Query results what next?

[Ron_PTC]

I have MS Access 2007 for Dummies. I have MS Access 2003 for Dummies. I'm afraid I need a more simple version.

The table the information is stored in is FuelRecord. It has the following fields: DateOfReading, Vessel (name of vehicle), FuelTotalUsed, LOTotalUsed (lube oil used.) Readings should be taken on a daily basis.



I am attempting to make a formFuelRecord30/180/365 that would show averages based upon those 3 time frames. I have queries that return the relevant records -- qryFuelUsed30days, qyrFuelUsed180days, and qryFuelUsed365days.

How in the world do I perform calculations (Avg, Sum, etc.) on the relevant records and display that in a form? I've tried building an expression -- FuelBurn180Days: Avg( [qryFuelUsed180days]![FuelTotalUsed]) Nothing but errors. I get #Name? errors. I get #Error errors. I should get #Knucklehead errors.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, Ron.

[orange]

Ron,

You need a plan. You develop a database to support a business or correct/streamline a business problem or opportunity.
But you start with the business--What are the business processes? What are the business rules? You do not start with I have a table.
I'm going to recommend a couple of tutorials which you should work through. You have to do the work, but you will learn concepts of database design. What you learn can be used with any database. You'll notice that the tutorials start with a clear statement of the requirements in "business terms" { plain English}- that's critical.

Watch some videos to get some appreciation of the database design process; then try the tutorial (they do have solutions with them). A few hours learning this stuff will pay benefits many times over.
Good luck with your project.

Tutorials
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/T...lationship.zip
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/T...erItDesign.zip
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/T...getsDesign.zip

Here is more info on Normalization
http://rogersaccessblog.blogspot.ca/...on-part-i.html
http://www.utteraccess.com/wiki/index.php/Normalization

Some videos with overview of the whole process can be found in this post.

[Ron_PTC]

Thank you for the advice. I will certainly take the time to view the tutorials. I have been using Access for a number of years now. All of the databases I have made concern personnel issues -- employee data, injury information, etc. I believe I have a rudimentary understanding of Access.

What I am attempting to make is a database that track fuel usage (4 tanks per vessel), lube oil usage, average fuel burn, average fuel level prior to fueling, etc. All of this information can be gleaned from the Engine Room logs of our boat crewmembers. I've created a simple form to enter the information in to. Now I want to be able to see some trailing data for a selected vessel -- what was the average daily fuel burn for the last month/6 months/year. I have created queries that provide the records concerning these time periods. What I cannot figure out is how to total the appropriate records and place that total on a different form. Therein lies the disconnect.

Thank you again for your advice. With luck those lessons will make my Access brain bigger.

[orange]

The tutorials aren't for viewing-they're for working through. The videos are for viewing/watching.

I think this says a lot about your database experience.

I have MS Access 2007 for Dummies. I have MS Access 2003 for Dummies. I'm afraid I need a more simple version.

Your problem may be with database, not Access.

For Access tutorials see Steve Bishop's youtube materials -- starting here.

But do a tutorial from RogersAccessLibrary first.

Then show us a clear description of the project, and a jpg of your table and relationships.
Good luck.

[orange]

Sorry you took offense to my post. When I see posts subjects like -"Query results what next?" I interpret that as a cry for help. Too many times people jump into Access or some other software expecting the software to solve a problem. There is a whole field related to data management, data structures, data redundancy, data dictionary, relational data base concepts that are sort of prerequisite to DBMS (Access, Oracle, DB2...). Without some knowledge of these --even peripheral-- you are in for a long journey. I haven't even mentioned analysis, feasibility, development life cycles, testing etc. If trial and error is your preferred strategy, then by all means go your own way and ignore me or anyone else offering advice.

Look at an analogy - piloting a jet airliner. How many pilots do you think, just strolled up to some airline company and said -"I'd like to take your A320 for a spin". Ok sure, the keys are in it, have fun.
Do you think pilots have no training in the theory, no practical in flights with instructors...?

Databases can support entire companies and businesses. The shareholders, the suppliers, the customers, the employees all can become dependent on the database. Some databases are obviously more important than others.

If you found my post a little condescending, I'm sorry for that. You gave no indication of a problem, no indication of your experience and no details to lead anyone to understanding what you know, what you need, your experience or urgency.

Try one of the Rogers tutorials, and then come back with some details.

I've been at this "database stuff" for a long time, and have pretty thick skin. I gave you the best advice I can think of, and am sticking with it until you show us you have the situation well in hand.

When you emphasize that you have 2 Access for Dummies books and you need something simpler, what did you want from the readers? What exactly do you expect?

[Ron_PTC]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I have been watching Mr. Bishop's Access videos for the last 1.5 hours. I'm currently on number 12. Hopefully by the time I have a few more under my belt, I will be able to express any confusion in a more concise manner. Thank you for mentioning his videos. They are great.

[orange]

Glad you're finding them helpful.

There are other videos by 599CD on youtube that are quite good. He offers for fee courses, but the free youtube ones are well done.

Here is another youtube 26 minutes or so that deals with building a Stock Inventory application. It puts some reality into building a database. Not too focused on Access per se, but a good way to see some of what goes into such an application.

If you have specific issues with database or Access, there are many on the forum who can help.

Good luck with your project.

[Ron_PTC]

orange,

You are awesome! Your suggestion to watch the videos by Mr. Bishop was spot on. Thank you for the advice. Beware, I now know you are filled with useful information. Sorry in advance for any pestering that might result Thank you again.