Precidament: I inherited a very basic yet-to-be-completed Access database for a small nonprofit when I accepted a new position. Having worked pretty extensively with Access and being comfortable with it, I find myself in the untenable situation of "fighting" with the programmer with regard to how I should be able to enter data (my organization is approximately 2,000 "member"). The programmer insists I use the forms he designed; they are so simplistic I am embarrassed. In addition, they do not do the job I reasonably expect them to: I cannot determine a donor's history, which is intrinsic to my position. I guess my question is this: If there is NO table relationship, why does he insist I use the form when I can easily (and quickly) enter the data via the tables. There is no referential integrity involved and my ability to perform what is expected of me is far below what I am capable of doing. How do I respond to my supervisor (we are only a two-person staff) who has no knowledge of Access and who defers to the programmer? Thank you and I hope I have posted this question appropriately.

Forms give you controls over the data input and are more secure than tables.

They also look nicer for the users.

At the very least you could use a form that's in datasheet mode. If you don't like the forms he designed then just redesign them.