Microsoft Access: Adding Live CNN RSS Feeds to Database

Recently, while experimenting with RSS feeds, I came across a very interesting technique to integrate RSS feeds into MS Access 2007 and I could not stop myself from sharing it.

In this demonstration, I will be adding CNN RSS feed to my Access 2007 database.

1- Go to CNN.com and select an RSS feed of your choice. In my case, I chose Middle East News (http://rss.cnn.com/rss/edition_meast.rss)

2- Open your MS Access 2007 software and Click on XML File in the Import Tab (External Data) on the Ribbon and paste the URL of the RSS feed in the File Name text box as shown below.

3- Access will open an interface as follows for you to select among different choices regarding import of XML data. In my case, I did not have any tables in the database, therefore, I selected Structures and Data. Click OK to proceed.

4- Upon clicking OK, Access will tell you that all of the data is not imported and there are some errors in your import operation. Click OK again and continue.

5- After completing above steps, you will find following tables in the database.
channel, image, ImportErrors, and Item.

6- The latest news imported into the database will be available in Item table as shown below.

And that is it. Notice how easy it is to harness the power of RSS feeds into your Access databases. In my next post, I will discuss in details the errors encountered during this import operation and as mentioned in ImportErrors table and also slight help of VBA to keep the database constantly updated with fresh news from the web sources.

Effect of Change in Demand, Cost Estimates and Lot Sizes on EOQ

For people among us, who are not aware of sensitivity analysis, it is a technique for systematically changing crucial parameters to determine the effects of change.

Considering the factors involved in EOQ estimation, when we substitute different values into numerator or denominator of the formula, different results may arise.

Change in Demand Rate

When demand rises, Lot size shall also increase. But in smaller proportions then actual demand.

Change in the Setup Cost or Ordering Cost

An increase in setup costs causes an increase in EOQ as well and vice versa.


Change in the Holding Cost

This relationship is inversely proportional. If holding cost of an item increases, EOQ decreases. Conversely a decrease in holding cost will allow us to have increased lot sizes. Larger lot sizes are justified by lower handling costs.