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Use Excel or Access to update Access database

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apercival

Instructor
Mar 28, 2004
1
US
We've been updating our Access database using paper reports generated by our road warriors. We're ready to go paperless, but not sure what the best way is create the records to be imported to Access. We have a large database (113 MB). We want our guys to be able to review some history and make notes on current meeting, then import this to Access. We could use laptops with a copy of the Access database, but concerned about being able to export just the new records and keeping the primary key (auto generated) for these records unique. We thought Excel might be better choice to hold query results and import file. Also trying to decide if laptops, tablets or pocket pcs are best to accomplish this. Any suggestions deeply appreciated!
Adrienne
 
Microsoft Access has built in functionality to support replication and synchronization of databases. I've never needed to use it, but I think it may be useful in your application.
 
Whatever problems you can see with Access, you'll have worse with Excel.

Having said that, it's not too difficult to update a central database from satellites, if you're not too ambitious. As mn says, Access does do replication although I think its varied a bit in its effectiveness.

Your choice should really depend on what functionality is required by the remote users. The same goes for the hardware.

If you are going to go the replication route, then I suggest you have a look at a few options eg MS SQL Server and MySQL.

 
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