Hello all, I have attached a ERD sketch of the problem.
EqptFK in E_tblPers creates a 2nd relational path between E_tblPers and E_tblEqpts. In studying the data I find 99.9% of E_tblPers records have 1 piece of eqpt, and less than 10% have more than 1 item. Most items are pooled within the E_tblElmts (not shown) though E_tblEimtEqpts.
Looking at this problem I see three possible design solutions:
a) Use EqptFK and create the relationship between E_tblPers and E_tblEqpts. (save space in E_tblPerEqpt as 80%+ records of E_tblPers are not entered)
b) Drop EqptFK saving the confusion of two paths to E_tblEqpts. (this is 2019, and disk space is no problem)
c) Something better out of left field.
THe questions is which one is the "Proper" way. I know a this is one of thoses questions that can become personal choice, but Experience trumps Knowledge.
Thanks for looking