Q: Help with a formula

[TroxlSha]

First off I'd like to simply say hello to the members, as this is my first post. I have browsed around these forums numerous times searching for answers to some questions I have had regarding simple databases, but this new database I am working on requires something I am not 100% sure access can handle. I am hoping that it can via hard coding. I have some very basic knowledge with the VB code behind the scenes, but it is just that - basic.

Anyway my father is asking for me to create a database that will help archive some readings for him to use in reporting at the end of the year. The data has certain fields that should be calculated, however. I have gotten the simple - get the sum of fields "X" thru "Y" - but the last one requires getting the difference between inventory numbers from "today and the day before" which these values are found in the same field. In other words inventory would be entered daily and once that days inventory is entered the next field should take the difference between the two (today/prior day) and add it to the sum of two separate fields.

Is this even possible?

[orange]

I'm sure it's possible. However, before you get too involved with queries and formulas, you should get your database designed.

Why did you choose Access? Perhaps this is an application better suited to Excel??
If you are going to use Access then read the following to help get a database structure.

http://forums.aspfree.com/attachment...2&d=1201055452
Then the first 3 articles here
http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/forum/topic238.html

Use Entity Relationship Diagramming to build a starting database.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your project

[TroxlSha]

Thank you, I will certainly read the articles!. As for the reasoning behind using Access over Excel. He will need to run specific reports based on the data collected/calculated. Also this is something that will be done everyday each year, and the data has to be stored for 5 years, according to the state. I guess I could technically have the data inputted into excel, and then exported to Access each month/week. I just seems that it would be easier to have it all done in access - if possible.

[orange]

Good stuff. Post back when you get a data model/database design.

For more infoIt isn't the best video quality, but it's the same presenter--and you can go back and watch them as needed)

These free video tutorials describe the processes of data modelling, normalization and entity relationship diagramming. There are other videos, but this group is by the same presenter and covers an example situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiVq8M5DBkk Logical data modeling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGMwuOtRfqU Candidate key

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiB-BKCzS_I Normalization

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ47btpjAhA Normalization example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Wg2fZENK0 1st Normal form

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vji0pfliHZI 2nd Normal form

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH-QR7t-kMo 3rd Normal form

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1GaaGHHAqM E_R Diagramming

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXAGQ8vmhCY ERD Part 2

Good luck with your project.