Custom Database Help

[Guest]

Hi there,

I'm new to using MS Access. I've actually never used it before and am trying
to figure out if it will work for my application. I am looking to use a
database to track the usage of raw materials (Logs).

Basically the scenario is as follows:

1) Raw Logs are recieved and tagged with an ID Tag.
2) Logs are then scaled which determines thier exact volume by cubic metres.
This allows us to pay for the logs and also tells us exactly what $ amount is
attached to each individual ID Tag (Log).
3) Logs are then used for various projects.
4) the "Log Picker" records certain details when he picks the log to be used
for production. ie. The ID Tag, the % used, and what project it is used for.
5) Often only part of the log is used initially which leaves a certain
amount left over to be used at a later date (possibly for a different
project). I can determine the value of this "used" piece by multiplying the
percentage used by the original "scale" or volume. Then subracting the
original volume by what was used.
6) The used piece now has the same ID tag as when it was a whole log but is
now "used" inventory which also needs to be tracked since it will eventually
be used as well.

The information I need to get from this database is this:
How many whole logs are in our inventory and what is thier total volume (m3)?
How many logs are used for each project (m3)?
How many used or previously picked logs are in our inventory?

I dont know if this is too complicated for MS Access but I think it can be
done. But before I waste my time learning the software perhaps someone here
can let me know if it can be done and perhaps give me some pointers.

Thanks for your help,

Sven
www.westcoastloghomes.com

 

[Guest]

Access can definately handle this.

I would probably set up three tables, one that records log information, one
that records project information, and another that holds log use information.

Example: You get a new project, so you enter into the project table a new
record(row) a unique code for the project, and any other info you want
(amount of wood needed, client, price, dua date, etc.). Now you start
entering in log information. Each new log already has a unique tag, so this
is your primary key. Then you enter the other info for the log, volume,
price, type, date ... When you want to use that log, you use a form that
adds a record into the log use table which records the log id, project id,
percent of log used.

Through queries, you can get all the info you need from those tables. If
you haven't had any previous programming experience, there's probably a
pretty high learning curve, but you can get alot of help on these forums.
Good luck.