how do i set up a simple order entry database for small business

[snooky1974]

I just want to set up an order entry database for my wifes new business
venture!!! I have organised all the tables and created forms to enter the
data for customers and products but cant seem to get my head round combo
boxes,etc. to actually log who ordered what and when.
Sorry but can anyone explain in idiot terms what bit im missing???

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

I just want to set up an order entry database for my wifes new business
venture!!! I have organised all the tables and created forms to enter the
data for customers and products but cant seem to get my head round combo
boxes,etc. to actually log who ordered what and when.
Sorry but can anyone explain in idiot terms what bit im missing???

You don't mention what version of ms-access, but have you looked at the
northwind database?

In a2003, you can go help->sample databases->northwind sample database.

This sample is a orders taking template. It is not complete, but it should
give you
some ideas as to what you need and how some things are "hooked" together.

If you not really up to speed on using ms-access, then you might be better
to spend the $100 bucks on a accounting package that has order taking
ability, it will save you a lot of time. Building a good order taking system
can quite a bit of programming and learning time.

Anyway, do take a look at the order taking system.

 

[snooky1974]

Sorry, it's access 2007. bit iffy on tryin to adapt templates. thanks i will
give it a try. was kinda hoping i could get my head round programming, bit of
a hobby. thanks anyway

 

[Albert D. Kallal]

Sorry, it's access 2007. bit iffy on tryin to adapt templates. thanks i
will
give it a try. was kinda hoping i could get my head round programming, bit
of
a hobby. thanks anyway

On the left nav pane you see templates...click on "local" templates. then
you see the northwind example.

Do play around with the northwind template....

It really depends on your needs here. You might not need much coding
experience. Think of this kind of like learning music.

You can play around on the piano for a day. And, by the end of day you might
be able to hit some notes that sound kind of good.

ms-access is VERY much like learning a new language or learning music.

So, do fee free to ask more questions. I can't tell you how to build a
garage or how to play music or develop an application for a business in one
post in a newsgroup. Learning this stuff takes time.

However I can certainly help you get the ball going, but you have to start
with specific types of questions.

Consider a book, and also try some of the free "on line" training here also:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR061829401033.aspx

and better

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR101582831033.aspx

 

[Fred]

A couple of extra thoughts beyond the excellent advice already given:


- Your situation is the exact opposite of those too numerous posts where
they need a simpe design but highly customized ot their application and they
just ask "where I can get a template for....." In your case, it's a common
application and a whole lottas stuff needs designing, so a look at the
template is a good idea.

- The foundation of your design is your table design. From your "log who
ordered what and when" question, ( = an issue that is handled by table
design) my guess is that you may have shortchanged the all-important table
design stage.

 

[Philip Herlihy]

On the left nav pane you see templates...click on "local" templates. then
you see the northwind example.

Do play around with the northwind template....

It really depends on your needs here. You might not need much coding
experience. Think of this kind of like learning music.

You can play around on the piano for a day. And, by the end of day you might
be able to hit some notes that sound kind of good.

ms-access is VERY much like learning a new language or learning music.

So, do fee free to ask more questions. I can't tell you how to build a
garage or how to play music or develop an application for a business in one
post in a newsgroup. Learning this stuff takes time.

However I can certainly help you get the ball going, but you have to start
with specific types of questions.

Consider a book, and also try some of the free "on line" training here also:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR061829401033.aspx

and better

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/CR101582831033.aspx

Good advice! There's also some very good online video training at
www.lynda.com (just a happy customer). Try a few sample lessons and
subscribe for a month or two if you like them.

Tip #1: everything depends on getting your table design
("normalisation") right.

Phil, London