Importing vs. syncing with MirrorSync vs FMGO

[X-Pert Pool]

It was hard trying to figure out which forum to post this topic, I hope this was the best choice.

 

Let me explain my situation and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

 

I run a pool company and I have been using a modified version of the john mark osborne solution.  Basically its a database that keeps customers data and invoices.

 

I'm using FMP11 to share the database to two laptops on the road also running FMP11.  The laptops get internet connectivity from cell phone wifi hotspots.  So I can go to a customers record make a new invoice add products and print out the invoice on a laserprinter running off a beefy inverter.  This has worked OKAY for the past 2 years. It seems that as the database grows in size from adding customers and invoices it starts to disconnect much more often.  I get that error "connection with the host has been lost.. or something"  I forget the exact wording.  So when this happens it will take 5 minutes or so to log back in because filemaker will close itself out when trying to reconnect since the serial number matches one already in use until it realizes you actually disconnected.

 

Anyways I'm trying to figure out the best way to go from here.

 

 

A I can probably reduce the size of the database by purging all of the invoices from the prior year to keep the database small yet keep the invoice ID number unique.  This might make the database run smoother.?

 

B I've been told that FMGo is designed differently and is able to handle hiccups in a poor connection to a database without getting those disconnection errors, but then I'm worried about the ability to print from an IPad.

 

C I've looked quickly into MirrorSync with the idea of keeping the database offline on the laptops and then just syncing the changed data. 

 

 

D Try syncing myself?  For example I could have uniquie IDs for invoices made by specific users.  For example ID numbers for invoices,customers, and products made by userA would be even and  and anything made by userB be would be odd.

 

Let me know what you think.  Right now I have the advantage of being a seasonal business with this being my off time so I can fool around with the database without worry of having to add new data on a daily basis.

 

 

[Claus Lavendt]

Beside MirrorSync, Todd Geist and Seedcode has created GoZync, which is a great product for partially sync, when you don't want to develop a solution yourself.

Syncing is a pretty advanced topic, so you might be better off using either of the 2 mentioned.

 

That said, I would consider using FMGO on an iPad, for several reasons.

Is it really needed to print out invoices ? Practically none of my customers print out invoices, they send pdf via email.

But, if printing really is needed, you could take a look at xPrintServer, which is a device that enables iPad/iPhone devices to print to a wide range of printer.

You should probably also have e.g. an airport express for network and then connect the xPrintServer to that. iPad connects via wifi to this small network.

www.xprintserver.com

[X-Pert Pool]

Was I correct in the assumption of how FMGO handles connectivity differently?  Meaning it won't have disconnection errors over cellular wifi?

 

I personally would prefer to email invoices but some customers are elderly and I doubt they are computer savy.

 

In your opinion though, if you hired a plumber or equivilant to come to your house would you expect them to email the invoice to you?  I think a majority of people are still handwriting bills, the only bills that I'm currenly paying in a pure paperless fashion are utitlies, cellphones, and online shopping.  I'd be suprised if someone came to my house and asked for an email address.