Just getting started

[GeneC]

Hello. I’m a new member in search of a plan and advice.

I’m teaching myself to use Access 2010, and after viewing a number of videos on Youtube I have a decent grasp of the basics. But, I don’t know enough to complete the project I’m working on.

I want to create a database for a hypothetical fire department where I can keep track of present membership, individual training and qualifications. I want to be able to run reports for:
* The present Personnel Roster with contact data
* Every individual’s Service Record, including that individual’s time served, qualifications, training, offices held, and maybe even any disciplinary actions.
* A record of alarms that includes a list of all members who responded, who was in charge, and what apparatus responded.
* A record of training classes that lists all personnel who attended, along with expiration dates if pertinent.

Once that is done, I want to create an equipment and apparatus maintenance database, where I can run reports on maintenance performed and maintenance needed.

Thus far, I have a good start on the Personnel Record table and form, but I don’t know how to activate a list of the various qualifications available while completing the form. How can I do this?

Any suggestions, tips, or tricks would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gene

 

[jackd]

Gene,

I'm going to suggest that you work through a couple of these tutorials from Rogers Access Library. (About 45 min each)
You have to work through them but you will learn. The tutorials start with a business description and Problem.
Then lead you through a process to identify potential tables and fields, and relationships all leading to a database
design that matches your requirements.

You should also be familiar with Normalization.

http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/Tutorials/Entity_Relationship.zip
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/Tutorials/ClassInformation.zip
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/Tutorials/ConsolidatedWidgetsDesign.zip

http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/Tutorials/Whatisnormalization.zip

You might try watching some free video tutorials by Dr.Daniel Soper that will help you with the concepts.

Intro to Database
The Relational Model
Data Modelling and the ER Model

Good luck.

 

[GeneC]

JackD, I will watch these videos, and perform the exercises you mentioned here. Will also let you know how I did. Thank you for your help. GeneC

 

[jackd]

Good stuff.

Good luck with your project. Tables and relationships that meet your needs is key no matter what database system you use.