Building a database for an annual lab inspection program

[rlschadel]

Hello,

I am trying to build a DB for an lab inspection process. I am a safety professional who has about 2000 labs that need to be inspected annually and I need to generate some type of system that will enable me to schedule, track, and record inspections. Also, I will have three seperate employees that will be performing these inspections. Is there any type of software program I can buy to learn these tasks? Could you possibly provide me with a sample of a generic program and a brief detailed explanation of how it works? I am desperate and not used to using access a lot professionally. However, once I get a feel for it I will be using it everyday. hopefully as proficiently as the general population eventually. I appreciate your time and thanks for your input.

Rob

 

[saintsman]

Rob,

Forgive me if you are already aware of the functionality of Access but I'm guessing that you aren't.

Access is a suitable tool to use for your purpose. Access can be used very simply and there are wizards that can help you along. You do not need to be able to understand or write code to get a simple database to work and a simple database can suit you needs.

The first thing to do is to decide what you need to record. Place these requirements, one at a time, in a Table. Once you have done this you need to decide how you want to view the information you are going to store. For example, you may want each place you have to inspect in alphabetical order. Write your Queries for this. At this stage they do not have to be complicated and use the wizard if you are unsure.

Next, think about how you want to see this information on screen. Based on the Queries you have wrote you can build a Form. again it can be very simple but can always be modified when you become more proficient.

Finally you will want to use the information you have stored and print it out so that it can be used by your team. You can print out everything on your database but it is more practical to write more queries so that you get specific information and base your Reports on them.

A database does not have to be complicated to be useful so start simple and build on it as your requirements change. Don't forget to use the on screen Help as there is a world or information there and if you need to there are good books to buy on Access that can be money well spent. Give it a go and you will be surprised how easy it is to use.

HTH
Saintsman

 

[rlschadel]

Thanks!

Hello,

I appreciate your iput and will do my best to figure out the access program. I am going to start trying to work on it this week. I will have further correspondence if/when I get it down somewhat in this matter. Thanks again

Rob

 

[Mile-O]

The first thing to do is to decide what you need to record. Place these requirements, one at a time, in a Table.

Slight change to that statement. Decide what you need and put it in Tables.

If you are going to start designing this week I urge you to read up on database normalisation and the Normal Forms (1 through 3) to give yourself a headstart on all the others who plunge in headfirst and then find their design flawed.

You can search this forum for loads of advice as well as search for the terms above with Google, etc.