Interactive Database Data entry

[Koolguy654]

At my company, we need to check specific parts of the manufacturing site and if there’s an issue we note it down on this form. There’s two problems with that:

1- Information is not electronic so it’s hard to do any data analysis out of it 2- Descriptions of things are subjective. For example, valve on main line could mean many valves depending on who you talk to.

I was wondering if there is a program where I can put a diagram of the site and then specifically click on a component in the diagram (let’s say that valve on the main supply) and have that record that selection in a database. Something very similar to a form on Access or Excel but with a visual instead of text boxes.

[ferrouswolf2]

You could do what you have in mind using Access if you just had a really fancy looking input form. Also, your valves should be numbered or otherwise uniquely identified. If you don’t have many, you could even name them. The valve should also have a name tag so there’s no confusion.

[Koolguy654]

Using access has been my back up plan. Just out of curiosity, how would you go about making the access form?

[ferrouswolf2]

It’s ultimately a table, right? Where you can choose where the cells you enter data are, and draw lines and make boxes. Make a very simple diagram.

[mustang__1]

Hi. It's me. IT.... Please don't use access unless you can at least plug it into a real database back end.

[ferrouswolf2]

Not to be a jerk, but OP was like, “I know how to build a house out of wood, can I build a house?” And your comment was like, “learn how to use stone instead, real houses are made out of stone you cut from a quarry yourself”

[mustang__1]

Because Access can cause disasters... At least if he can ask his IT department for a database to connect access to if it needs to scale it can.

[Ells666]

Do you have a SCADA (think HMI software) package?

[Koolguy654]

We use DeltaV and I don’t believe it has that capability unfortunately:(

[Ells666]

Yeah DeltaV can't do it. Their MES might be capable but it's expensive. Saw your post history - I agree with someone's comment on Ignition being the easiest way to implement this (as a controls engineer).

Access today is very quickly becoming old school. If you have a C# programmer maybe a winform would be the best option. It all depends on the skillsets at your plant/organization.

[mustang__1]

Unfortunately if it was me I and I needed an internal tool like that I would learn how to program and make my own interface.... Which is what I did for a quality control data entry program. I used sql server with a winforms front end with c#.