dcphilli
asked on
Multiple Line Items to Calculate Square Footage
I'm building an access 2000 database for our construction division to use as an estimating tool. They are currently using an excel spreadsheet that has over 200 pages.
I have built an entry screen for the individual items they use in projects, but now I need to build an entry screen for things that are calculated on square footage per linear foot, and the unit cost is based on the guage of the materials being used.
I do understand the calculation, I'm just having a hard time deciding how to get the information in to perform the calculation.
Ex.
Duct A Duct B Total Linear Feet 90 degree elbow Offset
are some of the column headings in the excel spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet then takes the total linear feet and there is a multiplier used that tells how many units of each item is needs for each linear foot, and then the total of all these items is added together and multiplied by the unit cost. There are also different guages for each of the column heading items that are based on gauge and then a calculation is done to calculate total man hours needed.
I feel I can write the code for the calculations, I just can't figure out how to design a form to get the information in.
Any suggestions?
I have built an entry screen for the individual items they use in projects, but now I need to build an entry screen for things that are calculated on square footage per linear foot, and the unit cost is based on the guage of the materials being used.
I do understand the calculation, I'm just having a hard time deciding how to get the information in to perform the calculation.
Ex.
Duct A Duct B Total Linear Feet 90 degree elbow Offset
are some of the column headings in the excel spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet then takes the total linear feet and there is a multiplier used that tells how many units of each item is needs for each linear foot, and then the total of all these items is added together and multiplied by the unit cost. There are also different guages for each of the column heading items that are based on gauge and then a calculation is done to calculate total man hours needed.
I feel I can write the code for the calculations, I just can't figure out how to design a form to get the information in.
Any suggestions?
ASKER
I was actually trying to get away from the excel spreadsheet because it was so huge they have a hard time using it.
If I am understanding you correctly, they would still have to enter the data on the excel spreadsheet.
If I am understanding you correctly, they would still have to enter the data on the excel spreadsheet.
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Maybe I'm misunderstanding what is needed. I thought you were just trying to bring the Excel data over to Access and do the calculations from there. Am I wrong?
ASKER
I'm trying to create it all new (and hopefully better) in access and eliminate the excel spreadsheet all together.
I had been thinking that I just needed to make an input screen with the same text boxes as the excel spreadsheet, but I think I probably do need to store the calculated field, haven't completely decided about that yet, still trying to figure out where that information comes into play in the end result.
I was taught not to store calculated fields, but I was also taught that if you try to do calculations on calculations in reports you could get burned, so I think it may be best to store this calculation, because I know there will be additional calculations using it later.
Any suggestions or comments on that?
I had been thinking that I just needed to make an input screen with the same text boxes as the excel spreadsheet, but I think I probably do need to store the calculated field, haven't completely decided about that yet, still trying to figure out where that information comes into play in the end result.
I was taught not to store calculated fields, but I was also taught that if you try to do calculations on calculations in reports you could get burned, so I think it may be best to store this calculation, because I know there will be additional calculations using it later.
Any suggestions or comments on that?
The spreadsheets only store calculated values? They don't store the values that ARE calculated?
ASKER
Yes, the spreadsheets store the values calculated on and the answer (calculated values) and then the calculated values are carried over to a summary sheet. The goal here is to create an access system that will show the individual line items and total them into a summary sheet. Right now the excel spreadsheet is so large, they did not print anything to show the individual line items, only the summary. They want to be able to do something a little more professional looking that will show line items and summarize by categories.
to do this correctly, you need to have the values before they are calculated. You can then create the calculations in Access with reports, etc.
OK, you have to create the file yourself. First click on FILE -> GET EXTERNAL DATA -> IMPORT then find the file you are going to import then click IMPORT. Click ADVANCED. Select DELIMETED and {tab} by FIELD DELIMETER. Then put in your field information in the box below. When you are done, click on SAVE AS. Put in a name you will remember. Click on OK then FINISH to test it out. Now just put the name of the spec that you just saved in the docmd.transfertext in the correct place.
ASKER
I think I'm going to use a combination of your suggestions.
I'm going to set up a form like the excel form and see how it goes from there.
Thanks for your suggestions
I'm going to set up a form like the excel form and see how it goes from there.
Thanks for your suggestions
Once you have the data in the table you can just pull the info into the form.