Have a rather simple database consisting maybe 40 fields, but these fields are on 5 to 6 layouts.

Is it possible to lock each record, only after going through all the layouts, inserting data in all or most fields?

I suppose I am looking for a lock on/lock off solution, but when the record has been locked, the person doing the data input (who would be able to lock the record) would not have access to the locked record.

Have a look at the privilege sets. Create a new one and under "Data Access and Design", for Records select "Custom Privileges". There under "edit" you can set up a calculation that will need to be "true" before the user will be able to edit the record.

The simplest way is to include a flag field that you set to 1 when you want to lock the record. The calculation would then be flagField = 0. If the flag field is set to 1, the calculation results in False and the user will not be able to edit the record.

Can you explan this in more detail... I am going to hire someone for data input ... New records only... I do not want them to be able to change already existing records....

Thank you