PlanChest Guidance
This page explains the PlanChest-specific toobar icons and terminology used throughout this site. Please read in conjunction with the MS Access Guidance page.
Add-Ins
Add-Ins is a concept introduced into the more recent versions of PlanChest to provide a 'home' for elements which are subsiduary to the three core PlanChest functions. Add-Ins are only available directly from the Home Page. For more information refer to the Special Tables page.
Database FAQ
 |
This toolbar button takes you to the Technical Support FAQ page of the PlanChest website. |
Filtered Reports
Microsoft Access has powerful filtering and sorting functions which are widely used in PlanChest. Some of the filtering (the selection of a particular sub-set of information) is carried out automatically, e.g. the Projects List defaults to show only those Projects which are 'active'. In many other instances filters will be user-applied, e.g. to select those projects in London with 'Megabank' as the client. For more general information on filtering and sorting, refer to the MS Access Guidance page.
PlanChest handles reports with user-applied filters in a consistent manner. When you select the Reports button, the list of reports indicates that you have chosen to report a filtered list and states the number of records in the filter. Selecting the Preview button displays a dialogue box with an auto-generated description of the filter inserted. You may choose to accept this description or overtype with a more user-friendly description. Now refer to our general guidance on Reports below.
If you have filtered and sorted a particular list, be aware that PlanChest will only 'hold' the filter (not the sort order) when displaying and printing the filtered report. The sort order will return to the default sort order for that particular view.
Form Help
 |
This toolbar button takes you to the relevant Form Help page of the PlanChest website. |
Home Page
 |
This toolbar button takes you to the PlanChest Home Page (the first screen you see when starting PlanChest). It does not connect you to the Home Page of the PlanChest website. |
Look-Up Tables
The Look-Up Tables allow users to make selections from a list which is controlled centrally. The Tables may be accessed for editing from the Home Page although PlanChest recommends that edit permissions are restricted. For more information refer to the Special Tables page.
Notes
 |
This toolbar button opens up the 'Post-It-style' User Notes dialogue box where users can make notes for action by your company's PlanChest administration staff. |
Reports
 |
Always use this button when printing from PlanChest. Do not use File > Print from the MS Access toolbar at the very top of your screen. Select the Reports button to see a dialogue box listing the pre-set report formats appropriate to the particular Form that you are viewing. Select one and click Preview . If you are reporting against a Filtered List, refer to the additional guidance on Filtered Reports above. View and check the previewed page(s). |
You then have two options:
|
Print using this icon. Do not use File > Print from the MS Access toolbar at the very top of your screen. |
 |
Send as an e-mail attachment using this icon. A 'Send format' dialogue box will open. PlanChest recommends that you always select Rich Text Format - some of the layout and graphics from the PlanChest report will be lost but it is the most universal of the five formats available. PlanChest will open a new Outlook 'Mail Message' window with the file already inserted as an attachment. |
We are often asked the best way to save an electronic 'archive' or 'file' copy of a particular report, typically a Schedule at 'Tender' or 'Construction' Issue. We recommend that you use the Send as an e-mail attachment option as above, and save the *.rtf file locally.
Self-Building List
A self-building list allows users to enter data without overall central control. Subsequent users are offered a 'pick-list' of the information that has already been entered and may choose to accept one of the existing entries or to create a new entry.