DIRECT BATCH UPLOADING to database

We need to develop a solution which would enable us to directly upload data into a MS SQL database. The process could involve several different steps: some of which may need to be manual. We envisage that the process would involve excel sheets which would be the most common means of data acquisition from a variety of sources. This would also allow us to use Microsoft Access in some circumstances to reformat the data if it were required. (see scope for details)