Conflict: Spreadsheet Functionality with Normalized Tables

[JohnHarkins]

Hi!

My client hated the design I created using normalized tables and complementary forms to navigate and pop up various related information. I had a continuous form that kept everything on the main form that would fit without scrolling and then used a command button to get at additional data.

Instead, she wants a "spreadsheet" that opens up with the scroll bar several columns to the right (haven't a clue how to do that, but figure it must be something related to a property of OpenForm or loading). After that the challenge is to handle items on this spreadsheet that are really kept in lookup tables and still allow changes to such items (additions, changes, insertions, deletions). I've thought of using some "quick scroll" buttons at the bottom (footer?) of the form to go to the various sections.

What techniques can I employ? Is there any hope of convincing the client that my design will afford better performance in a mult-user environment?

I have the feeling that this is really a custom form and not a datasheet or continuous form in the traditional sense, but I'm probably too much of a novice to be able to articulate the issues properly.

Thanks for your guidance.

John Harkins

 

[HomeALone]

When your customer wants a &quot;spreadsheet&quot; that opens up with the scroll bar, you have three options to do <-these will keep you thinking

Option 1: Datasheet - nothing but a normal datasheet, this form will come with a customized menu bar will provide the user the options to filter, sort and navigate the datasheet. I used have the following items on the menu bar: Print, Print preview, sort ascending, sort descending, Filter by selection, filter by form, Advance filter/sort. . ., Apply filter, apply filter/sort, remove filter, First record, previous record, next record, last record, go to field, Analyze with MS Excel, Publish with MS Word. And add whatever the user wants.

Option 2: Datasheet as a subform - works as above but give you the options to create buttons for filtering, sorting and navigating of the subform datasheet.

Option 3: Continue Form – Line up each field(box) next to each other together, that will fool the user it is a datasheet. You then can add buttons for filtering, sorting and navigating.

The features of allowing insert, add, delete records will depend on the data source behind the form, if it is from a table, you can absolutely do, if it is from a query, that will depend.

Hope this helps!