Can I use just one database to track both inventory AND cust. orde

I've been trying for about a year to learn Access, still feel I have zero
expertise. I have, however, built very simple databases, even with very
simple relationships, and can build forms & run some queries. Now I want to
complete what I set out on this venture to do: to create a relational
database to track my inventory for a VERY small home jewelry business, and
use it to record customer orders/sales. My questions are these:

1) do these have to be 2 separate databases, one for inventory , and one for
orders, or can they be within just one database with relational tables? By
inventory, I don't mean purchase orders & suppliers & all that, just 3
necklaces of this type, 2 bracelets of this type on hand...that sort of thing.

2) If it is in one database, is it possible to have the "orders" deduct the
number of items in inventory table each time a purchase is made (so that if I
started with 3 bracelets & I have an order for 1, my inventory then shows
only 2 left).
Thanks for your help, & please keep the responses simple for me!!

On 28 Jan, 23:56, Pamoola wrote:
I've been trying for about a year to learn Access, still feel I have zero
expertise. I have, however, built very simple databases, even with very
simple relationships, and can build forms & run some queries. Now I want to
You can keep it all in one database - just create tables for each
fact. For example...customer table, inventory table, orders, suppliers
etc. You will then need to create the relationships between these
facts.


For FREE Access ebook and videos click here
http://access-databases.com/ebook


complete what I set out on this venture to do: to create a relational
database to track my inventory for a VERY small home jewelry business, and
use it to record customer orders/sales. *My questions are these:

1) do these have to be 2 separate databases, one for inventory , and one for
orders, or can they be within just one database with relational tables? *By
inventory, I don't mean purchase orders & suppliers & all that, just 3
necklaces of this type, 2 bracelets of this type on hand...that sort of thing.

2) If it is in one database, is it possible to have the "orders" deduct the
number of items in inventory table each time a purchase is made (so that if I
started with 3 bracelets & I have an order for 1, my inventory then shows
only 2 left).
Thanks for your help, & please keep the responses simple for me!!

OK, Thanks Troy. Now, as for the 2nd part of the question, is it possible to
have this one database relate such that when I enter an order, my inventory
count decreases for that item ordered?

Yes it is possible, BUT that may not be the best solution. You might be
better off calculating your inventory count.

Check out what MVP Allen Browne has at
http://allenbrowne.com/AppInventory.html

John Spencer
Access MVP 2002-2005, 2007-2009
The Hilltop Institute
University of Maryland Baltimore County

Pamoola wrote:
OK, Thanks Troy. Now, as for the 2nd part of the question, is it possible to
have this one database relate such that when I enter an order, my inventory
count decreases for that item ordered?