Data normalization is fundamental to database design. Properly normalized data makes it easy to support an application over time and simplifies the querying, displaying, and reporting features of an application. 

Unfortunately, we don't always receive or have normalized data. Tables that require adding fields as the data changes over time are particularly problematic and violate the basic premise of database design where adding records is free, but adding fields is expensive:

Here are some updated resources detailing the value of data normalization, including a sample database and VBA code to transpose and normalize your existing data.

• Transposing Data in Microsoft Access Tables
• Microsoft Access and SQL Server Database Normalization Tips
• Transposing Non-Normalized Tables with Total Access Statistics

These and other related papers are part of our developer centers:

• Microsoft Access Developer Help Center
• Microsoft Access Query Help Center

Hope these help you create more scalable, maintainable, and analyzable databases.

For advanced data analysis, check out our Total Access Statistics add-in product.