Normalizing tables

[John Memorex via AccessMonster.com]

I have read countless threads and reviewed material on MS website regarding
normilization,but it seems the more I read the farther I am away from
understanding how it works. I have 5 tables (Consultants, Clients, Family,
Friends, Professional) containing basic contact information (name, address,
city, st, zip, etc) plus information specific to the contact (birthdate,
relationship type, spouse info, etc.). The Consultant has a one -many
relationship to Client, Client has a one - many relationship to other
contacts (friend, family, professional). As I understand normalization, it
appears that I should create a 6th table called Address that would contain
the basic info the every contact shares (name, address, city, st, zip, etc).
The other tables should contain fields specific to the contact i.e.
Professional might include secretary name, business hours, etc. I also need
a way to track the type of relationship between the client and other contacts.
Should I create another table - Relationships to track how the client knows
this contact i.e. son, daugther, Insurance agent, childhood friend?

This has become terribly confusing the more I read through the posts. Any
help is greatly appreciated.

John

 

[strive4peace]

Hi John,

each of your 5 tables: Consultants, Clients, Family,
Friends, Professional --- look like the same thing to me -- People ...
just different types of people*. All people have need to have contact
information -- address, phone, email, etc -- so storing them together
gives you just one way for that to happen.

* people may be artificial entities (companies) or humans

I have designed a draft for tracking people and related information --
if you send email and request it in the subject line, I will send it.

Warm Regards,
Crystal
*
have an awesome day
*
MVP Access
Remote Programming and Training
strive4peace2006 at yahoo.com
*