If you're new to creating databases, you may not have been applying validation rules to the fields you create. In the short term, this may be a problem-free way to take in data, especially if you're the only person who uses the database.
If you have more than one person doing data entry, however, you may want to set up validation rules for your data inputs. This will save time in the long run because it provides an immediate way to assure that data is entered according to a specific format, and that necessary fields are not left empty.
Inconsistent data can cause reporting problems, and create additional work for the database administrator. Postal codes, phone numbers, serial numbers, dates, titles and any other number of data types can be validated upon entry. If the entered data does not match the specified format, Access will indicate the error and ask the user to re-enter the data using the correct format.
To ensure that data are entered properly, the easiest form of validation involves applying an input mask to a field. Access provides an Input Mask Wizard to make the process easy.
To start the Input Mask Wizard, select the Input Mask property and choose the ellipsis button. Depending upon what you were doing immediately prior to this, Access may ask if you want to save the table you've been working in. Click Yes to save the table. The Input Mask Wizard will provide a list of pre-configured input masks, for example you can choose to force a user to enter a telephone number in a predefined format to prevent data entry errors. Select the mask you want to apply. If no mask suits your needs exactly, choose one that is similar. You'll have the opportunity to fine-tune the mask to your liking. Click Next.
Use the Input Mask box to adjust the input mask to your specifications. Choose the placeholder characters that will serve as examples for your mask and click Next.
Indicate whether or not you want symbols (such as hyphens or parentheses) stored along with your field data. Click Finish.
You can modify a mask to require or restrict the use of specific characters. Characters can also be indicated as optional. Input masks can also be configured with modifiers that don't appear as data, but act on the data. For example, a modifier may convert all entered data to upper case (for example a postcode would always appear as upper case) or lower case letters, insert a thousands separator in a string of numbers, or substitute asterisks for a stored password.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Data Input Masks in Microsoft Access
Accounts Software Tally - New Version 9 Continues to Impress
When running a business that spans the globe, the right support is important. Regulations and operations of worldwide small businesses are a little different than homegrown varieties. In addition to keeping up with global trade and tax regulations, the language barrier can divide companies, especially in the sharing of information. That's why its important to have a software that speaks your language, even if everyone in the company doesn't. That's where the accounts software Tally comes in.
Tally is truly a software for today's global economy. Not only does it allow you to review, create reports, and print in any language you desire, but you can do it at the same time as others who are accessing the same information. That's truly powerful and unique to this software. This saves time and money for everyone involved.
No need to worry about having your lawyers constantly review for system for compliance with new regulations either. The accounts software Tally has a new version to update regulations automatically. Whether you deal with VAT, Excise for Traders, service tax, TDS, or a combination of them all, this software allows you to get back to business, saving even more time and money.
Audio Web Video Conferencing Options
When considering conferencing options it is important to know what main areas are available. Audio web video conferencing are the primary options, each with their own highpoints and drawbacks. In most cases a company can easily determine which conferencing option they will primarily use and then from there can look for conferencing services that is most affordable.
Audio Conferencing
Audio conferencing is the most basic conference service available. Audio conferencing is a very simple set up requiring only a telephone and a toll free number. Some of the benefits with choosing a strictly audio conferencing service is that is the cheapest of the conferencing services. Pricing is based on a flat rate and depending on the service provider, some extras are included free with the basic package. Some of the drawbacks with audio conferencing are due to its relatively basic set up; the options may not completely meet the needs of a business. For larger audio conferences it will not be possible for everyone to provide verbal feedback. Out of the three services, audio web video conferencing, audio is the most basic.
Web Conferencing
If audio is too basic for a company’s needs, web conferencing may be a more acceptable solution. The level of involvement in a web conference can range from viewing simple text via a central server, or even with the addition of audio provider real time voice as well. Web conferencing is a little more costly depending on how much interaction the software allows. Also with web conferencing every participant will need to be online, which means everyone would need a computer and access to the Internet. If the conference is audio web video conferencing, it will have to be a high-speed connection. While web conferencing is usually more expensive, the fact that infinite amounts of data can be transferred and immediately reviewed easily out-weighs that.
Video Conferencing
Occasionally a company will decide to roll up audio web video conferencing all into one package. Most commonly this service is referred to as simply video conferencing. Because video conferencing usually combines audio web and video utilizing an online connection, it can most accurately replicate the feel of being in the same room with someone. Video conferencing is of course one of the most expensive options, but with a little planning doesn’t have to be out of range.
Conference Call Decision: Web Conference Calling vs Offline Conference Calls
Web conference call is in its infancy and many people are not aware of its multifarious application. Initially, web conference call was used as an audio conference call and was limited to presentation calls. Live video conferencing became possible with the arrival of broadband. The right amalgamation of several features of Internet, computers and software has transformed web conference call to the level of face-to-face meeting.
The greatest advantage that web conference calling has over offline conference calls is that it gives real time interaction with several people. When implemented properly it is just like having a discussion in your conference hall. Unlike most offline conference calls, in web conference call the people engaged in conversation can share and exchange ideas by illustrating it on the whiteboard. This becomes very handy in cases where only drawings can clearly explain the idea. Since this is done in real time with the support of audio, the effect it has is far reaching and cannot be matched by offline conference calls.
Web conference calling is an ideal conference call service for business as it gives the opportunity to discuss issues and put them to vote and fix the issue on hand. This means that by sitting in your office in Manhattan through the conference call you can talk with your subordinates in any part of the world and discuss the business plans. There is no limit to the number of people who can take part in the digital web conference. Offline conference call has the limitation of number and when there are more than three locations it throws up several difficulties. The number of location is never a problem in web conference calling.
Why Should You Use Audio Conference Calling
When you think of audio conference calling you may stop and wonder what other types of conference calling services could there be? Well, there are several key aspects to conference calling. This type of communication has become big business. This article will help you understand some of the keys to audio conference calling.
It used to be that a conference call was only used for training your employees. However; these days many network marketers use audio conference calling services to sell products and entice others who wish to make money online.
There are many other types of conference calling services. You have conference calling services that are conducted over you computer with the help of a voip device. As times have advanced you can now have video conferencing. It used to be only in the movies that you seen these with James Bond or Sci-Fi movies, and star Wars. However, now anyone who desires to have hi tech commutation can do so.
Really the key issue involving audio conference calling is the cost per minute or rate they charge to conduct such a call. You can find very affordable rates on the market these days. Lucky for you there are many companies competing for your business.
You can use an audio conference calling service for just about anything you desire. You may need to train your board members or employees from a remote location. With the right audio conference calling service you can do just that.