What's the idea behind the property tab builder?

I'm exploring the property tab builder to fill in the properties of a part.

We use Solidworks2011 with PDM9000.

In a part we need to fill in:

- Length (no problem, manual)
- Width (no problem, manual)

- Remarks (no problem, manual if neccesary)

- Material (solidworks materials)

- Articlenumber of the raw material in the ERP-system

- Description of the raw material ex. Plate 5mm

With an articlenumber comes autmatic a description.

When I build a custom properties tab, I can select with the option List to read the list in an accesdatabase.

I tought nice, that's what we need BUT...

It's seems logic to me that when I fill in the articlenumber that the description will be filled in automatic. Why would someone use a accesdb in the first place.

I contacted my VAR but they tell me it's not possible.

So why oh why makes solidworks the option to use a accesdb (or excel table) if it's useless!!!

SolidworksGeneral