Hi

I need to write something to store and manipulate redords relating to
packages passing through machines. At present, there are ten machines. Each
has a reader of current number (i,e constanty increments and does not
reset). On each machine, staff record: Date; package type, Start Number;
Finish number; and there are five tally boxes for different types of
rejection.

Reports:

For date range entered by user
-package type
-total number of packages
-Tally of each rejection reason

For date range entered by user
- machine number
- total of each type of package

Machines operate 7 days per week.

I am in two minds whether to automate this in Excel or Access. Can anyone
offer valid reasons to go either one way or the other?

If Excel, 1 sheet per machine or simply an additional column with machine
number?