Integrating onsite data collection with PDA into a MS DB

[hiero]

Hi all,
I am toying with the idea of getting a palm computer and setting it up so that my client can collect data at remote locations, and then upon getting home, by a simple process can transfer the collected information into the MS Db that I've designed for them.

Clearly duplicate data etc would need to be avoided, but mostly I'm in a grey area in terms of what software I should use on the PDA, what kind of PDA, and how I can cleanly link it with an MS Access data base, etc!

Any and fragments of advice that you can nudge in my direction about this idea will be much appreciated. Cheers!


Luke.

 

[FloBob]

What os do you want to use... palm or windows on the PDA? Windows would prolly be the easiest as there are VB programs that allow you to manipulate forms etc in much the same way access works. I dont believe there is an access version that works on PDA's though I have not researched it so there might be someone who knows of somthing. I am sorry I am not much help but can atleast give you a direction to try.

 

[Kevin_S]

We are currently developing exactly what your looking to do so I can give a link to a previsous discussion I started on this here:
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50250&highlight=PDA

And another one here:
http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52740&highlight=PDA

We are currently testing a Palm Solution using Pendragon software's Forms 4.0 software which, if your going to be using MS Access as a BE is a nice approach as the design interface is Access based and data transfer is as easy as puching the hot synce button in the cradle (Bi-Syncronization is a plus too). We are using the Palm zire71 as our test PDA (Note* - Most Palm DB solutions play perfectly well with Windows so don't let that worry you!)

We are also beginning to work on another possible solution using an HP iPAQ 2122 PDA running windows mobile 2003 OS and SQL Server 2000 CE with a Visual Studio.NET built interface More work but also a very robust solution (not very cheap through but I guess when you work for the gov as I do thats not really a concern )

Anyways - look at the Pendragon website as I think this would abe a very nice possible solution for you.

Note* Going off of FloBobs line of thought there is no longer a Pocket Access program available as this was dropped from the original Pocket PC OS (just so you know and your not looking for it!)

HTH and Good Luck,
Kev