Showing posts with label access. Show all posts
Showing posts with label access. Show all posts

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Microsoft Access Project Break Down

Assess Access: Success!

What did I learn about Access you say?

I learned how a database functions at the basic levels. It's like a web of information intertwining at all types of different levels and different ways.
I learned the basics of 4 functions: Tables, Forms, Queries and Reports.
It was hard to do the query actually because the data provided in the file we were supposed to use did not match the initial table we used, therefore a lot of modifying had to happen. I eventually just cut out some parts of the address because the instructions said edit it to your table. I figured for this project it was not a big deal, but for a business the full US postal address would be essential. I'm glad I learned how to deal with Access on a basic level. It helps in understanding businesses that you know have databases. Conceptually it is very useful. Forms and reports concentrate more on the design aspect while table and queries have raw, specific data. They both intertwine to enhance customer service and profits of companies. It's a neat and useful tool.

Enhancing the functionality of the database:

I think this database could be broken down better. Maybe two different tables for Family and Individual. These could have different categories that are catered to family or individual. If they have kids that go to a day care center at the gym or if the individual works out longer. You could also run different queries comparing the family and individual to see which category is more likely to stay longer as a member. I think there are many options to enhance the functionality of this database because the information doesn't necessarily flow together and it could have other categories in it. However, I do think it was simple enough for this project's purpose.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Muddy: Databases


Learning a new program : Access


It's prretty difficult the first go-around for a new program. Especially if you have never worked with databases or anything even like that.
The concepts were pretty easy to understand, but I think this video puts it in plain English.
In the lecture, the program was not put in the simplest language possible.

In business, it's important to fully understand a program. Or at least what you need to do on that program. Software like Photoshop is so vast that most users only use about 1% of it. I am guessing Access is similar. It seems complex, but once you start making reports, forms and relating tables together, I'm sure it get's easier.

About.com has a plethora of tutorials to choose from and walks you step-by-step.
Tutorialized.com has many tutorials that actually refer you back to YouTube videos but does not navigate you away from the page.
Finally, on Functionx.com there is an extensive list on the left side that brings you to a great text and graphic breakdown of table, forms and everything in between.