How do I set up a purchase order database in Access?

[vvickia]

I've tried several of the database templates (inventory control, order entry,
and customer orders) to set up a purchase order/receiving database, but can't
seem to get any of them to work the way I need them to work. I'm trying to
find/create a database that will let me enter my purchase orders and track
them as received. Some of the orders come in at several different times, so
I need to be able to have 4-5 different "received" dates. Is there a
database already set up that I can use? I thought I had one set up that
would work, but it's just not doing what I want. Thanks for your help!

 

[Duane Hookom]

If you want 4-5 different received dates in a single record, I hope you
don't find one. 4-5 received dates should create 4-5 records in a related
table. Consider John Viescas' new book which has four very nice sample
solutions www.viescas.com. One of the solution is an inventory management.
The cost of the book is paid for by the time you have read the first section
of the book.

 

[vvickia]

My company has already bought the Access 2002 Bible - someone has borrowed
it, so I can't look through it to see what you're talking about. How would I
go about creating the related table? If I sent you a copy of the database I
set up, would that help? Thanks!

 

[Duane Hookom]

The Access 2002 Bible is not the same book that I am recommending.

If you have some questions about table structures, consider reviewing the
links at
http://home.bendbroadband.com/conradsystems/accessjunkie/resources.html#DatabaseDesign101

 

[vvickia]

I think I understand more about table structures than I did before accessing
your link. I also understand that you're not recommending the Access 2002
Bible. However, due to the fact that I work at a relatively small company,
we can't buy the one that you are recommending. I did try using the
inventory control template that's included in Access, but it won't work for
our purposes. If I break down my one purchase order log and put all of the
received dates/quantities into a separate table, then link them to the main
purchase order log, would that work? Thanks!

 

[Duane Hookom]

I would think the received dates and quantities in a separate table will
work.

If a small investment of less than $50 (including postage and handling) is
too much for your small company considering your time (and mine) then your
small company probably won't grow to be a big company. I do understand how
companies budget and all the purchasing hoops and hassles but the book would
pay for itself many times over if you plan to create your own application.