Help needed

[Debbie Bartlett]

Hi

I am new to Alpha 5 and have been given the package to learn and create a database for our inventory movement. I have never created a database before, I have modified an existing Access database but that is all, I do have some understanding of how and what to do but this is so complex I think I am completely missing the obvious, can anyone help me

This is to be an interim database to use while our goods department relocate as our main system will be out of action for a few weeks during this time we need to maintain our inventory movement and then reload the data back to the original system. We sell and distribute Television parts so as you can guess there is a lot of daily movement.

I have started to build a database but cannot get the correct working relationship between all tables.

Ultimately, I need the ability to import our data and then have seperate menus for Good's In and Good's Out that will alter the inventory on hand total.

Is there anybody that is able to guide me and offer some suggestions in laymens terms please while I get to understand the whole concept of Alpha 5. If so then I would really appreciate your help, I have asked for a beginners course but no seems to be the reply at the moment.

I really do need a mentor at the moment.

Thank you

[forskare]

RE: Help needed

That's an understatement. The approaches that come to mind are:

1. Spend some time on the phone with someone who can give general advice.
2. Post specific questions on the message board.
3. Hire someone to help you and your company through this.

I don't know what your time frame is but is sounds like you need to get this up and running within a farily short period of time. Creating an app is one thing. Creating an app with no knowlege about the database product is quite another is even more daunting.

kenn

[crimmelcp]

RE: Help needed

Where are you located.
There may be some Alpha users in your area

charlie crimmel

[Debbie Bartlett]

RE: Help needed

I am located in San Diego, California.

[crimmelcp]

RE: Help needed

send an Email to
[email protected]

or
[email protected]

Doug is an alpha user and consultant and may know someone in southern CA

Richard is with Alpha Software. He may be able to give you a name in your area

[Marc King - A5solutions]

RE: Help needed

Debbie, It's not as hard as it first appears.

Create a table, call it Main_product_info

The first field in every table should be called "Key" type Number and set to auto-increment in the field rules genie.

in this create fields for all the item info "part#, purchase order#, part description, cost...." pay attention to the field types. cost should be number - dates should be Date, ect.

Now create other seperate tables for the criteria that will be ascociated with each part i.e. vender_info, distributer_info, Price_info, Puchase_order, ect....

Finally create a set with the Main_product _info table as parent. click the check box referential integrity in the create set genie.

Now you can create a form based on the set and use a tabbed layout object to place your different Tables fields each on theier own tab (use the DragDrop List) - You can put seperate create new record buttons on each form ascociated with the appropriate table.

Be sure to base your forms on the SET *not* the seperate tables.

This set up will allow you to create a part record and move between the other forms ascociated to the part and creat multiple ascociated records for each part i.e. multiple distibutors, POs,.

Beyond this you can add a page with multiple browses that will allow you to select a part in one browse and view all ascociated info in the other browses.

This should get you going
good luck
cheers
Marc

[Debbie Bartlett]

RE: Help needed

Marc
Thanks for the info, I will follow all the steps you detail and let you know how I get on.

Appreciate your assistance.
Rgds
Debbie

[russ Boehle]

RE: Help needed

You might also read the "Alphasports Explained" book available on this site.

http://downloads.alphasoftware.com/samples/AlphaSports.pdf

use the link above.
This should give you a general idea of how to do it. If you have the time I'm sure you can do it.

Russ

[Debbie Bartlett]

RE: Help needed

Thanks Russ
I am getting some valuable assistance and will begin putting it all into practice.

Debbie

[Marc King - A5solutions]

RE: Help needed

Debbie,

Here is a basic model of what you desribed.

Select or create a part in the main view, then switch to the detail to view and enter parts received and parts shipped for the selected part and calculate quantity on hand.

You can modify as needed. This is a bit different than what I described though based on the same set structure - actually easier to implement with browses in place.

marc

[Marc King - A5solutions]

RE: Help needed

Try this one. I corrected a mistake in the calculation and provided the Calc Fields so you can see whats being calculated.

Marc

[Marc King - A5solutions]

RE: Help needed

Alright this is it - Each part record will calculate a seperate total received and total shipped and give you the current Quantity on hand to date for that part.

The calculation requires specific grouping that was a bit tricky but overal its quite simple.

Let me know if you need any asistance modifying the layout or adding more forms.

Marc

[Debbie Bartlett]

RE: Help needed

Thank you so much, just about to start I will let you know how I get on.

I really appreciate the help.

Happy New Year
Rgds
Debbie

[Debbie Bartlett]

RE: Help needed

When trying to preview the Form the following error occurs, what should I do?

Error message:
Error occured parsing CALC- Total_Received expression
Bad parameter summarize over: group'GRP- PARTS_RECEIVED: detail'

total (PARTS_RECEIVED- Quantity_ received,GRP- PARTS _RECEIVED:deta

[forskare]

RE: Help needed

Hi Debbie,

Please start a new thread for this question and give the details about what's happening. The only person who knows what you're talking about is Marc King. If he's unable to respond, your request may go unanswered.

kenn