Question Need some basic advice on mobile Access

[Big Pat]

Hi,

We have a fairly simple application, that I developed in Windows 2007 and have deployed as a runtime version. But some of our staff are field-based and we're just starting to consider the whole iPad/Galaxy/whatever situation. Our needs are pretty simple: We'd like to be able to use the database almost like an electronic clipboard, just for the data-entry part of the application, mainly drop-down fields and some text-boxes. Currently we're using pre-printed forms and then entering the data later.

Our staff will always return to base afterwards, so we have no need to transmit data over the phone network. And we're not worried about any other apps that may or may not be available on a device. We want to keep it simple, but usable. And not over-expensive! The other concern is that it should be the type of device you can use while walking round (just like a clipboard.) We have tried this with a 10" netbook PC but you have to find a ledge or windowsill to rest it on while you use it. This isn't much good as we employ "surveyors" (more or less!) who need to roam from room to room and also outdoors

This is completely virgin territory for me, so the questions are:

• What's the best device (in the UK) for the job?
• Would it come with the right software (e.g. do I need Windows mobile to run a runtime application?)
• Would I need to make major database changes? I suppose that's a vague question. Presumably I would need to reorganise screen-layouts, for a smaller screen, but is there likely to be any more fundamental difference in the way it would work?

I'd love to know what others' experiences are. Do people use this way of working, what are the pitfalls etc? Suggestions, tips, or links to any good websites that can teach me about this stuff, all gratefully received!

Thanks,
Pat.

 

[Trevor G]

Hi Pat,

One way I have adviced companies to do something very similar in the past with vertually no hidden costs, is:

Do you have a website?
Can the staff log in to the website from a Mobile phone like an IPhone?

If so then create a couple of useful ASP forms on the website that download/upload the data when they log in.

Save time and money, do you have the right contacts to help you, ie an IT Department, web administrator. etc.

No fancy software

 

[Big Pat]

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for that suggestion. We don't currrently have a website as 90% of our work is local and we have enough face to face contact in our industry to kepp things ticking along. It is on our to-do list but in reality it's probably some way off.

Almost as big a stumbling block is that I don't have a CLUE about ASP. With the help of this fantastic site I have learned an awful lot over the past few years but I'm still a complete amateur really! I know enough to get by with Access but how you go about tying this into the web is beyond me.

I was hoping to run the database more or less as it is, but on a much smaller device.

Any other ideas? Anyone?

 

[John.Woody]

Remote Desktop would allow your users to log in to an office PC take over the desktop and run your application live. The screen size would obviously be small, but depending on the form sizes / screen resolution of the PC it might be workable. Would aviod alot of modification to the db. Or would a tablet PC work as opposed to a netbook?

 

[Big Pat]

Hi,
Well yes, we looked at tablet PCs some time back, maybe two years ago and decided then that they were too expensive. But things are moving on and there now seem to be some alternatives to the iPad. Which has got us thinking again.

Can you run a windows runtime application on the Apple OS? What about on the Android?

I looked at this site http://www.techradar.com/news/mobil...ad-alternatives-690596?comments_pg=1#comments and number 6 the X2 iTablet kind of caught my eye. But there's no mention of price.

Gut feeling (no more than that!!) tells me that this is the *kind* of solution we want but I'm wary. I don't want to wind up with the tablet version of a betamax!

 

[Acelink]

I am also interested in attempting to do something similar. At the moment I do not believe there is a 'simple' solution. I did read somewhere that the ANDROID OS does support SQLite.

I am banking on getting a new phone soon and this inspired me: http://apcmag.com/windows-phone-7.htm

The Windows Phone 7. It looks amazing from what I have read and I am going to assume that it will be able to run Runtime applications--since it is windows... But who knows, Windows has disappointed in the past (WinME, Vista etc).

Just hold out a few more weeks until some new Windows Phones come out.

 

[mcclunyboy]

If it is just a form - can the users not use the "Access Data Collection" tool.

Access can import data from forms embedded in emails. It is easy to use as long as you have internet/emails.

 

[darbid]

I am also interested in your question. I have the following opinion - some have already been said above.

iphone/ipad

1. Create a website which you can log into and log into it with your iphone (this was the only way before Apple started the App store)

2. Desktop replication programs like VNC which simply replicates via the internet a real computers desktop (iphone is too small for this in my opinion)

3. Make an App for your iphone/ipad - Both have sqlite which is your database on the device. You will have problems getting information to and from your device bacuse Apple does not allow you to sync such information through itunes. The only Official Apple methods would be to once again load and donwload the data from a server on the internet. The second would be to put your data into a text doc like XML and then emailing it to the device whcih then reads the XML and puts it into the sqlite database.

To officially make an App you need a macbook and you need to learn Objective C.

(note my use of the word OFFICIALLY) I am sure there are unofficial ways which apple will not approve of.

 

[DCrake]

I have just won a temp contract that involves the use of hand held scanners and pda's that have office mobile installed on them. They are about the size of a postcard with full querty keyboard and a good resolution. It can handle Access no problem. Will find out more about it and get back to you.