the answer. The same data lives in a structured database with rules that prevent bad entries, lets multiple people work at the same time, generates clean reports automatically, and connects to your other systems. The transition is straightforward — we migrate your existing data, build a simple web app or form interface, and your team works the same way they always have, just without the breakdowns.
Most clients save dozens of hours per month after we replace their critical spreadsheets with a proper database. We’ve done this for grant tracking, client intake, inventory, scheduling, member registries, and operational reporting.
PostgreSQL, SQL Server,
MySQL, and beyond.
PostgreSQL is our default recommendation for most small-business custom database work. Free, fast, mature, runs anywhere, and powerful enough for almost any business workload we’ll ever see.
SQL Server for Microsoft-heavy environments and businesses with existing SQL Server licensing. Integrates cleanly with Active Directory, Power BI, and the Microsoft ecosystem.
MySQL/MariaDB for WordPress, WooCommerce, and most off-the-shelf web platforms that ship with it built in.
SQLite for small embedded databases and single-user tools where a full server is overkill.
Database Services FAQ
Drowning in spreadsheets?
Or sitting on data nobody can use?
Tell us what your data situation looks like. We’ll figure out the right move — clean it up, replace it, or build something new — and quote it flat rate.
When does a business need a real database instead of spreadsheets?
When the spreadsheet has grown too big to share safely, when more than one person needs to edit it at the same time, when you need to enforce data rules, or when you need real reporting across multiple sources. Most businesses live in spreadsheets for too long — a proper database costs less and saves dozens of hours per month.
Which database do you recommend for small business?
For most small business projects, PostgreSQL — it’s free, fast, mature, and works everywhere. For Microsoft-heavy environments, SQL Server fits naturally. We pick what matches your existing systems and what your data actually needs.
Can you build us a custom reporting dashboard?
Yes. We build reporting dashboards on Power BI, Metabase, or custom web apps depending on your data and budget. The dashboard pulls live from your systems, refreshes automatically, and shows the numbers the board, funders, or operations team actually care about.
Can you clean up our existing messy database?
Yes. We do database cleanup work — deduplicating records, normalizing inconsistent data, adding proper indexes for performance, migrating from legacy systems, and adding the constraints that should have been there from the start.
Do you build databases for First Nations organizations and nonprofits?
Yes. We’ve built program tracking, grant management, client intake, and reporting databases for First Nations band offices and nonprofits across the region. We understand the reporting requirements that funders typically want — and we build the database to make those reports easy.
How much does database work cost?
Custom database projects typically run $2,500–$10,000+ depending on scope. Database cleanup, migration, or performance tuning projects are usually $1,000–$5,000. We scope and quote flat rate before any work begins.