Re: I need some expert advice on database design

I agree with the other experts here. If he is using macros I would dismiss
the need for his services. The only macro I use is the autoexec, which opens
the database to a particular starting form or switchboard. I generally
create my own switchboard and do not use the built-in wizard with Access.

If you can get a grasp of building relational tables and table
normalization, most likely you could step in for the hired consultant. This
is the biggest obstacle of learning Access. From here everything is a piece
of cake.

What version of Access did the consultant say he worked with last? If he
says Access 97, here lies the problem. Access has made enormous improvements
and a true Access developer will have worked the the most recent, such as
2007 or at least the previous release 2003. I say this as I just installed
2007 on my machine.

Using Access you can create a workable database without using or knowing
VBA. However, depending on your organizations needs, coding VBA is suitable
and expands on the functionality of Access. Good developers know how to use
VBA. The only time you want to go higher, such as SQL Server and/or .Net
languages is when your organization is doing extensive transactions and you
need a more robust program.

Some key questions you can ask the consultant:
1. Do you know how to program using VBA? Creating a macro and then
converting it to VBA does not count. They should be able to code some stuff
free handed. Using books is okay, as it is impossible to know everything
when coding. However, common basic VBA generally you can code as you go.
2. Do you always split your database? Good developers of Access always split
the database. Table only on a server type machine and a front-end that runs
on each users machine. If he does not know this concept, this should be
grounds for dismissal.
3. Do you know how to implement security in Access? If he says to use just a
database password, this should be grounds for dismissal.

"jpwgh via AccessMonster.com" <u39688@uwe> wrote in message
news:7d86ea82fd5c6@xxxxxx
I work for a non-profit organization. With the help of a grant, we hired a
consultant to come in and design a database incorporating 3 divisions of
our
organization. He dazzeled and intimidated us with his technical jargon.
He
has been working on this project since Feb. In Aug. I bought some books
and
began learning to program using VBA. By Oct. I created a small database
to
automate repetitive tasks done by staff with little or no computer skills.
Granted, there are some things that probably could be done better, but I
did
do more than just creating some macros and converting them to code. I
used
some SQL stmts to copy and delete tables, some DAO.recordsets to put
values
in specified fields and used code to specify to which drawer on the
printer
to use to print on legal paper. I am not claiming to be an expert but I
know
some basics. I am no longer intimidated by our consultant. Problem is
when
we asked questions, some of his answers didn't jive. I took a look at his
"code". The majority of his database was programmed using macros (he
didn't
even bother to convert them to code). What little he did code was done
strictly using the wizard and much of that did not apply to our database.
There were command buttons that did not exist referencing forms and
queries
that were not in our database. I think I have management almost convinced
there is a problem. I don't think they took me serious at first being a
self
taught novice.

Since I only know VBA and I know there are other programming languages out
there, are there other programming languages better suited certain
designs?
How can I find out what program design would work the best in our
situation.
I need to be able to state my case to management.

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

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