How to Convert Random Autonumbers into Incremental Numbers?

[RainLover]

If you are only using this for one thing, Viz Reports. Then you could come up with system to replace AutoNumber.

But if this is more complex, then I believe you are chasing your Tail.

You are starting with 30 Users. How many could you end up with. You may be going beyond the capabilities of Access.

PHP/MySQL is only required on the developers Machine and is web based. What's more it is Open Source. FREE.

Access World Forums is written in PHP not Access.

Good luck. This is about all I can help with.

 

[spikepl]

I have had a look at EQLData.com.

I simply do not understand how their setup works. On the one hand, you can:

"we can host your Access databases live on our servers, so you can use them right inside your web browser"

and , on the other, the first item in their FAQ is

Avoiding autoincrement collisions with multiple OnWeb sessions

The above, taken together, makes me scratch my head.

I scoured through their site, but could not find anything specifically indicating what they are doing with the db and when and where. If you intend to go through with this, I would recommend a small test setup, with at least two users, to try to make it fail in any way imaginable prior to going into production.

Your other options are Terminal Server, or something like VNC, LogMeIn, TeamViewer, gotoAssist, or more effort like a websolution (eg., PHP/NET/JSP) or Sharepoint.

 

[RainLover]

You said you are working for an Oil Company.

Would it not be better for them to employ a consultanting firm who has experience in this regard. Instead of getting someone who knows so little that they have to ask free advice of people like myself who know even less.

 

[spikepl]

RainLover has a point - pay someone who knows what to do.

Regarding EQLData.com's solution, I have asked a question here: http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=1139706#post1139706

 

[Heatshiver]

Thanks for the condescending words Rain, but they don't have time at the moment to search for that. I volunteered unaware they wanted an online database instead of a LAN. Nothing that has been said here has added to my knowledge of Access as I only ask questions after doing a lot of research. I may not know the terms but the concepts aren't particularly hard, maybe just not being able to clarify things has hindered any help that may have arose.

I am instead going to go the route that Spike suggested before and ask that they create fixed user IDs. This was suggested before, but I was hoping to automate everything.

 

[RainLover]

spikepl,

You are very wise.

 

[Heatshiver]

Again, if they had time to find someone I'm sure they wouldn't have asked me to try. Unfortunately it rests upon me, and I don't intend on failing.

 

[spikepl]

@Heatshiver

Not having time to use a minesweeper prior to stepping into a mine field seems like a bad tactic to me.

You have a complex setup.

1. Webaccess (that works in some mysterious ways) to one (or more?) online db copies
2. AND apparently also the option of syncing with local DB's.

To me all this sounds like a recipe for a lot of grief. They do have an impressive list of "testimonials" posted. Then again, the world is full of testimnonials for gizmos that convert anyone into a slender Adonis in just 14 days, at 5 minutes per day. I am sceptical, to say the least.

 

[Heatshiver]

I have someone testing the EQLData.com plugin, if it doesn't work I'm going to have to be forced to convert to MySQL or something of that sort and see what can be done about an extremely easy GUI, a front-end, synchronization, and user-level permission (I think the easiest part of those items).

I also spent a lot of time looking at SharePoint, but they have too many restrictions for what the company wants/needs.

 

[RainLover]

Heath

I am at a loss to understand why you would get upset with my comments.

This is an Access Forum where there are a bunch of smart people who can help with Access problems.

This is not a ELQData Forum. If you are not experienced with ELQ and they cannot give you the proper support then contract somone who can. After all you are working for an Oil company that should have a few Dollars to throw at this problem which you may be able to project manage.

Please do not get upset with me when I am honest enough to say that I know even less than you do.

 

[RainLover]

I have someone testing the EQLData.com plugin, if it doesn't work I'm going to have to be forced to convert to MySQL or something of that sort and see what can be done about an extremely easy GUI, a front-end, synchronization, and user-level permission (I think the easiest part of those items).

I also spent a lot of time looking at SharePoint, but they have too many restrictions for what the company wants/needs.

This is what I advised on two previous occassions.

Use something like PHP MySQL.

 

[Heatshiver]

Well, it's actually EQLData.

Beyond that, if someone wants to be condescending to me I have no problem pointing it out. If you don't realize that you are doing so then it is a matter of comprehending what you type does not convey the emotion you may be trying to express to me.

The real question was to somehow have an automated way to avoid problems if two people happened to use the same autonumber. Spike's idea, once understood, was actually already given to me by my father who used to mess with Access once-upon-a-time. I knew that having something fixed could help, but I was hoping for a solution with automation instead of necessary manual input (e.g. adding extra users when necessary).

I don't have all the answers and I do my best to find them. But even I have found that sometimes I have more knowledge on a topic when posting here, forgetting that not everyone has the same bits of knowledge. I just always hope that something will spark up an idea and lead me to find a solution if nothing else.

 

[RainLover]

The real solution is to use a Natural Primary key instead of a Surrogate.

This should solve all your problems. That is if EQL can do what they claim. I am also supprised that they had not mentioned it. But then again maybe you have been down that path.

 

[Heatshiver]

Thank you. I will look into that as they had suggested using random autonumbers which is why I put up this post.

 

[RainLover]

Random AutoNumbers are not Natural. They are Surrogate.
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I was going to delete my previous post as I still have doubts. But you rePosted before I had the chance so it is probally best that I leave it there.
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I don't think we have gained a thing here. It really is an EQL problem and they should be advising you. If they supply a solution which you have difficulties implementing then back to this Forum. But the next step should be with the provider.