AboutScottGem Expertise I have been an IT professional for over 16 years. During that time I have accumulated a large store of knowledge and experience. This allows me to assist with a large variety of technology issues. My specialty is Database design primarily with MS Access. However, I can answer questions on many different IT related topics.
Experience I have worked in IT support for over 16 years. I have also helped people in cyberspace for a good portion of that time. I have been a volunteer staffer on Prodigy and AOL. I was the #2 ranked expert at AskMe.com (#1 in Technology) and am currently ranked at or near the top at Answerway.com and PointAsk.com.
Expert: ScottGem Date: 11/13/2007 Subject: DB Standards
Question Hi Scott,
I recently began overseeing a MS Access database of HVAC repair parts and repairs. I'm looking for some sort of standard that we can use to insure that everyone entering data enters it the same way, using the same abbreviations,format, etc. Is there an ISO or something out there that I could use as a rule for everyone?
Thank you,
john Kelly
Answer I'm not clear what you are asking here. To ensure standardization of data entry, you should make copious use of lookup tables. For example:
Then, wherever you need to indicate the part you would use a Long Integer field as your foreign key and select the part from a combobox. By making sure the combo is set to LimittoList, you force the users to select from a list rahter than typing in their own part names.
Hope this helps,
Scott<>
Microsoft Access MVP 2007
