Excel to access(unsure where to post)

[Mike]

HI,



Ok so i have only ever used access to enter data use an already complete database app.

However that database got "misplaced" when we switched companies and servers and the IT guy who made has been gone long before i was hired.

I have rebuilt the basic functions in an Excel sheet but there problems with this, mainly that anyone can edit any on the data by mistake or otherwise and no reports per payroll week can be easily made.

Looking for help turning my Excel sheet into version of the functioning Database we had.

[RuralGuy]

That is sort of a tall order. I would start by looking at the templates available in your installed MS Access and those available on line. Sii if you can find something that incorporates some of the features used in your previous system. It is *much* easier to modify and existing template than to start from scratch with your ap.

[Mike]

i had the same thought but can not seem to find one, now this may be due to my inexperience with access. i thought an inventory or sale template but after trying my no exp hand at it i couldn't even get basic fuctionality i have in the excel i made.

here is a screenshot of my excel sheet:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2RHfgJ2RMAiCoYQUA

and here is a screenshot of the User Interference from the old database.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B70...ew?usp=sharing


Right now i am just trying to get a functional product before eventually having two different interfaces, one for the end user to enter data and one for HR to update employee lists, export weekly payroll reports from, edit and remove data from database and set price

[RuralGuy]

You know you can password protect any cell in a spread sheet, right. That might work temporarily for you. I'll have to be honest, it sounds like your previous system did a lot and I would not know where to start except to put down on paper what you expect the system to accomplish. If you cannot put it down on paper then you wll have difficulty getting any new system to achieve what you want. I'll see if I can round up some additional assistance.

[ArviLaanemets]

Do you know, where the application was? Was it multi-user app? Was old app frontend-backend application? When yes, and you don't know where back-end was stored, then front-ends were stored in every user computer or in their terminal server accounts, When you find at least one front-end, and can open it in edit mode, then it is possible to check, on which address it is looking for back-end (linked Table Manager).

Knowing where single-user app or multi-user back-end was, you have to ask your domain admin's, was the database back-ups made, and are some of them available. When yes, then you can restore app - you may lose some data, but at least you restore all functionality.

[orange]

@Mike,

You mention functions and Excel and that you were recently hired.
People(readers) would prefer that you attach files within the forum--many do not go to 3rd party sites.
Allan and Arvi have given you some starting ideas that make sense to me.

I'd like you to tell us your skills as regards database and IT generally. We are all willing to assist but we do need to understand
the big picture and the business involved.

Here are a couple of old programmer's rules that always applyfrom Doc)

1. Access won't tell you anything you didn't tell it first yourself (or at least tell it HOW to tell you).

2. You aren't ready to do it in Access until you do it on paper.

and as Allan said
If you cannot put it down on paper then you will have difficulty getting any new system to achieve what you want.

It would be helpful to you and to readers if you could give us an overview of the business and the processes this database is intended to support/automate. Please use simple, plain English until we understand what is involved. Start at the 30,000 ft level and gradually add detail.

Here is a link to Database Planning and Design articles that should be useful - even if only for reference.

I found this link after looking at your image re WSCC. Perhaps you could tell us if this is related or relevant.

[Mike]

You know you can password protect any cell in a spread sheet, right. That might work temporarily for you. I'll have to be honest, it sounds like your previous system did a lot and I would not know where to start except to put down on paper what you expect the system to accomplish. If you cannot put it down on paper then you wll have difficulty getting any new system to achieve what you want. I'll see if I can round up some additional assistance.

i have the employee directories protected but can i protect cell after they data is entered without have to go in each day and protect the new entries

Your right i did a bit. I've been working on a list of all it did so i know what my end product need to do. However when i couldn't even figure out how to get the basic function that i have in the spreadsheet to translate over i relive i need to reach out sooner than later.

i think i've manage to attach a copy of my spreadsheet with all company data removed

[Mike]

Do you know, where the application was? Was it multi-user app? Was old app frontend-backend application? When yes, and you don't know where back-end was stored, then front-ends were stored in every user computer or in their terminal server accounts, When you find at least one front-end, and can open it in edit mode, then it is possible to check, on which address it is looking for back-end (linked Table Manager).

Knowing where single-user app or multi-user back-end was, you have to ask your domain admin's, was the database back-ups made, and are some of them available. When yes, then you can restore app - you may lose some data, but at least you restore all functionality.

The app was best i can tell a 3 "part" app consisting two front end, one for my department who sales the passes and shoes, one for HR who ran Payroll reports and could edit remove records if they were charge wrong or duplicated and a back end that had the Employee directories and all spreadsheets/tables that the two front ends work with.

i have the shell of my departments front end but can do anything with it as all the option say the is nothing to control when clicked on.

The other two were Stored on the old sever that is deactivated and taken down. We do not have back ups IT has looked and since this App was a Critical part of how my department kept records but is not a "Necessary" one i have been left left remake it if it can be while we use the "recommended" paper tracking forms and we have already lost or over charged about 30 people.

[Mike]

@orange

My skills Level with Databases and IT are what i would consider entry Level, meaning I have never worked with them but i grasp the concepts quickly when i am being walked through or taught them. IT tend to be able to walk me through most thing on the phone that normal takes them coming down to the workstation.

I have never done any real sort of programming beyond some CSS HTML for custom profiles. i am working on the "Put it on paper" part and will respond back soon with that whole overview.

Broad stroke overview of what the app was used for was tracking the sale of parking, bus passes, and safety shoe via payroll deductions and cash and it the same app but two versions one for each of the two properties we work from.

Thank you for the resource i will read through that while working on the "put it on Paper" part as i already have idea for improvement over the old but have really just focusing on get the old back before improving.

As far as i can tell it is not relate unless the old IT guy got data from them as we are a Hospitality company