Auto-fill fields

[Guest]

I am setting up a parts inventory database and when we order parts, we have
to fill in all the information that is in the respective record. Is there a
way to just enter the part number, and them configure Access to pull the rest
of the information for that part from the main table and enter it into the
order table?

 

[BCampbell]

You probably don't want to do what you think you want to
do! Your order table does not need (and should not have!!)
part information in it. Only the part number or ID is
needed. If you need the part information, for reporting,
or invoicing, etc, use a query to join the order table and
the part table and pull in the fields you need for the
invoice or whatever.

HTH!
Bonnie

 

[John Vinson]

I am setting up a parts inventory database and when we order parts, we have
to fill in all the information that is in the respective record. Is there a
way to just enter the part number, and them configure Access to pull the rest
of the information for that part from the main table and enter it into the
order table?

It is neither necessary nor good design to copy the data into the
Order table. The ONLY field you need in the Order table is the unique
Partnumber.

To print an order, or to display it onscreen, use a query joining the
Order table to the Parts table. You're using a relational database -
use it relationally! See the Northwind sample database's Order
application for an example of how this can be done.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Joseph Meehan]

I am setting up a parts inventory database and when we order parts,
we have to fill in all the information that is in the respective
record. Is there a way to just enter the part number, and them
configure Access to pull the rest of the information for that part
from the main table and enter it into the order table?

To add a little to what B and John have suggested.

Anytime you repeat data in a table, it usually means the database in not
"normalized" I suggest you take a look at normalization in the help file to
help you set up your table structure.

In the end it is possible, and usually desirable to show, in the form,
the description that goes along with that part number. That helps to assure
proper data input. However it is seldom a good idea to store that
information in the main table, rather you just display it from a "Part
information" table.