Usage timer function

[pcEars]

I am seeking advice/ideas before wasting hours working on my own idea [which I am not very confident of]

My goal is to code a timer that logs when a user starts and stops using my application within, say 6 minutes. The point being to track payable time for the user working from home. [dial-up directly to office server, not via internet]

My idea is to open a hidden form [after login] with the code in the OnTimer event. If the app sits idle for more than 6 minutes, all visible forms would reset to Visible=false, a restart form would display, and a stop time and CurrentUser() would be logged to tblUsageLog.

Likewise, When usage activity resumes from the close of the restart form, the process reverses: other forms are reset to Visible=True, the timer event is reset to begin another start/stop record, CurrentUser() and StartTime is logged.

From there I think I can write a query to report the elapsed times and users for payroll.

Again, looking for any ideas as well as answers to the following:

Q- Is there a more graceful way to do this?
Q- How do I reference read/write activity within any [all] parts of the app?
Q- How can I reset the OnTimer event so my hidden form remains 1st opened and last closed?

 

[Mile-O]

You may want to have a look at this.

 

[pcEars]

Mile, you are a god. And why I never found that in my earlier search I can only attribute to my own poor choice of search terms.

That does indeed look promising, and I'll try it out as soon as I can. Also, I feel reassured to see that my idea was not completely out of line.

Thanks again!

 

[Mile-O]

my own poor choice of search terms.

What did you use? I have it in my printout list but couldn't be bothered finding out what number it was. I just typed in Close if Idle

 

[pcEars]

To be honest, I made the search days ago and don't remember. Then I set about trying to figure the design for myself on paper.

In any event, I've printed and have been reading through the code sample you pointed me to. It does seem to point me in the right direction, though I'll have to adapt it to log the usage times for payroll purposes.

Fortunately, I have no deadline to meet, and I'll use this as a learning exercise to see just how far I can continue on my own. Of course, when I stumble on something [which is likely] you can bet I'll be back for more help.