Database Structure: How to add new set of data?

[ahmun]

Hello All,

Here is a generic yet specific question.

I have an Access database that tracks Employee Safety Training (obviously part of the safety department). And now other departments are interested in the same capability of tracking training.

Within this Database is a table that tracks all training info. To simplify, 3 major tables:
Employee
SafetyTrainingData <-- main table!
SafetyTrainingCourses

should I:
1. create a two new tables:
- AccountingTrainingData
- AccountingTrainingCourses

2. put the data into the same table (SafetyTrainingData) and create a field that delimits the different departments the training is from (requires major restructuring of my queries/forms/reports)

I'm leaning towards option 1... but I wanted to find out what kind of professional ideas are out there, since I am new to database biulding.

Appreciate any input! Earnie Eng
If you are born once, you will die twice.
If you are born twice, you will die once

 

[Dimandja]

Hi Earnie,

Adding a &quot;description&quot; field to SafetyTrainingData is the most sensible thing to do. Your existing queries can still serve the purpose of reporting on ALL data (still useful). Two things though:

1. You need a set of queries/updates that include the new field, but those routines can be used by any department (just fill in the new field with the appropriate value).

2. The name SafetyTrainingData will obviously need to be changed.

Dimandja