Menu Tree Style Entries

[Guest]

I'm considering replacing the Excel spreadsheets we use for event logs with
an Access database. I'm still very new to access. One function I'd like to
replace relates to a way to track key words for later sorting.
I currently use data validation in Excel to generate a drop-down list for
the operators to select the first keyword (say "Primary"); I use VBA in the
background to change the data validation reference for the next cell based on
this to a list of processes in the part of the plant called "Primary".
My hunch is that this type of manuevre can be accomplished easier in Access.
I've tried a couple things, but no luck.
Part of my effort was to construct a table with only a few fields. One
field was Treatment Stage (with values of Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and
Solids). The next field was Process. For example a number of records listed
"Primary" in the treatment stage but then had a unique value to identify (Bar
Screen, Sludge Pumps, Settling tanks, etc).
My question is simply once the user enters the "treatment stage" how can I
limit the values shown in the combo box for the "Process" field to those for
the specified treatment stage. (I tried a query but still got all the
processes listed. Thus an operator could select "Primary" for the first
field and "Sand Filters" for the "Process" field, which wouldn't make any
sense.)
Also, I'd like to place these limitations at the table level, but I don't
know if they may not be easier to do at the form level.
Is there a better way to do a menu tree style entry in Access. (If there's
a simple method, I'd like to be able to add more levels.)
Thanks,
Sludge

 

[Guest]

If I got it right, you want to be able to narrow the second cmb based on the
first cmb?

 

[Guest]

Thats correct. I'm thinking hierarchially where the first combo box contains
the top level and the second combo box contains the next level (That's why
I'm refering to my question as a menu tree.) Thus the second level defined
by a first level "branch" of "Primary" would contain such things as Sludge
Pumps, Settling tanks, etc. The second level for the branch of "Secondary"
would include such things as Aeration, Clarifiers, Chemical Addition, etc.
(I work at a sewage treatment plant.)
So as you wrote, I'd like to narrow the second cmb based on the value
selected for the first.
Can this be done?

 

[Guest]

This is very common, and yes it can be done. I have done it in one of my
projects, a kind of piece meal programming I did to make it work. I don't
want you to have to go through that. I would recommend you posting the same
question in the Forms or Forms Coding portion of the Acces Groups. You will
get a better answer than what I can provide for you. Good luck!