How do I set up a data base that filters special info?

[jrcicirello39]

I need to set up a data base that will allow me to track empirical data and
compare it to current real-time data. I am sure Excel can perform this task,
but I am unsure how to set up the program. Please help.

 

[Smartin]

I need to set up a data base that will allow me to track empirical data and
compare it to current real-time data. I am sure Excel can perform this task,
but I am unsure how to set up the program. Please help.

We shall require some specifics from you. What is the real-world
scenario you are trying to model? Example data and desired results would
be helpful too. If you already have something working in Excel, you
could describe how that is set up. Also, if you have something working
in Excel, a little explanation about why you want to change platforms
might help also.

I'm not saying this can not or should not be done, you just have not
given us enough information about the problem you are trying to solve to
provide any direction.

TTYL

 

[NetworkTrade]

define what you mean by "compare".....

 

[jrcicirello39]

Smartin,

What I am trying to do is take impirical data (in spread sheet format) of
different types of construction projects (new construction and renovations,
multi family and single family) and match up the contractors that performed a
specific job and the amount the project was charged for that service.
(example: New constrution - Apartment complex- 100 units - roofing - ABC
Roofing Company - Jan 2005 - $275,000.00 or New Construction - 36 Single
Family Residents - Concrete - XYZ Concrete - Feb. 2006 - $655,000.00)
I then want to take that information for all the different diciplines
(concrete, framing, roofing, mechanical) and be able to compare it to current
pricing on a similar type construction project, better know as
pre-construction estimating. This information will allow us to make a better
decission as well as a quicker decission whether or not to go forward with a
proposed project. It will also allow us to see if there are anomalies in
sub-constractor bids from the past to the current and allow us to look into
any increase or decrease in pricing on labor or materials.

This task is for my new job ( only my second day) and I really need to
understand how I can set this database up as soon as possible. I have looked
on the help site just to get confused and frustrated for I feel the pressure
(if only in my head) of time.

I am not looking for someone to provide me with step by step info, just
where do I look to learn how to set this up.
Thanks

 

[jrcicirello39]

Smartin,

What I am trying to do is take impirical data (in spread sheet format) of
different types of construction projects (new construction and renovations,
multi family and single family) and match up the contractors that performed a
specific job and the amount the project was charged for that service.
(example: New constrution - Apartment complex- 100 units - roofing - ABC
Roofing Company - Jan 2005 - $275,000.00 or New Construction - 36 Single
Family Residents - Concrete - XYZ Concrete - Feb. 2006 - $655,000.00)
I then want to take that information for all the different diciplines
(concrete, framing, roofing, mechanical) and be able to compare it to current
pricing on a similar type construction project, better know as
pre-construction estimating. This information will allow us to make a better
decission as well as a quicker decission whether or not to go forward with a
proposed project. It will also allow us to see if there are anomalies in
sub-constractor bids from the past to the current and allow us to look into
any increase or decrease in pricing on labor or materials.

This task is for my new job ( only my second day) and I really need to
understand how I can set this database up as soon as possible. I have looked
on the help site just to get confused and frustrated for I feel the pressure
(if only in my head) of time.

I am not looking for someone to set this database up for me, just need
someone to point me in the right direction so I can learn how to do this.
Thanks

 

[Smartin]

Well congrats on your new job! No pressure, eh? (^:

Here are some thoughts that hopefully give you some ideas.

You have your empirical data consisting of something like the following:

ConstructionType
DwellingType
NoOfUnits
Discipline
Contractor
Timeframe
Charge

We could work with a flat table structure -- one table, one row per job
(likely how your spreadsheet delivers it?) or make an attempt to fully
normalize things.

The advantage of the first is you may not have to manipulate the data
much and might even get away with simply importing the spreadsheet data
and running a query or two.

The advantage of the second is that it helps ensure data integrity and
eliminates redundant data entry. This approach will shine when you want
to look at trends on a contractor basis. However if the data is handed
to you, attempts to scrub the data will be retroactive, not proactive,
and the redundant factor may be irrelevant.

Next you have your market pricing or whatever, which I presume would
include most of the same elements as your empirical data, minus the
specifics of contractor and possibly date.

The biggest challenge I see for you is how to make level comparisons?

Say you have a roofing job for 50 single family dwellings in your
empirical set. Say your market data has figures for 150 single family
dwellings. How do you know you are making a fair comparison? Can you
really assume a job of 50 should cost around a third of the job for 150?
What if the dwellings in the empirical data were 3000 sqft homes, but in
the market set they were 2000 sqft?

I hope this helps a little and doesn't confuse much. To go any further
into the analysis piece I would be interested to know how granular your
data is, and how you would make these comparisons if all you had were a
bunch of contractor invoices and market reports to work from. If you
need help with table design we can go that route too.

Cheers,

 

[NetworkTrade]

so the "compare" is something you do in your head......it isn't a programming
function....

what you really want from the db is to look at data - and of course have it
organized.

the advice from the other person is good. there are a variety of online
tutorials for Access around the net you can google for.

really it comes down to defining your fields clearly i.e. contractor , task
(painting), cost, date, etc etc.

a single table is identical to a spreadsheet in many ways....easier to sort,
easier to filter, easier to make reports off of....but not as good for
financial calcs that run thru the whole system....

but a single table will may end up having you repeat the same info over and
over - depending on your situation. For example - perhaps in some place you
must have the complete Contractor's contact info i.e. address, tel , etc
etc..... you would not want to repeat that non-changing minutia with every
record of a job they do. In the Jobs Table you could just put their name or
maybe a unique ID for them - along with the task (i.e. painting) , cost,
date, etc..... Where over in the Contractors Table you have only their
complete contact info i.e. street address etc. These two Tables are then
cross referenced by the unique name or ID assigned to them. This is typical.

 

[jrcicirello39]

Thank You NTC. I will look for the info you refer.

Many Thanks