Automatically update records

[ChrisF]

I have a database called Directory that I have to update weekly. I also have a database set up for each of our clients. We add new records to those db's daily. In order for me to include those new records in the Directory, I have to delete all records and then re-import. Is there a way to enter a new record into any of my db's and that record will show up in the Directory as well?

Thanks in advance!!

Chris

[-Queue-]

How does the Directory relate to your client files? Wouldn't it be easier to use one client file and one record for each client?

[ChrisF]

We deal with hospitals, and the records in each db are confidential. There are thousands of records in eace file. We can

[Fenton]

OK, if we accept that you have a file for each hospital, then you're going to have to tell us more. Without knowing the "flow" of the data, we can't say how to "synchronize" them (hopefully the data only goes in one direction; but which way? which data?).

You can likely use the "update matching records" option in the Import dialog, with "add remaining records" checked.

You'll need a separate Import script for each file. I just can't visualize how you're sending databases to other locations, then sending them another one, with new data. What are they doing with it in the meantime? Or are they just piling up new files; with the same names (disaster waiting to happen)?

[Lee Smith]

Hi Fenton,

While I was away composing my response, you posted yours.

Hi Chris,

Some of what I'm posting may be a duplication of what Fenton has already stated, if so please bear with me.

It is not clear to me why having a separate database for each hospital is better than using one database and relationships.

It might help to know more about your needs. Here are my thoughts, in no particular order.

What is the purpose of your database?

What reports do you do?

Is the database being served? Is that the concern for confidentiality?

Are the case-workers a key to you needs?

How do you receive your impute data? (I.e. text files, electronic transfers, databases, etc.)

How many hospitals are there?

How many files for each hospitals do you maintain? One, two, more. If more than one file, what type data would be found in each file.

If I'm understanding you correctly, each Hospital can have the same patients as other hospitals. Each patients has a unique case-worker (no matter what hospital), and there is data for each hospital that you are concerned with. My question is, how would it be compromised by changing your structure? Who would get it and how?

Lee

[transpower]

It would appear that you really need five files here: hospital, patient, case worker, incident, and join (hospital-patient-case worker-incident). Each time a patient comes to a hospital is considered an incident. Data should never have to be entered twice.

[ChrisF]

We have about 50 different databases, one for each hospital that we work for. The information in these dbs varies quite a bit. I do realize that we could use one file for all of the hospitals, but I was told not to by management in order to eliminate any confusion of patient records or commission rates.

Every week I delete all of the records in the directory and re-import them so that they will be up to date. Fenton