Access Database with Excel-like Interface

[monidelgado]

I need to build a database that gets the information via an Excel-like spreadsheet. I have tried using pivot tables in Access, but cannot input information that way. I need for the "spreadsheet" to have 2 axes like in Excel, thus cannot use datasheet view of a form....Can any one tell me how I can do this through access, I don't want to have to link through Excel....

Thanks lots,

Monica

 

[lupins46]

Don't follow.
If all you are doing is keying data directly into cells then why is a datasheet not what you want?

 

[jpstroud]

Having a form in Datasheet view sounds just like what you need. Each column is a field, and each row is a record. It's essentially the same thing.

Do they need to be able to custom input calculations or something?

 

[MichaelRed]

Excel <> Database; Ms.A. <> Spreadfsheet. The most commonallity I am aware of is the "Grid", Whicl mimics the appearance of both the spreadsheet and hte datasheet of their respective applications. It is MUCH more like the spreadsheet, in that those nasty things of database land (constraints, indicies, etc, are non existant, however the corresponsing lack of spreadsheet like functionallity built in functions make it even less useful than either the spreadsheet or the database.

Not trying to be condescending, but even the question suggests a distinct lack of experience with either product or the various features, functions, procedures or controls available in the proiducts. From that perspective, it is possible that a more detailed description of the situation would produce more useful replies.





MichaelRed

 

[monidelgado]

Thank you for your posts. I'm sorry If I didn't make myself clear. The client wants to be able to intput data into something similar to an excel spreadsheet. I say similar because I need to have 2 axes. "Products" on the left column, and "Vendors" as the top row. "Products Sold" will be the fields in between. Unfortunately, the datasheet view in Access will not work because It will only let you see data in 1 axis not two (like in pivot tables). I wanted to find an alternative, if there is one.

 

[lupins46]

I don't see any problem in doing what you are asking for, PROVIDED that all the user wants is something that LOOKS like a spreadsheet. However, I suspect that as soon as you have presented this you will immediately get asked for more Excel features (totals; formulas etc). Then you are completely stymied.
As someone else has already said, Access is NOT Excel and the two products do different things.