General Design Question

[Cuken]

Hello all!

I'm currently working on a new access database for my department and I'm having a hard time conceptualizing the best way to implement the design goals. The goal of the database is to display a Software Matrix by build code. We use build codes when naming machines that tells our distribution service which software to install to the box.

An example of this would be; 000FC. The FC denotes the build code.

I've currently added every build code and description of the build code in its own table named buildCode. (currently 69 build codes)
I've added every software available for install in a table named Software. (currently 325 unique software)



I'm unsure of the best method to proceed from here. Should I create a third table that has all of the associations? If I do that associations, do I do it down one column? Do I create a new column for every build code? Another thing I'm worried about is how to easily update this information in the future. Software is added and removed from build codes on a regular basis, and I would like to have this database be a reference point for others to understand whats going into these machines.

Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks in advanced,
Cuken

[orange]

Here's a write up that may give you some ideas. I don't think anyone is familiar enough with your set up to give you specific advice.

http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/T...lationship.zip

You may find that the erd is a good tool for communications also.

[Cuken]

Thank you for responding!
I read through the document and while I understand what he's doing and why, I don't see it pertaining too much to my specific design.
Perhaps an elaboration of what I need will make the question easier to answer;
I've been looking through the forum trying to find someone who's doing a similar concept but haven't had much success. I'm trying to create an easy to view software Matrix. The best way to outline it is as follows;

	FOO	Bar	Example
Office	x		x
Java		x	x

In the above example, Office and Java represent entries from my Software Table. FOO Bar and Example represent "build codes" which are entries located in my build code tables.

I'm trying to determine the best method for generating the data that exists within the matrix (here denoted as 'x'). One thought i had was creating a new table called Relationships where I can link between BuildCode.ID and Software.ID . It would have a ton of entries but I can read through it and generate the matrix. Is there a better / more effective way to do this?

[ssanfu]

Have you looked at the "data base answers" site? It has 100's of models

http://databaseanswers.org/data_models/

[orange]

You said you were having trouble conceptualizing, so I thought a process to identify the subject matter, normalize the tables and establish relationships would be a reasonable start. I can assure you that the key to database is a good foundation/design. If that isn't part of the issue then perhaps you should show us your database tables and relationships, so we can see WHAT you are dealing with.