>>What is some opinions as to the best method to add line-item recs to typical order entry form? Currently I have a setup where I display all current items in a grid with a command button to be clicked to add/delete an item. When clicked, it makes textbox fields that are set to invisible behind the grid to be visible and resizes/moves the grid appropriately. One of the reason that I did it this way was because the user must:
>>1. Enter style number.
>>2. Choose size.
>>3. Enter qty.
>>4. Enter price (if different from default)
>>It functions pretty good but my client requested to make the process faster. Any "Golden Ideas"?
>>
>>TIA
>>John.
>
>I have found that when clients ask you to make the add-records faster that they are usually talking about having to click the 'Add' button for each item. Set a variable (I use a form property) when they first click the 'Add' button, and then everytime they click 'Save' go automatically to a new record until they either Escape out of the Add or click 'Cancel'. This will reduce both the work the user does and the overhead to move/make visible/resize the fields. Also, if your users are used to quick keyboard data-entry they won't have to move to the mouse to click the 'Add' button.
>
>Ask the actual users (not the boss) what is slowing them down the most. You might be surprised how little you have to fix!
>
>HTH
>Barbara

Thanks for your input (as always!) Barbara.
I think the primary problem have to do with, in part, the way the client did things prior to using my program. He was using Quickbook Pro and used one-key lookup for inventory items whereas he is having to use two-keys for each line-item. To be more specific, he was using the style number only for key while he is using style #/size combination as key. This change was made to do detail inventory tracking and analysis since they will be able to know which items are selling in more detail. However, since it's a wholesale company, each order usually involves few dozen different items so data entry seems to takes 2X longer now! I do have a PK field which is program generated but the client refuses to use it since everyone at the company is too use to using style number only as key :( Oh well, damn clients! Can't live with them and can't live w/o them!

Thanks again and have a Great, Successful New Year!
John.