I need database tips and such for tool inventory on Access 2003

[Guest]

My company has hundreds of tools that employees check in and out each and
every day. Currently, I inventory this process through Excel 2003. I can
look on the master tool list and check to see who has a tool currently, or if
it's in the shop and the last day any activity was done with it. But now I
need to keep up with this list and know who the last 3 to 5 people that
checked out each tool was. Going through paperwork is slow and teedious, and
I've heard what I want is possible on Access. I'm willing to dive in,
explore the program, and figure out how to build a database (with this
forum's help), but I just want conformation that what I want can work on
Access 2003 and if there is anything specific I need to know that the help
files may not be able to guide me through. Thanks for reading and for any
help anyone can give me.

Rick

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Rick,

Yes, you can build this solution using Access, however, there is a rather steep learning curve if
you are just getting started. Take a look at Allen Browne's sample titled "Creating an audit log"
at http://members.iinet.net.au/~allenbrowne/AppAudit.html.


Here are some links that I recommend as a starting point:

Database Design
You should spend some time gaining an understanding of database design and normalization before
attempting to build something in Access (or any RDBMS software for that matter). Here are some
links to get you started. Don't underestimate the importance of gaining a good understanding of
database design. Create your design using paper and pencil first, before opening up Access. Don't
even bother trying to use the "Create table by entering data" feature, unless you want an Access
spreadsheet. Brew a good pot of coffee and enjoy reading!

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=289533

Also recommended: Find the copy of Northwind.mdb that is probably already installed on your hard
drive. Study the relationships between the various tables (Tools > Relationships...)

Naming Conventions
Special characters that you must avoid when you work with Access databases
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=826763

Commonly used naming conventions
http://www.mvps.org/access/general/gen0012.htm
http://www.xoc.net/standards/default.asp

Using a Naming Convention
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...us/odeopg/html/deconusingnamingconvention.asp


Reserved Words
Reserved Words in Microsoft Access
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=286335

List of reserved words in Jet 4.0
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=321266


Name AutoCorrect
Name AutoCorrect was introduced with Access 2000. This is a most buggy feature (note: some people
claim that it has finally been fixed in Access 2003--I think the jury is still out on that one).
I recommend always deselecting the options to track & perform corrections via Tools >
ptions ---> General Tab. Unfortunately, these options are selected by default in all new
databases, so you should remember to always deselect it. For more information, see the following
article:

Failures caused by Name Auto-Correct
http://members.iinet.net.au/~allenbrowne/bug-03.html

References
Solving Problems with Library References (Allen Browne)
http://members.iinet.net.au/~allenbrowne/ser-38.html

Access Reference Problems (Doug Steele)
http://members.rogers.com/douglas.j.steele/AccessReferenceErrors.html


Some other good web sites

Allen Browne's tips for Access users
http://members.iinet.net.au/~allenbrowne/tips.html

Tony's Main Microsoft Access Page
http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/

The Access Web
http://www.mvps.org/access/

Gem Tips
http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/gem_tips.html


Tom
_____________________________________


My company has hundreds of tools that employees check in and out each and
every day. Currently, I inventory this process through Excel 2003. I can
look on the master tool list and check to see who has a tool currently, or if
it's in the shop and the last day any activity was done with it. But now I
need to keep up with this list and know who the last 3 to 5 people that
checked out each tool was. Going through paperwork is slow and tedious, and
I've heard what I want is possible on Access. I'm willing to dive in,
explore the program, and figure out how to build a database (with this
forum's help), but I just want confirmation that what I want can work on
Access 2003 and if there is anything specific I need to know that the help
files may not be able to guide me through. Thanks for reading and for any
help anyone can give me.

Rick

 

[Guest]

<Looks at all the information and drools>

My, I ask and I shall recieve. Thank you thank you thsnk you. I wish my
questions were answered this quickly, if at all, on the Outlook section. But
thank you... and even though I don't drink coffee I shall jump on this
granddaddy of information right away with my big pot of tea.

Rick

 

[Guest]

yea..What Tom said. I attempted to create a DB without ever using Access
previously. It worked ok, but I had to continually return to the newsgroups
to get an assist. Steep learning curve is great if you are willing to put in
the time and effort. All were very helpful. I took 2 "seminars" on basic and
intermediate Access. This helped and allowed me to be somewhat - or at
least sound like it - knowledgable about what I wanted to do.

Follow Tom's links, spend the money for a seminar that will give you the
basics, then have at it. Good luck!

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Rick,

Well, if you think I posted a lot, just take a look at a recent post by Jeff Conrad, aka "Access
Junkie":

http://groups-beta.google.com/group..._frm/thread/c6e125bf907ea476/1694c48d6f814b2a


Good Luck!

Tom
_______________________________


<Looks at all the information and drools>

My, I ask and I shall recieve. Thank you thank you thsnk you. I wish my
questions were answered this quickly, if at all, on the Outlook section. But
thank you... and even though I don't drink coffee I shall jump on this
granddaddy of information right away with my big pot of tea.

Rick
_______________________________

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Thanks for the comment Tom.

FYI, MVP Lynn Trapp has graciously posted my big list
on his website now. I will be updating the list from
time to time as well.

You can find the big 'ol list here:

http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/JCReferences.html

 

[Guest]

Well slap me and call me my mamma's only son... them be a lot of links there.
My eyes almost rolled into the back of my head trying to catch all of that.
Shall take me a while to get through Tom's set of links, but if yours could
help as well after I'm done I will gladly give them attention.

Rick

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Well slap me and call me my mamma's only son... them be a lot of links there.
My eyes almost rolled into the back of my head trying to catch all of that.
Shall take me a while to get through Tom's set of links, but if yours could
help as well after I'm done I will gladly give them attention.

LOL!
Those should keep you busy for a while.
;-)

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the new link. I'll bookmark it.

Tom
_______________________________________


Thanks for the comment Tom.

FYI, MVP Lynn Trapp has graciously posted my big list
on his website now. I will be updating the list from
time to time as well.

You can find the big 'ol list here:

http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/JCReferences.html

--
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie
Bend, Oregon

_______________________________________

"Tom Wickerath" <[email protected]>
wrote in message
Hi Rick,

Well, if you think I posted a lot, just take a look at a recent post by Jeff Conrad, aka "Access
Junkie":


http://groups-beta.google.com/group..._frm/thread/c6e125bf907ea476/1694c48d6f814b2a


Good Luck!

Tom