Importing into DB on Server

October 27, 201114 yr

Hi guys,

I have a sort of tricky situation with data flow in this particular DB. I have a master DB that resides on a FMP Server at work. I have a "mobile version" of that Database that resides on the Desktop/iPad for data collection. We can not access the Network on our iPad hence the need for the multiple copies. There are a couple things I am wondering about, mainly if there is a safer way to do it....Currently the DB has one table with "Look-Up" fields. This data is pre-loaded into the DB and serves as a visual reference for a certain layout. That said, the process we have now is the following...

-Load look-up field data into Mobile DB via Excel on Desktop.

-Sync DB to iPad via iTunes

-Capture various Data on the iPad

-Sync DB back to Desktop via iTunes

-Import records to Master DB on Server

-Delete records on Mobile DB.

The biggest problem is the following.... I don't want to delete the look-up data (8 fields) in the mobile DB until all other fields of data are captured. The reason being you may still need that reference until the end of data capture, which occurs at 2-3 seperate occasions.

This would all be so much easier if we could access the network from our iPad and work directly with the Master DB, or we worked at our desks to capture data right on the server, but neither is the case.

Is there a better method for this that you can think of? Also, any suggestions on the look-up data?

The DB is more or less ready to be used, I just want to be sure I set it up correctly for importing/exporting.

If it would help to attach the DB, I'd be happy to

Thanks