Part Builder BOM

[RubberDinero]

I work at a company where we have to "assemble" an equipment via part numbers. Starting with the main equipment, to the small internal parts. every job is different so that's why the final product isn't pre-built. I was hoping to build an access database where I can use dropdown menus and check boxes that would populate the BOM. I think I can create something like this via Excel, but I like the idea of opening and closing forms for different type of equipment.


in the picture, black is the equipment layout, green would be dropdown menus and blue is checkboxes(i.e. customer installed checkbox).


I don't need records saved, only need to see the BOM. I was thinking a button that would process the equipment that was added, but maybe you guys know how to make the BOM update on the fly as changes are made.

Thank you ahead of time.

[orange]

You may get some insight from this video on Hierarchical database by Crystal

[RubberDinero]

I was blown away with all the info. While I can create simple forms for record keeping, I think that was a bit way over my head.

[RubberDinero]

Is there a way to count fields by their data? for example, most equipment will start out with caps, make a form where the default value for the dropdown menus are caps. in the BOM it will say "Caps = 8"(technically, Large Caps = 4, small caps = 4, but I'm simplifying.) then as I start changing the caps to the requested part numbers the cap sum will start going down. and a new line with the part number will populate:
Caps = 7
Termination = 1

while I'm simplifying, this would actually consist of numerical APNs that are a pain to memorize.

[mike60smart]

Hi
Have you started creating any tables in Access yet?

If you have can you upload a zipped copy of the database?

[RubberDinero]

It’s in the brainstorming stage, not sure how to approach this. I’ve made a few other record keeping databases, but I’m not sure how to approach this one.

[orange]

Not following your description. Suggest you tell us in plain English about your business - no database jargon until we understand.
Caps mean something you but not to the general reader. Always better to determine what the issue is before addressing how to solve it.
Lots of sites on hierarchical database and BOM via Google/Bing. Here's one.

[RubberDinero]

I sell cookies.
The main cookie can be chocolate part number 001, oatmeal 002, pumpkin 003.
On top of that cookie I can put one or many chocolate dot 004, m&m 005, raisins 006.
By using the drop down menus to build this cookie, the BOM would populate.
001
004 - 2
005 - 3
006 - 10

That’s a chocolate cookie with 2 chocolate dots, 3 m&ms and 10 raisins.

[orange]

In general sounds like:

Base:
-chocolate
-oatmeal
-pumpkin

Topping:
-chocolate dots
-m&m
-raisins

Can you have Pumpkin with raisins, Oatmeal with M&M ---all the variations.

Custom toppings:
-coconut
-chocolate chips
-rainbow sprinkles
.....

[RubberDinero]

I'm kind of a noob with access, I can easily create record keeping forms, but I have no idea what I'm looking at when I see relationships and all the other advanced stuff.
I guess I'll have to create something in excel, which I'm more proficient at.
I'll mess around with it a bit, Hopefully I can learn something new.

[mike60smart]

Hi

Rather than using made up names can you give us a real life example using actual field names?

[orange]

...I have no idea what I'm looking at when I see relationships and all the other advanced stuff.

Relationships are how business rules are reflected in your database.

For practical experience / learning of tables and relationships spend 45-60 minutes and work through one or two of these tutorials from RogersAccessLibrary.
ZYX Laboratories ***recently added
Class info system

other advanced stuff

Such as??

See this link for several articles on Database Planning and Design.

[RubberDinero]

It's all good. I accept that access is just not my thing. it was just an idea anyways. I'll continue learning more about access, but for this project, I'll just stick to what I know best. it's extremely easy to create on excel, but I wanted something more visually pleasing. thanks for the help and I'll look into the video links you posted.