Dec 21 2020 12:23 PM
What is the best way to create a database with information that will need to be updated multiple times?
Basically, I'm looking to create a database to track items for my company. I want to track when items are requested from our warehouse, when they're received from our warehouse, when they're shipped to a separate service, and when they're uploaded to the service.
My initial idea was to have one table that can be updated through a form, but I think that is just going to cause more confusion than necessary.
I know it would probably be easier to do this through Excel, but I would like to have an entry form so that anybody in the company an utilize the database with minimal confusion.
Dec 21 2020 01:10 PM
Access is a development tool used to create relational database applications. One table is definitely not adequate nor appropriate for a relational database application. So we should start by looking at the three essential components, or layers of any relational database application.
So, step one is to identify each of the things you want to track. You have identified at least three in your opening question:
I'm sure there will be others as you dig into the workings of your business rules. At this point, those four entities will be tracked in four tables, one for each. The RELATIONSHIPS between them are what differentiate a relational database from a group of lists.
Warehouses STORE items.
Services RECEIVE items.
and so on.
I recommend you start by looking at the Northwinds sample relational database application.
It does a lot of the things you need, plus many others. But looking at how it works should help you understand what you need to do when you create your own relational database application.