Build User-Friendly Database Systems Chapter 7 Intro to MIS - MGS351 Build User-Friendly Database Systems Chapter 7

Query Based Forms AutoLookup Menu Systems Macros Chapter Overview Query Based Forms AutoLookup Menu Systems Switchboards, Blank Forms and Navigation Forms Macros Autoexec, Help Button

Display data from multiple tables Display calculated fields Query Based Forms Display data from multiple tables Display calculated fields Utilize AutoLookup Display sorted data

Automatically “looks up” data based on a primary key AutoLookup Automatically “looks up” data based on a primary key Tables used in query must have a one-to-many relationship Join field in the query must be taken from the many side

AutoLookup Example

Switchboard Menu System - Option 1 Switchboard Wizard creates a user friendly menu that can link together all of your forms and reports in one place. Limit of 8 items per menu. Submenus can be added if 8 item limit is exceeded. The wizard creates a form called Switchboard and a table called Switchboard items. Do NOT delete or move the textboxes and buttons in the design of the Switchboard form. Page 73, Step 12 explains how to enable the Switchboard Manager button on the Ribbon in Access

Blank Form Menu System - Option 2 Alternatively, a menu can be built from a blank form and command buttons. Advantages: Unlimited items on menu and greater design flexibility.

Navigation Form Menu System - Option 3 Alternatively, a menu can be built using a Navigation Form from a blank form and command buttons. Advantages: Updated design and Web integration Disadvantages: Limited customization options available

Used to execute series of stored commands Macros Used to execute series of stored commands Useful for opening and closing forms, reports, or queries Makes an application easier to use

Macro Example

Help Button Macro using MessageBox function that provides technical support information. Sample help message: “Please call 555-5555 for technical support”

Special macro will Automatically Execute when database is opened. AutoExec Macro Special macro will Automatically Execute when database is opened. Used to open main menu on startup. Macro should be saved with the name “Autoexec” for it to be recognized as this special type of macro.

Database Startup Options May be used instead of Autoexec macro to automatically open a form on database startup See page 70 for additional instructions

Chapter 7 Guided Exercise Chapter 7 Applied Exercise Homework 5 Chapter 7 Guided Exercise Chapter 7 Applied Exercise