Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

[Theresa]

Hi Stan,

Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

Approximately 5 years ago, you kindly set up a database for me that would allow staff to enter and verify information.

We have since moved to alpha5, version 10 and staff have mentioned quite a few problems to me that affect productivity. This is not necessarily in the way the database was set up - maybe it's the software.

I have attached the database as well as their concerns (word document). Would you kindly have a look at it and let me know if we can improve (is there something I need to set up differently).

Thank you so much,
Theresa

[Theresa]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

Here is the word document (I don't think it attached)

Problems with Alpha 5 for Faculty Evals

When entering the data, the QID doesn’t advance until after the next entry is made, very confusing when entering. In other words if you are entering QID 10, it will still show QID 9 until you are finished QID 10.

It often freezes completely and you have to go out and come in again.

A error script comes up for no apparent reason and it is hard to get rid of--often have to go right out of system and back in.

When verifying, the more people who are in the system at the same time verifying, the harder it is to move to a clean screen. When you come to end of form, it should automatically go to a clean form to enter data on—but instead it will go to a random record that has already been entered. It is usually one or two off from the entry another person has just made.

If you make a mistake in verifying it is very hard to fix. For example if you enter the QID and Course # and start verifying form and there are a lot of errors and then you realize the QID you entered is wrong—you can’t go back to fix. You have to go right out of system. Even at start of form, if you enter the wrong QID you can’t go back to fix. It will keep coming up with Previous entry was this……and if you say yes to change then it will let you go back sometimes but then you have messed up the entry that was really that number.

Spell check is not an easy tool to use. If it picks up a spelling error theoretically it should give list of options including a space bar where you can type in a solution. Often that area is greyed out and you cannot type anything in. You have to sign out of spell Check and go back into that record to start over and then it will let you type. It’s important to be able to type there as the list of options is often not what you need.
Another issue it has is it picks up a spelling error but won’t let you fix it—message comes up Undo Edit or Resume Editing and if you click on either of those messages it goes to next spelling error and you can’t fix the one you were in.

[Stan Mathews]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

Sorry, I don't have V10 so I won't be able to do much. I will have a look tomorrow to see if I see anything wrong.

I'm sure someone else will jump in and see if they can help.

[Tom Henkel]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

I just downloaded the system, and it contains 2 tables, but both are empty. The entry forms don't seem to have any edits or rules, so I can't see if it has any issues.

Tom

[Stan Mathews]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

Thanks, Tom, for looking.

Theresa,

If your data is not sensitive, get to the control panel. Use the Tools menu, Zip database, and attach the result here.

If it is sensitive, copy the database via windows explorer, to a new directory, open it there, delete all but a few records. Look at the records remaining and falsify any sensitive fields like ssn's, phone numbers, etc and then use the steps outlined above to zip the database.

It will take a working sample to diagnose what is happening. You should briefly outline the steps necessary to illustrate the problems being seen.

[Theresa]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

I have attached the TEST database (which includes typos in the memo field).
Below is a document that the data entry clerks put together - I'm hoping you can help solve their problems. Thank you.

_________________________________

Problems with Alpha 5 for Faculty Evaluations

When entering the data, the QID doesn�t advance until after the next entry is made.
In other words if you are entering QID 10, it will still show QID 9 until you are finished QID 10. This is very confusing.

It often freezes completely and you have to go out and come in again.

An error script (different ones) comes up for no apparent reason � can�t get rid of it.
You have to go right out data entry screen and back in.

When verifying, the more people who are in the system at the same time verifying, the harder it is to move to a clean screen.
When you come to the end of the form, it should automatically go to a clean form to enter data, but instead it will go to a random record that has already been entered. It is usually one or two off from the entry another person has just made.

If you make a mistake in verifying it is very hard to fix. For example if you enter the QID and Course # and start verifying the form and encounter a lot of errors which makes you realize the QID you entered is wrong�you can�t go back to fix.
You have to go right out of data entry screen and back in.
Even at the start of the form, if you enter the wrong QID you can�t go back to fix.
It will keep coming up with �Previous entry was this���and if you say yes to change -then it will change the data already in system. You have to go out of screen and back in.

Spell check is not an easy tool to use. When cueing a spelling error, it should give list of options including a space bar where you can type in a solution.
Often that area is greyed out and you cannot type anything in.
You have to sign out of Spell Check and go back into that record to start over and then it will let you type.
It�s important to be able to type there as the list of options is often not what you need.
And of course once out of Spell Check, when you go back in you have to start over again with putting in your defaults (i.e. �Fleming�-ignore all)
Another issue- it picks up a spelling error but won�t let you fix it�message comes up �Undo Edit� or �Resume Editing� and if you click on either of those messages it goes to next spelling error and you can�t fix the one you were in.
After each correction and/or cue, �Resume Editing� comes up and you have to click it to continue.

It doesn�t recognize current words - i.e. internet, powerpoint, Microsoft, interacted, footage, and often will not recognize any plurals i.e. overheads.

[Ted Giles]

Re: Problems with database Since converting to Version 10

Problems I suggest.
The QID is tied to the Record Number and has a Calculated Skip.
The Spell Checker is a bit basic and works as intended I suspect but it should not stop when an unknown word is encountered as it does. The only way to get the word corrected is to place it in the Replace Field on the S/Checker.
Have you considered the Speed Glossary? The small pencil at the bottom of the Spell Checker is for adding special words.
Try the attached as the data is saved when exiting the Comments Fields and there are separate Spell Checking facilities for each Comment Field.
Not all of the Tables are in this Db. (1-1000judy and fall07)

I suspect you need a way of verifying the QID is the correct one with some form of lookup on the demographics somewhere.