I need to create a database for my company. We build machines and so we have
a part list of the components.
I have created a model of the machine in which there is a list of components
to be filled in order to complete the design scheme.
Every machine will be composed by:
1 mandatory element of type "A" among the entire list of A type items
1 mandatory element of type "B" among the entire list of B type items
4 mandatory element of type "C" among the entire list of C type items
N optional element of type "D" among the entire list of D type items

The problem is this. When you choose a specific element to fill the type "A"
box you can't then choose among all the items of list B to fill the type B
box but among those B elements that matches the selected A items.
As well the type C is influenced by the previous choices but in this case
the list must be differently selected for any combination of the chosen A
and B items.
The optional elements on the other side can be present or not, according to
the selected A, B, C items or to a combination of them all.

The problem is creating a solid model of relationships in order to let the
user select among the only items that matches the previous ones.
Definitely I don't want to create rules into the source code.
The idea is giving them a mask in which, when they create a new item, they
can link it with OR, AND, NOT, XOR, ecc. relationship.
The problem for me is saving these rules. If just one "AND" relationship
between two items was allowed a new table with matching couples would be
enough, but in this case I should be able to implement a rule like:

If you choose the item A38 in A AND B15 in B AND NOT C44 in C, then you
can select the optional element among this list.

Hard, hu?
I guess the problem must have first of all an answer about database theory
which I lack if not the basics. I would be grateful for any explanation or
if you have white papers or you know any web page where this topic is
treated please tell me. I would like to work with VB upon an ACCESS
database.
Thank you for the time spent in reading and answering to this message.
Yours faithfully,
Jacopo

Am I to assume that not only A is restrictive to B and A+B is
restrictive to C (and D), but also that C and D are restrictive
towards themselves?

Gordon

On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 16:49:11 GMT, "Jacopo" <jacopols (AT) libero (DOT) it> wrote:


Gordon Bos
Q-RY Solutions
+31-(0)15-2564035

http://www.q-ry.nl/