How to enter multiple items into a field in Access 2003 1

[ladyemrys]

HI,

I'm clueless with creating databases, and have been asked to create a database for tour bus information. I can't figure out how to create a table for the vehicles and link it properly - some of them have up to 100 vehicles - what is the best way to accomplish it, and what is the best method of linking the tables? I created a table for the operator information and an autonumber field to create the permit numbers. The first iteration had an ID field that was autonumbered but since i can't have 2 autonumber fields i removed it...

The operator information table looks something like this:

Operator Name Address Phone Number Contact Last Name

I'm more than willing to recreate the whole thing...


Any suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[dhookom]

Hopefully someone knows something about the tour bus business. If not, you may need to tell us what types of information you intend to store. Do you need to store just company information or down to a vehicle level? You mentioned permit numbers but most of us don't know anything about permits and what they are related to in the tour bus industry.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[ladyemrys]

I asked my dba friend what to do and he gave me some suggestions. Kindly disregard! Thanks!

 

[ladyemrys]

Thanks Duane! I work for local government and we're just starting the permit program, so i'm afraid I don't know much about it. Here is what i am doing - we have received a bunch of applications for free parking permits from the tour bus operators. I entered some of the information into a database and had crystal reports generate the permits. My boss would now like one permit per license plate number, and some operators have 100 buses listed on their app. So i have created a table for the operator information and a table for the permit information, and i'm now trying to create a form that will handle the entry of the license plate information...i don't really know anything about the industry itself as i'm more of an IT person and am trying to automate stuff here to make it easier for people. thanks for your help though, much appreciated!!

 

[dhookom]

You need to push back to your stakeholders to ask for specifications. I expect the buses need to renew permits so this means at least three tables: Tour Operators, Buses, and Permits.

Try not to get pushed into creating something until after someone provides you with what they expect. There are a number of Word or other types of templates that others can complete prior to your creating tables or forms or reports.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[ladyemrys]

Thanks! My friend said the same thing. One for vehicle information with the license plate and type of bus, one for the permits and one for the operator info. I'm going to start over from scratch now that I have your suggestions and have talked to my friend as well. Thanks again YOU ROCK!

 

[dhookom]

I often fall into the trap of starting development way too early. It is always best to have clear and concise specifications in hand prior to creating tables. This should create mutual expectations between the key stakeholders and the developer.

Then you only have to contain the scope creep as they attempt to add to the specification after development has started.

Duane
Hook'D on Access
MS Access MVP

 

[ladyemrys]

Thanks again, your advice has been priceless. I now know what to do in this case and in the future. Thank you!!!