Requirements Template?

[dspblues]

I'm working on a project where they have requested that the team stop managing data via excel and start using Access to improve the reliability of the data. I'm trying to approach this as an application development project. Does anyone have a requirements template I can use? I want to make sure I ask as many good questions up front to fully understand the work effort.



Thanks,
Warren

[June7]

What are 'requirements'? Really need to know more about the nature of database.

Define the data entities and relationships, structure tables to accommodate.

[dspblues]

What are 'requirements'? Really need to know more about the nature of database.

Define the data entities and relationships, structure tables to accommodate.

That's exactly what I'm trying to determine. What questions do I need to ask to nail down the requirements? Right now is isn't a database. It's 2-3 excel files.

I know one requirement is they'd like to refresh parts of the data monthly.

[June7]

What is the data in the excel files?

What do you mean by 'refresh' - import data, manual data entry, just run a report?

Suggest you get an introductory book on Access. You need to become familiar with relational database principles, Access functionality, programming concepts, and macros and/or VBA language.

[dspblues]

What is the data in the excel files?

What do you mean by 'refresh' - import data, manual data entry, just run a report?

Suggest you get an introductory book on Access. You need to become familiar with relational database principles, Access functionality, programming concepts, and macros and/or VBA language.

The data is asset management data. Some is provided by vendors. Updated spreadsheets will be provided monthly.

I'm working on getting up to speed on access, but regardless there should be some standard questions I can ask regardless of my knowledge level to help management define requirements.

[orange]

Here is a tutorial link that may help. You'll need to determine the subjects involved, and their attributes.
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/T...lationship.zip

The approach he uses iin his sample will lead you to a proper database structure.
Good luck.

[June7]

MS provides an Assets template database. You can download it from the "Getting Started" window when you open Access. Maybe it will serve as a learning tool and give you some ideas.

Access can import data from spreadsheets.

Google: How to design database

Start with http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ac...001224247.aspx

Identify data entities and relationships and how data 'flows' through the business. Then deal with design of user interface - input forms and output reports.

Should the database be split design? Will there be multiple users simultaneously? Will it be shared on a local network or should it be web based? How much security is desired?

[ssanfu]

You can look at a couple of dBs...
Here is an A2007 Asset management dB:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/te...i:TC001225342|

and this one is A2003:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/te...i:TC001018459|


Personally, I don't like the look and feel of these, but you can get an idea of how an Asset Management dB could work.

You might also look at dB models:
http://databaseanswers.org/data_mode...all_models.htm

[dspblues]

Thanks everyone!