We’re currently developing a survey database. This survey is to be conducted in a lot of different locations, most without wifi or cell service. We are using a Windows 7 Tablet to conduct the survey and a desktop to write the code etc.
I’d like to know if there are any limitations in MS-Access to placing the backend (tables etc) on a network drive and having the front-ends local when the tablet will not always have network connectivity.
I’m sure there’s a way to cache the backend to the tablet, that’s not the issue; it’s whether or not Ms-Access will accept changes when the cached copy returns with the tablet to the network. I’ve been unable to find any literature on this or even if it’s possible. I may be wrong about how caching works.
Input?
You are sure as hell running into problems – think of a user leaving WiFi coverage with the application open. Been there, done that, never evergonna do it again.
Use a simple, classic “last change timestamp/user/client” sync pattern – not sexy, but it works.