Fibres dbase

[mary]

Hi there,
I need to create a db and was hoping there is one already created that I can
download.
I have a fibre collection, different types, different manufacturers,
different cross-sectional appearance, and other stats.
They have a numbering system already, but the whole thing needs to be
entered into a dbase, it is currently on index cards!

Where do I start? Is there a ready made one I can use, or should I attempt
at using the wizard to create one (and which one would I use?).

new to access.....
thanks
mary

 

[Evi]

Well that's a first for me! I can't imagine what's involved in a fibre
collection and I can imagine the Wizard looking totally gone-out at that
one. Sounds like something you'd be best off cooking for yourself and having
something that exactly suits your needs.

Because I don't really know what things you need to record or what they mean
in the world of fibre collectings the following is just a general guide

It sounds as if you are already thinking in Database terms. For instance, I
can see
TblManufacturer
ManID (Autonumber Primary Key)
ManufacturerName

TblType
TypeID (Autonumber Primary Key)
SampleType

These are the 'One' (or lookup) tables eg each Manufactuer and Type is only
listed once

Then you have to decide what things need to be put together to make a
meaningful record

That will go into another table.

So, if a Sample is something that can only be identified when you know the
Manufacturer and Type then you need a table which contains
eg
SampleID (Autonumber Primary Key
SampleName
SampleNumber
ManID (a number field linked from TblManufacturer
TypeID (a number field linked from TblType



The other things can either be a field in your table or yet another table
depending on what they mean.
As a general rule, you shouldn't need to repeat yourself in a table.
If, for instance, you find you are typing the same thing in the CrossSection
Appearance field for a couple of samples, then that is a clear indication
that another table is needed. Say you used words like Criss-Cross or
Parallel to descibe various samples then you would put those words into
another table called TblCrossSection and its Primary key field (CrossSecID)
would be linked to a number field called CrossSecID in TblSample. But if
CrossSection Appearance is a random description (fluffy with bits sticking
out) then it would not be useful in another table and would just go in a big
text field in the Sample table.

Hope this doesn't scare you off.

Begin by making a list of all the things you want to record (you will have
far more flexibility than you have with Index cards) and if you are in doubt
where they belong then write back remembering to explain what they mean in
English to those few who aren't closely connected with the world of fibre
collecting

Evi

 

[mary]

thanks Evi.
yep it's a bit weird but it is for work, i don't go out and pick fibres off
of people on the TTC!
thanks for the info. we'll get on it and once it's up i am sure we'll have
way more complicated questions! and we'll try to keep them in english!

thanks
mary