1. Automating Database Processing
Chapter 6
Automating Database Processing
Use the quote as a jumping off point for discussion, if desired.

2. Design and implement user-friendly menu Macros
Chapter Introduction
Design and implement user-friendly menu
Called navigation form
Macros
Automate repetitive tasks
Add functionality to reports and forms

3. Understanding Navigation Forms
Special kind of form
Appears when database opened
Makes database navigation similar to a web site
Main navigation form and subform control automatically built in

4. Understanding Navigation Forms (cont’d.)
Can add buttons to main navigation form to work with
Tables
Forms
Queries
Reports
Drag and drop object to form and create tab
Selecting tab allows instant view of the objects
Appear in hierarchical format

5. Create lower level forms before creating the higher level forms

6. Designing and Creating Navigation Forms
Main navigation form serves as menu for users when database is opened
Create lower level of the hierarchy first
Create tabs by drag and drop of object onto form
Click Navigation button in Forms group of CREATE tab
Select tab layout
Change title and change format, if necessary
Drag forms from Navigation Pane to the [Add New] tab
Use Layout view and Form Selector button to change form location or size
Repeat until all needed forms are on the navigation form

7. Creating Navigation Forms (cont’d.)
Preview all forms in Form View
Test to ensure working correctly
Create forms for reports as created for forms
Preview and test all tabs to ensure working correctly
Create main form to provide easy navigation through database
Last item on main form should be a button to close the database

8. Navigation Form Layout Options

9. Example Navigation Form Design
When using a navigation form, it's a good idea to set database options that restrict the Ribbon to specified options and to hide the Navigation pane preventing users from accessing commands they could use to change the database design.

10. Understanding Basic Macros
Action or series of actions (Recall the Close Database button on the previous slide)
Save time and ensure accuracy
Automate repetitive tasks
Composed of series of actions organized in sequence in which they should be performed
Create macro
Using Macro window

12. Create Access macro in Macro window
Creating a Macro
Create Access macro in Macro window
Select the CREATE tab, and then click the Macro button in the Macro & Code group
Action catalog
Select features wanted
Actions to be performed
Click the Add New Action list arrow in the Macro Builder
Scroll through list to action you want

13. Creating a Macro (cont’d.)
Action arguments
Provide additional information for performing macro action
Arguments needed vary depending on selected action chosen
Save macro with descriptive name, using mcr prefix

14. Three ways to run a macro:
Running a Macro
Three ways to run a macro:
In MACRO TOOLS DESIGN tab, click the Run button in the Tools group
On DATABASE TOOLS Tab, click the Run Macro button in the Macro group
Select the macro in the Run Macro dialog box, click OK
In the Navigation Pane, click Macros, right-click the macro name, and then click Run

15. Editing a Macro Use Macro Builder to edit Rearrange order of actions
Move up or Move down arrow or drag action line to new position
Insert new action between two existing actions
Click Add New Action and select the action
Move or drag the new action between the two other actions
Delete action
Click action then click the Delete button

16. Creating the Navigation Form to Run Macros Using Command buttons
Command button executes a series of actions
Use a command button to run a macro
Create the macro that specifies the actions you want to perform
Add a command button, assigning the macro

17. Assigning a Macro to a Command Button Control
Click the Button control in the Controls group on the DESIGN tab
Click in form where button is to be placed
Command Button Wizard starts
Select Miscellaneous category and the Run Macro action
Select from available macros
Repeat until all desired buttons are on form
Save form

18. Setting Start-up Options
Access performs when database opens
Set options using Access Options feature
Bypass Start-up Options
Press and hold down Shift key when opening database

19. Specifying Current Database Options
Display Form
Display Navigation pane
Allow Full Menus

20. Figure 6.21: Access Options dialog box with options for the current database

21. Creating a Splash Screen
Displays when database opens
Contains
Logo
Text such as contact information
Can only display splash screen or Navigation form automatically

22. Creating a Splash Screen (cont’d.)
AutoExec
Special macro
Runs when database opens
Before Access Options dialog box options
Can use to display splash screen
Create splash screen form in Design view

23. Creating an AutoExec Macro
Click the Macro button in the Macros & Code group on the CREATE tab
In the Macro Builder, select the actions you want the macro to perform
Select or enter the appropriate arguments
Save the macro using the name AutoExec