Displaying table information on a form

[Belle]

I have created a table that has 2 fields. One of the fields is labeled
supplies. I have a supply list of 320 items. I need to display every supply
on a form, where the user can enter the amount to purchase in a textbox..
From there I have created a query that calculates the cost. I manually typed
the cost of each item per each field in the query then multiplied by the
quantity.
How can I easily update the cost in one place preferably on the table but
have my query see the updates. I don't have enough time to change the
structure of my database, but what can I do to achieve functionality?

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Belle,

How can I easily update the cost in one place preferably
on the table but have my query see the updates.

I don't really understand what you are asking. You do not want to store the results of a
calculation in a database, if that is your question. Have you had a look at the Northwind sample
database? This database is usually available when Access is installed. Search your hard drive
for a file named "Northwind.mdb" (without the quotes, of course). You might also want to search
your hard drive for a sample database named "Orders.mdb".

I don't have enough time to change the structure of my
database, but what can I do to achieve functionality?

Okay, this statement really concerns me. I quote the following from database design guru Michael
Hernandez:

<Quote>
"Invest the time to implement data integrity.
I can’t over-emphasize the importance of this tip. Many of the problems you’ll encounter with
inaccurate or erroneous information will be a direct result of poor data integrity. While it
sometimes seems like a waste of time to pay so much attention to the many details involved in
establishing data integrity, it will actually save you an enormous amount of time in the long
run – you won’t have to continually go back to fix things. An interesting fact is that the very
people who "…just don’t have the time" to establish proper data integrity are the ones who
usually spend a large amount of time fixing their improperly designed databases. In many cases
they will spend up to three times the amount of time it would have taken to design the database
properly in the first place! So don’t do it over – do it right!"
</Quote>

Source: http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf
(See the 2nd to the last paragraph on page 4)


Tom
___________________________________


I have created a table that has 2 fields. One of the fields is labeled
supplies. I have a supply list of 320 items. I need to display every supply
on a form, where the user can enter the amount to purchase in a textbox..
From there I have created a query that calculates the cost. I manually typed
the cost of each item per each field in the query then multiplied by the
quantity.
How can I easily update the cost in one place preferably on the table but
have my query see the updates. I don't have enough time to change the
structure of my database, but what can I do to achieve functionality?

 

[tina]

Tom, what a great link, thx!

Hi Belle,


I don't really understand what you are asking. You do not want to store the results of a
calculation in a database, if that is your question. Have you had a look at the Northwind sample
database? This database is usually available when Access is installed. Search your hard drive
for a file named "Northwind.mdb" (without the quotes, of course). You might also want to search
your hard drive for a sample database named "Orders.mdb".


Okay, this statement really concerns me. I quote the following from database design guru Michael
Hernandez:

<Quote>
"Invest the time to implement data integrity.
I can't over-emphasize the importance of this tip. Many of the problems you'll encounter with
inaccurate or erroneous information will be a direct result of poor data integrity. While it
sometimes seems like a waste of time to pay so much attention to the many details involved in
establishing data integrity, it will actually save you an enormous amount of time in the long
run - you won't have to continually go back to fix things. An interesting fact is that the very
people who ".just don't have the time" to establish proper data integrity are the ones who
usually spend a large amount of time fixing their improperly designed databases. In many cases
they will spend up to three times the amount of time it would have taken to design the database
properly in the first place! So don't do it over - do it right!"
</Quote>

Source: http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf
(See the 2nd to the last paragraph on page 4)


Tom
___________________________________


I have created a table that has 2 fields. One of the fields is labeled
supplies. I have a supply list of 320 items. I need to display every supply
on a form, where the user can enter the amount to purchase in a textbox..
From there I have created a query that calculates the cost. I manually typed
the cost of each item per each field in the query then multiplied by the
quantity.
How can I easily update the cost in one place preferably on the table but
have my query see the updates. I don't have enough time to change the
structure of my database, but what can I do to achieve functionality?

 

[Tom Wickerath]

Hi Tina,

You're welcome. Have you seen the more comprehensive version that I have included a link for in
the past? Here it is:

http://www.eade.com/AccessSIG/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding Normalization")

I also have a 34 page paper I can send you titled "Imposing Data Integrity in Microsoft Access",
also by Michael Hernandez. Send me a private message if you'd like a copy.

Tom

AOS168 at comcast dot net
_______________________________________


Tom, what a great link, thx!

 

[tina]

thanks, Tom, that website i already had bookmarked (though i haven't snooped
around in it lately <g>). thanks also for the offer of the paper, you're a
luv. i'll email you right away!