Replication? Data merge solution for laptops running access db...

[tad0075]

My department has a database that has been developed for in-office data entry from paper inspection forms. We haven't had many ongoing inspections going on, so the paper form is still used in the field, and the data goes into the db from the office at a later time. We're about to have some full time inspectors and need to make the data entry available in the field.

Here's the difficult part... the data needs to sync both ways. We're pushing data into the database from other sources (city utilities map with records on the objects they are inspecting), but we also need their inspection results entered from the field on lap tops. I haven't found a reliable way to make the backend accessible from the lap tops, and I can't find any clear direction on how table replication works in Access.

**EDIT**
To clarify the changes to be synced, there would be edits and appends from both sides, but never deletes. At least 1 table will have updates from both sides, others would either have changes coming only from 1 side.
**/EDIT**

Any ideas or info on table replication?

-Tyler

 

[PaulO]

Can your Inspectors connect to your Network and load the Database from remote locations? If so that's your answer.

 

[tad0075]

Paul - no, our network is only accessible to computers plugged in to the LAN.

 

[PaulO]

OK ...

I think I'd be looking for remote network access/login capability for my users as Synchronisation will always prove troublesome.

 

[tad0075]

That's what I was afraid. Maybe we'll just have to set up web hosting for this database, or use VPN. Thanks for the direction!