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Database Structure For Accounting/Invoicing
Hi,
I'm creating an application that needs to handle customer orders and financial transactions (invoices, credit notes, refunds, payments), and I'm wondering if there is a recommended database structure for achieving this?
For example, are invoices, credit notes, payments, and refunds stored in the same table, separate tables, or two tables (one for debits and one for credits)? What relationships need to be in place to track payment allocation history? Is an invoice linked to an order or just a customer?
Any help on this is appreciated.
Sterry
I'm creating an application that needs to handle customer orders and financial transactions (invoices, credit notes, refunds, payments), and I'm wondering if there is a recommended database structure for achieving this?
For example, are invoices, credit notes, payments, and refunds stored in the same table, separate tables, or two tables (one for debits and one for credits)? What relationships need to be in place to track payment allocation history? Is an invoice linked to an order or just a customer?
Any help on this is appreciated.
Sterry
ASKER
Where would this question be better placed?
My application is to function as a standalone application for mobile workers (an additional part of the system is a Windows Mobile-based application). It must not be dependent on additional products.
My application is to function as a standalone application for mobile workers (an additional part of the system is a Windows Mobile-based application). It must not be dependent on additional products.
What database product are you using?
Doesn't QuickBooks have a WinMobile version?
Doesn't QuickBooks have a WinMobile version?
One or more invoices should always be linked to one or more orders, which should always be linked to a customer. The three kind of go together when it comes to accounting. In fact, a financial transaction (like invoices, credit notes, payments, and refunds) should not exist without a customer or some entity independent of the company books.
I personally would set it up by using Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and the General Ledger type model used by simple accrual-based accounting systems.
I personally would set it up by using Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and the General Ledger type model used by simple accrual-based accounting systems.
ASKER
robyncoffey,
How would you handle the situation where an invoice is not inherently linked to an order, a batch invoice, for example?
Would you store invoices and refunds in Accounts Payable, and credit notes and payments in Accounts Receivable? What is stored in the General Ledger?
How would you handle the situation where an invoice is not inherently linked to an order, a batch invoice, for example?
Would you store invoices and refunds in Accounts Payable, and credit notes and payments in Accounts Receivable? What is stored in the General Ledger?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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But just wondering.... why create something from scratch rather that an off-the-shelf accounts application?