I know this is a broad question with a number of different solutions but this is a relatively new domain for me so I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.
I recently started a job that requires me to pull data / reports of differing formats - a lot of Excel reports along with raw data dumps (.csv or similar) from various HR/timekeeping systems - perform an analysis of the data and then extract those results to a pre-defined XSD format that I will then submit to an external database (manually via web).
I have experience programming in C/C++ (mostly for embedded applications) and the MS Office productivity suite along with SQL Server 2012 here at work.
What is the best path for me to accomplish this?
Much of the work I am doing is with the aim of automating future data submissions. Prior to my arrival the vast majority of this work was being done via manual data entry. My goal is to create a process (be it a program, an existing tool, or some combination thereof) that can be used to import data/reports (of varying formats) and, given an specified XSD, structure an XML batch upload file accordingly.
A VB script in conjunction with MS Access has been recommended although there seem to be conflicting opinions about this online. I'm considering this, however, as a way to create a functional prototype (I have about 3 weeks to figure this out) that can be revised later if necessary.
Any advice would be much appreciated!!