Could you critique for me?

[JGalletta]

Hey guys,

I'm attaching a copy my db for your review. If you can, please check out the structure of things, and suggest any changes. I'd greatly appreciate this. The main form I'm looking for critique on at this time is frmScoutingRecords. Let me know how I'm doing, if you'd be so kind!!



The purpose of this database is to collect scouting records from our scouts who go into various fields on our (1300 acre) farm to gather information about which pests are in the fields and to provide readable output (not yet designed) for our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) crew. This allows us to treat areas for specific pests when they are present rather than relying on a calendar type treatment program which provides a treatment designed to blanket a variety of pests, applied in specific time intervals. This IPM method allows us to keep costs down and ensure that the actual pests in the fields are eradicated properly; only when a problem exists.

There are several issues that may need attention with these forms:

• OnLoad Behavior: Would like to default to new record.
• Record Navigation: Will provide code for +/- buttons to insert new records/remove unwanted records
• Four buttons on bottom of form will replace access navigation buttons.
• Would like to not show new (blank) record at bottom of continuous forms.
• Would like to eliminate duplicate field entries in frmFieldRecJoin per record in frmScoutingRecords, as well as eliminate duplicate pests per frmFieldRecJoin. i.e. Each record should contain distinct fields, and each field should have distinct pests.
• Beating Tray/Search Sample checkboxes should enable/disable Beating Tray Count and Search Sample Count respectively on their respective subforms. i.e. Beating tray checked on field 01A will enable the Beating Tray Count on only records in frmFieldRecInfo relevant to field 01A.
• Possible to have a scrollbar on the left side of a continuous form as opposed to only on the right side? - This would allow scrolling through frmFieldRecJoin without a scrollwheel since I am prioritizing the visual continuity of the form.

This list is not only to aid in my assistance but also for me to keep on track, so if there is an issue you're not interested in addressing, don't worry about omitting it. Any and all help on this is greatly appreciated, and I don't expect you to all jump at once. Thanks a bunch, guys!!

Again the database is attached for your critiquing pleasure of my horrendous creation!!! You're a brave, brave soul if you do this...

Thanks,
John

 

[RainLover]

If you want help from the older members like me you need to post in Access 2003.

We are not rich enough to purchase the latest version.

OnLoad Behavior: Would like to default to new record. You can set this in the properties box of the form.

Would like to not show new (blank) record at bottom of continuous forms. Same as previous answer.

 

[JGalletta]

:-/ I'm utilizing 2007-10 functionality. Sorry.

 

[RainLover]

You can convert it to 2003.

 

[JGalletta]

I really don't want to get rid of the multi-valued fields. They're quite easy to use and maintain. I'll wait for someone with A2007/10 if I have to.

Not trying to be rude, but I can wait on this.

 

[pr2-eugin]

Rain, I thought to convert it to an earlier version, BUT the OP has several Lookups and multivalued field in table level.. So conversion is tiring..

John, my advice would be to rethink about Lookup in table level.. Look into "The Evil's of Lookup".. After which we can address the issues..

 

[JGalletta]

John, my advice would be to rethink about Lookup in table level.. Look into "The Evil's of Lookup".. After which we can address the issues..

I think I put that lookup in accidentally - does it seem to have a purpose? Which one are you talking about? Should be at the form level, right?

 

[Sketchin]

Navigation buttons are simple if you just place a command button down and use the wizard for find next record, first record...etc

 

[JGalletta]

Aside from non-functioning buttons, does everything make sense with the version I uploaded? It should test out fine other than my lack of creating required fields, etc..

 

[RainLover]

Your lookups at the Table level is a serious problem.

Strongly advise that you get rid of them.

Note that I am not the only one telling you.

You have even been given a Link to the Evils of Lookups. Please read it.

 

[JGalletta]

Your lookups at the Table level is a serious problem.

Strongly advise that you get rid of them.

Note that I am not the only one telling you.

You have even been given a Link to the Evils of Lookups. Please read it.

I've read it, an have corrected the issue already. Thanks. One was an imported table from the first database I ever made. The second was a lookup meant to be in a form. I understand the issues.

 

[RainLover]

I've read it, an have corrected the issue already. Thanks. One was an imported table from the first database I ever made. The second was a lookup meant to be in a form. I understand the issues.

Good to hear.

You will appreciate this more as time goes on.