Need suggestions to build Excel/VB Interface to select/view MS Access Data

[kansaskannan]

I need to build an interface through which users can select (a) period
(b) customer attributes, (c) product attributes, and (d) performance
attributes. e.g., for a given period how did a particular set of
customers do with a given product, and what margins did we obtain on
it? The data resides in a large MS Access flat file.

Once the required data attributes are selected, the output generated
will be a table showing the data. If possible, I would like to have an

accompanying chart.


This will be a single user application.


I would welcome advice on what 'platform' to build the interface in.
Should I do this in
A) Excel. (am most familiar with Excel VBA)
B) Visual Basic 6.0 (am less familiar with VB)
C) Access Database itself. (least familiar with creating reports in
Access)


I use Windows XP, and Office 2000; and do not wish to buy new software
to meet my needs.


I have heard of OLAP Cubes, but am not sure what they are or if they
apply to my current problem.


Any suggestions, pointers to online literature or web sites.. ... would

be much appreciated.


Thank you!

 

[David F Cox]

One of the installation options with Excel is Microsoft Query, which will
retrieve information from an Access database. You probably will not need
VBA. If it is not installed you can install it via the control panel
add/change/remove programs feature. The problem can also be tackled easily
from the Access end. They are designed to wlink together.

 

[Nick Hodge]

Check out this part of my web site, particularly the part on using
parameters. You should not need VB(A)

http://www.nickhodge.co.uk/gui/datamenu/dataexamples/externaldataexamples.htm

--
HTH
Nick Hodge
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Southampton, England

(e-mail address removed)
www.nickhodge.co.uk

 

[NickHK]

Maybe a pivot table would work, with a chart linked to the output data.

NickHK