MS Access Switchboard Tutorial

Microsoft Access switchboards are a great solution if you have a database that requires data entry but end users with limited Access skills. The switchboard is a form that contains button. When the buttons are pressed, different Access tasks are performed. When designing the switchboard, add the tables, forms, queries, and reports that will be used by your end users. The Switchboard manager is not available on the ribbon by default in Access 2010. It must be manually added to the ribbon.

Instructions

1. Open Access 2010 and select a database. Click the "File" tab and select on the recently used databases from the File menu.

2. Click the right drop-down list on the Quick Access Toolbar. Select "More Commands." Change the "Choose Commands From" drop-down list to "All Commands." Scroll the list and click the "Switchboard Manager" and the "Add" button. The Switchboard Manager is now available on the Quick Access Toolbar.

3. Click the Switchboard Manager icon. The Switchboard Manager opens. Select "Edit" to modify the existing switchboard page. The Edit Switchboard Item dialog box appears. In the "Text" box, type the action this button will perform. For example, if pressing this button will run your Annual Report, type "Run Annual Report." Change the "Command" drop-down list to "Run Report." In the "Report" drop-down list, select the Annual report. Click "OK." Continue to add tasks to the switchboard by repeating this step until you are done. Click "Close."

4. Select "Close." The switchboard is now created. Review your switchboard by clicking the "Switchboard" in the Navigation Pane. Click the newly created button and review the actions they take in your database.

References

• University of Arkansas: IT Blanco - Spring 2010
• Access Junkie: Where Do I Find The Switchboard Manager Wizard In Access 2010?

Resources

• Microsoft: Access How To & Help