The self-extracting archive files identified by Illinois county names contain the Microsoft Access® databases designated "SIMSnnn.mdb" ("nnn" = county ID number). SIMSnnn.mdb contains the information, extracted from the Illinois Structure Information System (ISIS), for local agency bridges located in each county as identified by the "nnn" number. It is intended to operate as a read-only informational database. The data should only be revised through the established ISIS procedures as described in the IDOT Structure Information and Procedure Manual. The ISIS data is loaded in the SIMS database files. SIMSLink SIMSLink is a Microsoft Access database file that provides for development of custom applications (tables, queries, reports, forms) utilizing the SIMS-County databases. The SIMSLink.mdb file is contained within a self-extracting archive file called SIMSLink.exe. This file should only be downloaded once, since it will contain the user's own custom tables, queries and reports. Applications previously developed must be copied and pasted in any newly downloaded versions of SIMSLink. LINK SIMSLINK.MDB TO SIMS[NNN].MDB: After you have extracted the above named files and placed them in a folder, you should open SIMSLink.mdb in MS Access. When the "SIMSLink: Database" window opens, click the Macros tab, then double click the "AttachTables" macro and provide the requested information in the two dialogue boxes that open up. This procedure allows you to use SIMSLink.mdb as a working file in which to create queries, reports and forms based on the ISIS data that has been loaded in the SIMSnnn.mdb database.

Note: To move the SIMS data for your county (SIMSnnn.mdb) to a different folder, or to use SIMSLink.mdb for a different county do the following 1. Delete the table links listed under the "Tables" tab in the SIMSLink database window. A bold arrow to the left of the table reference denotes these table links. (Do not delete the table references that are not marked by a bold arrow.) 2. Re-run the "AttachTables" macro rerun for the new folder that you are using (see above). SIMSLink includes some queries, a report and a Substructure inventory table & form that you may use, examine, revise, play with, etc. as you see fit. Also, there are several "decode" queries that you can use to add to your queries to output the description for codes used in ISIS. For example, instead of just outputting a code "4" for the Main Span Material of a structure, by using this facility you could display "STEEL CONTINUOUS" which is the description for a "4" code. An example of the use of this is in the query called "Decoding Example Query". (The same result could also be obtained by using the "DLookup" function in Access, but you'll have to check out your Access documentation to find out how to do that.) SIMS Intro Query Tips SIMS Data Files SIMS Link.exe