Need help understanding Access sample inventory database

[Glo]

I'm studing the sample business inventory database that
is shipped with Access 2000 in order to setup my own
inventory database for a small business. I was going to
create a Products table and a PurchaseOrder table. The
sample has an additional table "Inventory Tranactions".
I'm not sure why this third table exists.

Is it because the the relationship between the
relationship between Products and PurchaseOrders is
really "many to many". Is it because of database
normalization rule? Seems to me that I could take the
item specific information out of the "Inventory
Transactions" data and put it in the Products table for
the item and the "Purchase Order" information and put it
directly in the directly in the "Purchase Order" record
for the item in question.

I'm probably missing something. I haven't studied
database desing in quite some time. I studying alone
without a teacher so any help that can be given on this
issue will greatly be appreciated.

Glo

 

[Guest]

hi,
the inventory transaction table sounds like to me that it
is setting up a history of inventory transactions. this
is standard in all inventory dbs i have seen. comes in
handy when you are researching problems. also helpful in
planning. make sure that all inventory transactions ie PO
receipt, Sales, adjustments, issues ect. get written to
the transactions table. it is a history of activity and
WILL be very usefully. check the sample and see if there
isn't a special form for running histories. if not,
create one.

 

[Glo]

Thanks for your reply. Why wouldn't the Purchase order
table serve as the history for tranactions or th Products
table itself?

Glo