A few years ago, I built a database for our ordering system. It was actually pretty neat and I was proud of it. But, one thing that has bothered me is that I know that I didn't have it set up right from the get go. The database itself didn't crash, but the computer that it was stored on did and everything was lost. I think there is an older version of it available, but I thought I would explore the idea of building a new one.

I am familliar with Access and love it, but I know I don't know the correct way to set it up. That is where everyone on here could be of some assistance...point me in the right direction to set this thing up right.

I am not that picky about the looks of the thing, but it has to have all of the information that I need and has to "flow". My old one worked, but I know it didn't flow like it was supposed to.

This database is for our orders. Customer calls, orders a product, we fill in the DB to get the printed reports we need for the office, billing, and for the 2 or 3 guys in the shop. Therefore, to start with, I need a place for customer information, product information, machine information (we manufacture tractor parts for thousands of different tractors), shop guy information.

I know I can somehow import the customer information from Quickbooks where our pre existing customers are listed as well as the product information. So Access would pull that information from those tables (I think it is called autofill where you select the customer number and their name and address fills in automatically or fill in the product name and size when the stock number is selected). What I need the most help on is how the table/relationships should be set up. From there, I can build the forms that are needed for the order desk to fill out.

I hope this makes sense to all of you. It does in my head I am just not sure how to convey that to you. I don't know technical Access terms, VBA, or any other kind of programming. I built the other one on a wing and a prayer and with a very large access book and with alot of help from you guys! I am so hoping you all pull through for me again!

Also, I am new to Access 2010 (I am used to 2003) so this could be a very frustrating road for me!

Hi,

If you want to build your new database right from the start, it's very important to get the table structure correct. If you are not familiar with proper relational database design, take a look at this Wiki article: Normalization

Just my 2 cents... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/2cents.gif)