Guidance on how to set up tables and a report for specific database

[vlbridge]

I am not the most proficient person in Access, but I can usually manage to work my way through it and learn as I go, but I am struggling with how to set up this database and any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The database is for a tugboat company. First, before the year starts, they will need to enter their scheduled maintenance information for the boats. I set up a table for this. It includes the vessel name, the approximate date of repairs, an estimated cost, how many days the boat is projected to be down for repairs, and a memo for the repairs they are going to be making. As the year goes on, they will be entering every time a boat goes down for repairs, whether scheduled or unscheduled. They need to enter the date/time it stops for repairs, where it stops, the type of failure, when it gets back in the water, and a list of the repairs performed. If it is scheduled, it will need to relate somehow to the scheduled information that's already in the system. Then, there's another list that I get from the Purchasing Software. I just dump it into a table twice a week, so this list gets overwritten with the most updated numbers and information. It's a list of all the POs. It has PO numbers, dates, descriptions, invoice amount, and status. I'd like a way for them to enter the down boat information, be able to edit it to put the end date/time when it ends as well as repairs as they happen. I would also like a way to be able to select the PO's that are associated with the job to keep track of what was actually spent on the job (but remember this list gets constantly overwritten. The PO# and description won't change but the amount and status will.) Then, they need a report every morning that shows a list of all the vessels and whether they are operating or down for repairs, and whatever future scheduled repairs they have planned. I can't seem to wrap my head around how to even start this. What tables will I need to create and what relationships should I make? If someone just has some suggestions to offer, I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time.

 

[dhookom]

Wow, you have quite a project ahead. Have you considered purchasing software for this?

There are some sample table structures at library of free data models. I notice at least one relating to vehicle maintenance and another to car service which might be similar to tug needs.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP