(Msg. 1) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:25 am
Post subject: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz Archived from groups: microsoft>public>access>gettingstarted (more info?)
Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few to a
few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from the
field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
about 9000 entries.
I would like to convince people here of switching over to database storage;
I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
described above:
1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a comparable
text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text files,
but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
occupies 14.6 MB).
2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
learning curve for doing this with Access?
3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new records
in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
(Msg. 2) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:38 am
Post subject: RE: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Answers in line below
--
Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
"hmm" wrote:
> Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
> time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
> twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
> time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few to a
> few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from the
> field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
> gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
> about 9000 entries.
>
> I would like to convince people here of switching over to database storage;
> I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
> described above:
>
> 1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a comparable
> text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text files,
> but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
> seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
> occupies 14.6 MB).
A totally irrelevant question. There would be an increase in disk space
usage, but with the capacity of drives today, making a decision on disk space
is not the way to go. It is not, however, a bad idea to know what your usage
is, but I don't have a way of estimating the difference for you.
>
> 2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
> learning curve for doing this with Access?
It is no more or less difficult than Excel. With Access, you can set up
what is known as in import specification. It can be used to both import and
export text files in a specific format. It is used with the TransferText
method/action. The difference between a Method and an Action in Access is
that a method is used with VBA and an Action is used with a macro.
Once set up, the import can be automatic. It can, in fact, be so automatic
it is done at specific intervals or at specific times without any human
intervention.
>
> 3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new records
> in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
You can transfer one record or all of them. It depends on your business
rules. Typically, you would use a query with the filtering criteria you need
to define which data to transmit. If the rule is "transmit everything not
alread transmitted", then you would also want to use an update query to
timestamp or somehow identify the records has having been sent.
As to ftp, you need to use an ftp utility of some kind to do the transfer.
If you go to this site:
and scroll down to Internet Data Transfer Library, you will find a utility
there. I use it to downland some zip files in one of my apps that runs from
the Windows task scheduler every day.
>
> 4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
(Msg. 3) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:56 am
Post subject: RE: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Ignore Steve. He is advertising his services again which is not allowed in
these newgroups, but he will not behave.
In addition, his qualifications, based on the few answers he has provided,
are suspect.
--
Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
"hmm" wrote:
> Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
> time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
> twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
> time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few to a
> few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from the
> field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
> gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
> about 9000 entries.
>
> I would like to convince people here of switching over to database storage;
> I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
> described above:
>
> 1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a comparable
> text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text files,
> but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
> seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
> occupies 14.6 MB).
>
> 2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
> learning curve for doing this with Access?
>
> 3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new records
> in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
>
> 4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
(Msg. 4) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:45 am
Post subject: Re: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
From what you describe, everything could be easily done in Access. The field
would continue to transfer files to your office computer just as they are
now. That would be good because there would be no changes in the field and
the system they use. Access would take over and automatically do everything
including the material analysis with a click of a button or two. I am
suggesting you do the analysis in Access rather than Excel and eliminate
importing and gathering all of the text files into an Excel file. Access
could automatically import the data in the text files into appropriate
Access database tables.
To answer your questions .....
1. Access2000, AccessXP and Access2003 standalone databases have a max
size of 2 Gig. Databases can be split into frontends (functionality part of
the database) and backends (data tables). With multiple backends, you could
achieve virtually storage up to available space on your harddrive. The MB
files you mention are peanuts to Access!
2. It is easy to import data into Access if you know how to work with
Access; however, there is a very steep learning curve to automate your
system if you do not know how to work with Access. The learning curve starts
with properly designing the table structure you need.
3. You would FTP from the field just as you are now sending a text file
to your office. Access would then only import into its tables appropriate
data. This would be automatic and done through one or more queries.
4. Access has a diverisfied object model with an abundance of properties
and methods combined with a rich programming language that makes automating
what you are doing easy.
Your questions imply that you have little or no experience with Access.
Automating your system will be complex thus taking much time (and
frustration) on your part to get it up and running. I provide help with
Access, Excel and Word applications for a reasonable fee. I could create the
Access application to automate your system for you for a very reasonable
fee. You would save your time in learning Access and creating the
application. If you are interested, contact me at rlaird.DeleteThis@penn.com and I will
be happy to give you a quote of my fees.
Steve
"hmm" <hmm.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ADAE73AE-C639-40D9-A33B-C7EF48E2D8BC@microsoft.com...
> Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
> time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
> twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
> time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few to
> a
> few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from
> the
> field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
> gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
> about 9000 entries.
>
> I would like to convince people here of switching over to database
> storage;
> I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
> described above:
>
> 1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a
> comparable
> text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text
> files,
> but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
> seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
> occupies 14.6 MB).
>
> 2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
> learning curve for doing this with Access?
>
> 3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new records
> in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
>
> 4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
(Msg. 5) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:54 pm
Post subject: The PCDatasheet sleaze machine is at it again! Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
"Steve" <nonsense DeleteThis @nomsense.com> wrote in message
news:-oydne9iT5VfnRvVnZ2dnUVZ_g6dnZ2d@earthlink.com...
>
> I provide help with Access, Excel and Word applications for a reasonable
> fee. I could create the Access application to automate your system for you
> for a very reasonable fee. You would save your time in learning Access and
> creating the application. If you are interested, contact me at
> rlaird DeleteThis @penn.com and I will be happy to give you a quote of my fees.
