validation to populate date?

[andyf80]

Hi everybody -
This is my first post and I am extremely new to Access. It's giving me fits, but i'm eager to learn.

My question:



I am trying to create a database to track customer applications. Once received, each application has about 25 different touch points/milestones along the way - and an associated system code to go along with each.

I am thinking of having a drop-down list for the different system codes, when the user manually chooses the code i'd like a pop up window that will have them manually enter a date and then have that date populate under the appropriate code's field.

I would welcome anyone's suggestion on how to get this done.
p.s. I am currently using 2003 at work, but it will be upgraded to 2007 very soon.
Thank you so much in advance!

[pbaldy]

Welcome to the site. It would depend on your table structure, but assuming a properly normalized structure I'd expect you to have a form for the application, and a subform tied to a related table for the milestones. That table/form would have fields for the milestone and date, so the user would simply fill both out. When you say "under the appropriate code's field", it sounds like you've made the mistake of having a field for each milestone. That would be "spreadsheet thinking", and a relational database requires a different mindset to work properly.

[andyf80]

Hey Pbaldy -
Thanks a LOT for your help.
You were right...it was mainly my "spreadsheet thinking" that was the hold up.
I've learned a TON in the last 24 hours about access and i'm super excited the doors that it's going to open for me at work.

I figured out something that is going to do the job.
I wanted to be sure to thank you...I look forward to learning more from you guys.

~Andy

[pbaldy]

No problem Andy. Post back if you get stuck.