Append query or not append query...that is the question.

[cdr1869]

I have been using Access 2007 going on...2 weeks now and have been charged with the task of creating a database to track projects, their related budgets, deliverables, completion etc and make it user friendly to data entry. I have Access 2007 for Dummies as well as I've gone through all of the Microsoft online training modules. I think I have all of my tables and relationships linked up correctly. I also have forms created for all of my different tables that will allow for ease of data entry. My main question is:

1. I am assuming, that through trial and error, if I want data to be entered in one form and auto populate in several different forms, I would need to create an append query? For example:

Project X has information in 4 different tables: Contracts, Deliverables, Budget, and Invoices. Of course there are only a couple similarities between the information on Project X that is housed in each table ( ie: Project number, budget, etc)

Now I found out that in forms, I can create the combo box to pull information (values) from another form and from queries I created in order to list all of the projects under a given umbrella, which works fine, but it would be optimal to work the other way around.

The main issue is...I am probably the most tech savvy team member and it will not be feasible for me to create this complex database, which will track and record our projects perfectly, if our data entry person (who is NOT tech savvy) can't enter in the data for the projects. I need the proverbial one stop shop, or as close as I can come to it, to get it done. I feel like I'm on the right track...but there is a piece to the puzzle I'm missing or overlooking...Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

C.

 

[PNGBill]

Data entry person only needs basic keyboard skills.

Your database should only store Data Once and you use queries to manipulate and collect data for whatever purpose you need it be it a Form, Report or as part of a function and a few more.

If data can be viewed in one form then it can be viewed in any number of forms then or later, no need to "store / Append" it for the use of another form.

If, in the first form, you "enter" Data and wish to save same, then Yes, use an Append Query but don't store it in one table for this form and a different table for another form.