Search in fields with allowed multiple Values

[Vladko]

Dear All.

Could you please resolve me this issue?
To simplify I have table with 4 fields.

• IssueID
• Model (Combo Box ; Table/Query ; Allow multiple values - Yes)
• Region (Combo Box ; Table/Query ; Allow multiple values - Yes)
• Remark

I have filled them with different data. For example:
in Region in first field: "UK", "US", "France". In second field: "UK", "France".
in Model in first field "A1", "A2", "A3". Ind second field "A2", "A3". I hope you get it

Now i have two forms. One for data search and other which is displaying result. If I want to search in fields which don't have allowed multiple values then i use this code:

Private Sub but_Search_Click()
condi = "1=1"
If Len(Me.Issue_ID.Value) > 0 Then
condi = condi & " AND [Issue ID] = '" & Me.Issue_ID.Value & "'"
End If
DoCmd.OpenForm "FOR_TAB_CAMP", acNormal, , condi, acFormEdit, acWindowNormal
End Sub

But when I want to search in fields which have allowed multiple values in them, then this code don't work. How should I proceed? How can I find for example records which have in Model field value "A2"? Or in Region field value "France".

 

[stopher]

Multi-valued fields can be more hassle then they are worth. If you are creating a field that has values that you are likely to perform some task on e.g. search, join, then I would strongly advise creating another table to store the values (1 to many).

Nevertheless, you should be able to set a criteria like this:

[Model].value = 'A2'

 

[Ranman256]

If the data is separated by delimiters, then use the asterisk and LIKE.
Select * from table like [field] like "UK"

But this can give false results. This is why relational db demand a new record for EVERY item. You don't have to save space in order to get correct data.

 

[jdraw]

I would recommend not using MV field(s) since they are unique to Access.
However, you may get more info from this M$oft link.

 

[Vladko]

Thank you guys.

So how should I proceed if in one "IssueID" can occur in multiple "Region". If I want from users to input in one "IssueID" multiple "Region" is there any other way that except multiple values in one field?

 

[jdraw]

The point is, if you avoid multivalued fields that many recommend, then you create a separate table. This is the traditional, and recommended approach for relational database.

You have Issues and Regions, and it seems in your situation
one "IssueID" multiple "Region"

Issue-->IssueInRegion<-----Region

consider:
tblIssue
IssueID PK
IssueName

IssueID   IssueName
1              bad water
2              fire hazard
3              poor health conditions
4              poor infrastructure

tblRegion
RegionId PK
RegionName

RegionId  RegionName
1 NorthWest
2 Central
3 SouthWest
4 Southest

tblIssueInRegion junction table

This identifies an issue in multiple regions.

IssueID compound PK
RegionID

IssueId    RegionId
1               2
1               3
2               2
3               1
3               4