Access 2007 Database Setup

[Deb_Odyssey]

I’m trying to design a database in Access 2007 and having trouble figuring out what tables I need to set up. I’d like to track the following:
1. Daily time log to include:
A. Time In & Out for each activity
1). The main thing I’m trying to track is a daily time log where the main activity is answering questions or returning calls from a roster of 500 students.
2). Other activities include contacting resources for answers to questions I have regarding subject matter (ie: better understanding of chemistry 101: inorganic chemicals) and questions from students.
3). Between calls, activities include modifying textbook modules, and then other miscellaneous activities.
B. Specifics pertaining to each activity to include:
1). Elem or MS – not the area I’m responsible for, but I answer their questions anyway and log the activity and create a record for this student.


2). Module in question
3). Question #
4). Issue
5). Action Taken
6). Comments
7). Issue Resolved (Y/N checkbox)
2. Students (Primary key is student ID) to include:
A. LName, FName, Phone #s they call from (some students have siblings with same phone #).
B. How often each student calls during the month.
3. Module issues:
A. Ordered by Module/Subject (Chemistry, Alg, Geometry, etc), then chapter based on # of calls received for each. So do I design a table listing each Module and their chapter #s? (ex – Chemistry is Module 7. List as 07.01 through 07.13?)
B. For Each Module.Chapter
1). Number of calls received each month.
2). List of Issues (from 1B3 above)

Here’s the tables I’ve set up so far:
1. List of Activities & Students (Primary Key is Student ID and made-up Activity ID)
1001: Math 4
1002: Chemistry 101
1003: Resource (I’d list in field on the form who or what the resource was)
1004: Other (list misc activity in field on form)
1005: 1^st student’s name & info, through last student # 1500
1500: Last student’s name & info
2. Module List
Primary Key is the Module.Chapter. 01.01, 01.02 thru 07.30 listed as individual records. I included columns for Question #, Issue, Action, Comments

So, my questions are:
1. Have I started the setup correctly?
2. Where do I put info such as Elem or MS (referred to in 1B1) and Issue Resolved (1B7)?
3. Seems like I need a Time Log table, but not sure how to set up.

I am stumped as to how to proceed. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[ssanfu]

I see you started a new thread before this one had any responses. Not a good idea because it could waste people's time answering one thread when some else responds with the same comments on the other thread.



I would suggest designing the table structures/relationships using pencil & paper, sitcky notes, whiteboard, a large piece of cardboard, even chalk on the driveway, BEFORE jumping into Access. You will save yourself time and stress.


I stole the following from a post by orange - it is better than anything I could write:
---
"I recommend you create a narrative in simple terms about your proposed database and application. You don't start building a database by identifying a Form with 3 buttons. Now, that may very well be your initial user interface, but that is not the database. It is not as easy as many think to clearly describe WHAT your business is/will be. Consider the "things" involved(entities), the particular characteristics of each(attributes) that are important for your business and how these things relate to one another (relationships). After you have the narrative, you can use pencil and paper (or whiteboard or cardboard or ...) to develop and refine a data model. Create some test data and vet your model.
<snip>

<snip>
You have to do the analysis, build a plan, set priorities......Since you have the business, you know the processes better than anyone, so analysis should be second nature-- and providing you are familiar with database concepts -- designing the database should be an iterative process and a good learning experience for you. The data model and testing/vetting will result in a blueprint for your database. Review, test, adjust, and repeat until you get the results you expect. People are here and willing to help."

[Deb_Odyssey]

Thanks Steve