Expert: Arthur Naman - 3/18/2008

Question
Good day, I help run a small kiosk that specializes in unlocking cell phones as well as selling accessories for them as well as iPods and some other nick knacks. I've been able to make databases for some time with varying degrees of complexity, this time around I decided to use the Order Entry database template as the starting foundation to help speed things up as most of the basic components are already in place and the user interface is good for our not so computer savvy employees. I'm just wondering how can I integrate a rudimentary inventory control system (Product ID, Product Name/Description, Quantity Remaining) that ties into the products listing via the 'Product ID' field in the 'Products' table. You see, all I need is to figure out how to be able to enter some numbers and have the system deduct from it as products are sold, but it has to be newbie friendly, I'll be implementing a form to facilitate number entry. Any thoughts on how that can be done without monstrous database edits and coding?

Answer
Although I am not using Access at this time, having switched to Open Office, I have used it to make changes to forms and reports. I have not used the Order Entry template or any other Access template for that matter.

You should be able to accomplish this without "coding" -- or rather without programming (VBA or what ever it is called now).

If you have used this or other database software packages to setup forms, reports, etc. then you might be able to do this as well. I found that setting up and changing forms and reports to be fairly straightforward. Not simple, but certainly doable.

I would ask what are you doing for your accounting software -- using Quickbooks, or Peachtree?. If so, you might be able to accomplish this in that software or in an add-on module.

You may find better assistance using the Business software / Using MS Access section of Allexperts.