Normalization--design setup re repeated data 2

[lmcc007]

I am creating a database from my Excel spreadsheet. I have an issue with normalization. I have two separate tables—tblCompanies and tblCompanyNames. tblCompanies gives other data about the company—such as, size, industry, press awards, and so on. tblCompanyNames only list the company names and (N/A) when it is a blind ad, which I currently have about 400 blind ads I responded to. I do not want duplicate company names in database.

Should I have one table (tblCompanies) and leave the company name field blank? Is there another approach to handling situations like this?

 

[lameid]

Your table needs a unique identifier or Primary key. Often this is an autonumber field. This would allow you to have a blank company name as it would not be the primary key. One table is the right way to go assuming all the attributes/field pertain directly to the company.

Althought some attributes may change. It may be useful to have a separate table with these so you can add effective dates. It will also be a lot of hassle to query if you go down that path.

All that said, I would not think Company Name would be something you wouldn't have. Am I missing something?

 

[lespaul]

couldn't each company have more than one press award? I'm assuming so since you've got it plural...you should have at least these two tables then:
[tt]
tblPressAwards
(a list of the awards)
AwardID
AwardName

tblCompanyAwards
CompanyAwardID
CompanyID (FK from tblcompany)
AwardID (FK from tblPressAwards)
DateAwarded
[/tt]

Leslie

Come join me at New Mexico Linux Fest!

 

[lmcc007]

I would not think Company Name would be something you wouldn't have. Am I missing something? "

I am responding to blind ads that are advertised in the newspaper, Internet, and so on.

 

[lmcc007]

couldn't each company have more than one press award? I'm assuming so since you've got it plural...you should have at least these two tables then:"

Yes, I have other separate tables for the various subjects. Thank you.

 

[lameid]

Leslie is of course right about multiple awards... I meant to right something about one to one attributes but alas something got garbled.

If you are reponding to ads then I would start with the source of the contact and include anything relevent like company with it.

 

[lmcc007]

If you are reponding to ads then I would start with the source of the contact and include anything relevent like company with it."

I have all that covered. I got lost on normalization--repeated information.

But you set me straight on: "Your table needs a unique identifier or Primary key. Often this is an autonumber field. This would allow you to have a blank company name as it would not be the primary key. One table is the right way to go assuming all the attributes/field pertain directly to the company."

I took up some Access courses back to back and think I got lost somewhere, but you help me get back on track.

Thanks!

 

[PHV]

Have a look here:

http://r937.com/relational.html

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
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