Inventory Control Design

[SodaJim]

Hello,

Looking for some input from the experts...

I'll try to be brief...

I'm taking on the project of creating an Inventory System for my Fire Dept which will strictly track medical supplies. I've looked at the one created within Access from the wizard but feel I'll need to create something from scratch...

My concerns are that I get table structures correct the first time!
If anyone could get me off in the right direction, I would appreciate the assistance!

Here's a brief explaination of our Inventory Control:

Items are received and stored at a main Inventory location
They are then distributed to three stations on a monthly basis unless a station runs out of an item prematurely.
Each station has two emercency units that contain stock.
I would like to track monthly requests for each station as well as what each emergency unit is using.
Additionally, how difficult will it be to implement automatic updates of inventory quantities after each station enters a monthly request?

These are just a few of the requirements I'm looking to accomplish but definately want to get table structures correct from the start!

Any direction appreciated in advance,
Jim

 

[Jack Cowley]

My kudos for taking on an important project for your department! I can tell you that I am not an expert when it comes to 'inventory control', but I can tell you that that is not an easy subject. I would suggest that you use Google or any search engine to get as much information as you can on this subject. This is not meant to discourge you in any way, but the structure of your database is all-important and the more information you have before you begin will only help you later on. I would suggest that you look at the Access sample and learn what you can from it and all other samples that you can find. I do not know what your experience is in this area so I hope that I do not sound like I am 'talking down' because I am not. You can take a look here to see what one individual has to say on the subject...

I wish you good luck with your project!

Jack

 

[SodaJim]

I thank you for your thoughts on this Jack.

I have developed several other projects but when pen and paper started on this one, too many unknowns came to mind; thus the respectful post here for guidance...

I've studied the sample produced from the wizard but have several questions regarding information flow... I'll have to look more indepth in the Northwind DB as well...

The link you provided opened my eyes to an alternative to storing a static "quantity on hand" value...

For such a seemingly simple task on the surface, Inventory Control just took on whole new look!

I've got a little homework ahead of me... Anyone willing to foward any links, sample DB's to study or other info, I appreciate any and all input!

 

[Jack Cowley]

You are welcome! If you have questions there are some VERY knowledgeable people here so post your question and I am sure you will get answers....

Good luck!

Jack