Where to begin?

[FPEngineer]

I have an idea for a project database that I want to develop for my office to help in communicating and storing information and hopefully make projects run smother. I am starting from square one so I am open to suggestions. I would like to use either MS Access or possibly a MySQL. My experience is limited to a small Access database used to track equipment assigned to individuals as well as their personal data.

The function of the database would be to store project information (project number, Project Name, location, date started, principal, project manager, others that are assigned etc.) budget info (total value of project, hours allowed to each person, update hours used by each person as the project moves along, ) a log of project materials received and shipped, deadline dates. This is the basic idea.

I would like to have some type of simple interface to enter the data much like the forms used in access with drop down menus and text boxes etc. I would also like to be able to lock certain people out from entering or changing certain information, for example the receptionist is allowed to enter in materials received from the client but she is not allowed to change or enter in budget information. If I were to go with MySQL I am not certain how to make this interface, I have read that you can use an Access front end and MySQL back end but I am not sure if that is recommended. What other methods are there?

I know I have a lot of reading and learning ahead of me and any advice would be very helpful.

I am going to post this in the general database forum as well as the MS Access and MySQL Forums in hopes that someone will be able to put me on the right track.

Mike

 

[FPEngineer]

Should also add that we have about 20 people that will be accessing the info at various levels admin, management and engineer.

 

[CajunCenturion]

When starting out on any project endeavor, it's usually best to start by defining the objectives and functional and accessibility requirements of the system. Once those have well understood, then one should go about choosing the tools which best support the project, understanding that tool availability, and resources knowledgeable of those tools is certainly one of the parameters of the decision.

Good Luck
--------------
As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein

 

[lespaul]

You should do a web search for "Project Management Software" and see if any of the existing products will meet your needs rather than starting from scratch.

Leslie
landrews@metrocourt.state.nm.us

There are 10 types of people in the world -
those who understand binary
and
those who don't!

 

[FPEngineer]

Thank you, I will look hopefully there is something out there that will do what i need or can be customized. This has to be at no cost tom the company as i have decided to do this on my own and I am not willing to shell out the cash but i will take the time.

 

[Craig0201]

"I have decided to do this on my own and I am not willing to shell out the cash but i will take the time."

Remember time is money!

Craig

 

[FPEngineer]

By "I will take the time" I mean my own time not company time. The way I see it learning a new skill is time well spent so that is not an issue. I would much rather do something constructive than sit and watch TV.

If it were on company time than I would have to agree with your comment "time is money". it is hard enough to meet revenue without throwing in all the non billable hours