Access The L Line The Express Line to Learning 2007 L Line L © Wiley Publishing All Rights Reserved.

Making Access Templates Work for You 12 * Discovering database templates * Examining template possibilities * Templates for business or personal use * Creating your own templates Stations Along the Way

Employing Access Templates Access templates offer  Complete database applications  Ready-to-use solutions  Downloadable third-party versions  Do-it-yourself capability  Guidance for good database design

Browsing Access Templates CategoryTemplates Available Business AssetsAccount Ledger ContactsCustomer Service EventsProjects Tasksetc… Education FacultyStudents Personal ContactsAccount Ledger NutritionHome Inventory Lending Library Sample Northwind 2007

Using a Sample Database Regardless of database origin…  Never assume a correct design  Examine database structure carefully: Check each column type Verify all relationships  Evaluate consequences of changes and additions

Northwind Relationships

Access 2007 Business Templates Business templates can offer…  Organized data storage (database structure)  Transaction recording (forms)  Automatic processes (macros and modules)  Mechanisms for tracking and analyzing (forms and reports)  Knowledge base (queries)

Customizing a Template Modify databases from templates by…  Changing the Application Title  Hiding the Navigation Pane or individual objects  Limiting or enhancing the Ribbon and toolbars  Incorporating macros or modules  Adjusting table relationships  Adding links to outside resources

Evaluating a Template AttributeWhat to Consider Licensing Free use or payment required? Evaluation period and copying allowed? Simplicity Easy to learn and modify? User training required? Design Logical relationships? Level of normalization? Referential integrity? Customizability Changing or copying templates allowed? Applicability Template features address user needs? Necessary modifications doable?

Checking under the Hood Examine the template back end:  Table design  Relationship diagram  Types of forms and reports Use every feature:  Employ multiple, simultaneous users  Manipulate data in every form  Run every report  Export and print data Identify potential bottlenecks or application weaknesses Contact provider’s references

Creating Distributable Databases Guidelines for templates or installable applications:  Test thoroughly with real data  Offer a runtime version of Access  Include navigational elements on forms and reports  Provide documentation  Determine the license arrangement  Empty tables of all but demonstration data

Discussion Topics Why should I use a template? What different types of templates are available? What should I look for when evaluating a template for use?