Should I Link or Import Tables?...

[kdm3]

Me again, my head's sore from banging it against a wall!

I wanted to ask for opinion regarding the pros/cons of linking tables.
More specifically I am writing an application to do some pretty scary stuff, and need to 'get' some data from another application - but then need to add more fields and info.

I originally considered importing the necessary fields, and then adding the extra info required as necessary, but am now erring towards linking to the relevant tables, and then creating a 1:1 relationship between the linked tables and tables containing the extra info I need.
I'm kinda concerned about the updating of tables, keeping the records up-tp-date and accurate, so linking would be better, but I'm just a bit concerned it may be really slow if I have a linked table, which is then related to a table within the application.

I'm kinda new to this so some advice would be much appreciated...

Thanks in advance,

kdm3

 

[kdm3]

Further...

In answer,

From Sage, basically details regarding orders, customers, suppliers etc...

Needs updating whenever a new order/customer/supplier etc. is added, so would need updating tres often! I had intended adding new records periodically using a timer!

Didn't get that one!?

The data is required mostly while the order is still active, to track production/purchasing etc. but will then be archived after order is completed.

Any suggestions bearing this in mind?