InfoPath Dev

 Hello all,

 Jerrold here. I have never used InfoPath and in fact have just upgraded to Office 2003. I use Vista.

I need to create a couple of calculators and am thinking that InfoPath linked to Access is the way to go. But is it?

I quote on, design and generate cut lists for custom cabinetry. The manufacturing process is such that the pricing modules and the cut list modules that accompany the design software are not sufficient.

 I need to make my own and cutting and pasting with Excel is just too tedious and time consuming - not to mention prone to mistakes.

So - I need to make two calculators. Pricing and cut list. Pricing can be more general but the cut lists need to be precise and down to minute details.

I expect that this is such a basic thing for you guys, but believe me, I can't find anyone who has even touched InfoPath.

All I want right now is to know if this program will work or if I should search for a different solution.

Thanks,

Jerrold

Hi, Jerrold:

You can create formulas in InfoPath, which I think may the heart of what you are asking. You can pull data into forms from secondary data sources like Access, so you'd be able to maintain lists of your prices and cut lists there -- but it sounds as if your design software already has at least some of this -- what database does it use (or does it?). If it uses Access or SQL, you could get the data from those for some of your secondary form data.

I guess the short answer is "Yes" --  I think it is likely InfoPath may be able to do what you want. But having no knowledge of your industry, I'm only guessing as to what you are currently doing in Excel.