>
> Steve
Still do not have the intelligence to respect the users of these newsgroups?
These newsgroups are provided by Microsoft for FREE peer to peer support.
There are many highly qualified people who willing provide free support.
Master stevie is not one of the qualified. He has proved many times how
incompetent he is and his only interest is scrounging for money.
Shall we ask Roberta if she approves of your sleazy behaviour?
(Msg. 6) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:54 pm
Post subject: RE: The PCDatasheet sleaze machine is at it again! Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Ya know,
If every time I walked into a room and said something stupid I got the c*p
kicked out of me and was totally embarrased in front of the people in the
room, I think I would get the hint and stay out of the room and keep my mouth
shut.
But, then, that's just me.
--
Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
"John... Visio MVP" wrote:
> "Steve" <nonsense.RemoveThis@nomsense.com> wrote in message
> news:-oydne9iT5VfnRvVnZ2dnUVZ_g6dnZ2d@earthlink.com...
> >
> > I provide help with Access, Excel and Word applications for a reasonable
> > fee. I could create the Access application to automate your system for you
> > for a very reasonable fee. You would save your time in learning Access and
> > creating the application. If you are interested, contact me at
> > rlaird.RemoveThis@penn.com and I will be happy to give you a quote of my fees.
> >
> > Steve
>
>
> Still do not have the intelligence to respect the users of these newsgroups?
>
> These newsgroups are provided by Microsoft for FREE peer to peer support.
> There are many highly qualified people who willing provide free support.
>
> Master stevie is not one of the qualified. He has proved many times how
> incompetent he is and his only interest is scrounging for money.
>
> Shall we ask Roberta if she approves of your sleazy behaviour?
>
> John... Visio MVP
>
(Msg. 7) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:12 pm
Post subject: Re: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
Are you representing what MVP stands for with this response? Can you offer
proof of any thing you said?
Steve
"Klatuu" <Klatuu.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C49210D0-BE75-46BF-A8E6-E696443CB701@microsoft.com...
> Ignore Steve. He is advertising his services again which is not allowed
> in
> these newgroups, but he will not behave.
> In addition, his qualifications, based on the few answers he has provided,
> are suspect.
> --
> Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
>
>
> "hmm" wrote:
>
>> Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
>> time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
>> twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
>> time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few
>> to a
>> few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from
>> the
>> field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
>> gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
>> about 9000 entries.
>>
>> I would like to convince people here of switching over to database
>> storage;
>> I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
>> described above:
>>
>> 1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a
>> comparable
>> text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text
>> files,
>> but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
>> seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
>> occupies 14.6 MB).
>>
>> 2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
>> learning curve for doing this with Access?
>>
>> 3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new
>> records
>> in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
>>
>> 4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
(Msg. 8) Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:12 pm
Post subject: Re: Advatages of database over text file storage Add to elertz [Login to view extended thread Info.] Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
I have nothing to prove, Steve. I am only trying to protect the unsuspecting.
My comments as to the appropriateness of your solicitation is based on the
following:
The following are specifically forbidden in the CDMA newsgroup:
Advertising of any kind, even if the product is free, a demo, or otherwise.
You may answer a question with a link to a commercial site which pertains to
the question. You may also add a phrase and/or link in your signature.
....Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business
purpose, unless such Communication Services specifically allows such messages.
As to your competency, my comment is based on the the content of posts where
you have attempted to answer questions.
--
Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
"Steve" wrote:
> Are you representing what MVP stands for with this response? Can you offer
> proof of any thing you said?
>
> Steve
>
>
>
> "Klatuu" <Klatuu RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:C49210D0-BE75-46BF-A8E6-E696443CB701@microsoft.com...
> > Ignore Steve. He is advertising his services again which is not allowed
> > in
> > these newgroups, but he will not behave.
> > In addition, his qualifications, based on the few answers he has provided,
> > are suspect.
> > --
> > Dave Hargis, Microsoft Access MVP
> >
> >
> > "hmm" wrote:
> >
> >> Presently, my company has a material analysis system that records
> >> time-stamped data entries in text files. Each data entry contains about
> >> twenty different fields, all numbers. A new text file is generated every
> >> time the system is stopped and restarted; each file contains from a few
> >> to a
> >> few hundred entries. These files are transferred on a regular basis from
> >> the
> >> field to our office computer over FTP. To do analysis, I must import and
> >> gather all of the text files into an Excel file, which presently contains
> >> about 9000 entries.
> >>
> >> I would like to convince people here of switching over to database
> >> storage;
> >> I have a few questions about its possible advantages over the method
> >> described above:
> >>
> >> 1. How does disk storage space for an Access file compare with a
> >> comparable
> >> text-file-based storage described above (not sure about all the text
> >> files,
> >> but the Excel file used to store raw data presently occupies 3.1 MB. A
> >> seperate file that extracts, averages, analyzes and summarizes the data
> >> occupies 14.6 MB).
> >>
> >> 2. Same question regarding ease of importing data into Excel. Is there a
> >> learning curve for doing this with Access?
> >>
> >> 3. How about transfer time, say over FTP? Can I transfer only new
> >> records
> >> in the DB file, or would the whole file need to be re-transmitted?
> >>
> >> 4. Any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks.
> >>
>
>
>
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