Multiple Source Query

[austinr]

I'm in the process of learning to use Access and I would appreciate any help that can be provided. The problem that I am facing is that I have data in three different columns, and this cannot be changed. The database that I am creating links to another database to retrieve a table. This table contains two columns of data that are essentially the same for my purposes. I have also created a new table in my database which houses new data and also this will be the location where new records are be stored. Ideally what I'd like to have is a single table with the information from the three sources stored in a single column that updates as the linked table is changed. Is there a way to do this with a query? or should I be looking into another method? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Would the append option be appropriate?

 

[neileg]

If the structure of your internal table and the external table are the same (or can be modified in a query to be the same) you could use a union query to join the two together. This will ensure that the data reflects the changing contents of the external table while allowing you to store new records in your internal table. Appending the external data to your table will only give you a snapshot of the data at the time you run the append query.

 

[workmad3]

I would suggest keeping the information in 3 columns. There is no point aggregating it internally, but you can always run queries that aggregate it into a single column when you run it, without changing the internal structure.

 

[austinr]

Thanks for the help! The union query is exactly what i needed.