Automating data import +

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eric G
  • Start date Start date
E

Eric G

I have a few questions concerning importing external data.

Right now with our db I import external data a few times a year, which
requires several steps. During import I need to ensure that the
columns have been separated correctly. Then I need to insert a field
title for each column. Then I need to name the table. Then I need to
rename the old table, making way for the new table. Then I need to
establish the relationships between the new table and other tables.

Now for my questions. Is it possible to automate much or all of the
above?
Although it would be nice to have this automation at my disposal, I'm
asking for some potential new users.

My db may be distributed/sold to other schools for their use.
Once the db is setup on their system it is relatively easy to
maintain.

The main setup issues would be placing the backend on the server and
the frontend on the various frontend machines.
Then the above importation of data would need to be completed for a
few tables.

When db developers sell their software to businesses/institutions do
they try to make the software as maintenance-free as possible, or do
they leave certain setup/maintenance functions outside the
user/admin's domain? I'm thinking of the above setup plus compacting
and backing up the db etc.

Thanks for your guidance. Eric
 
Eric,

Typically it is all automated!

I can automate it all for you for a reasonable fee. If you are interested,
contact me at the email address below.
 
Eric,
Typically it is all automated!
Wow.

I can automate it all for you for a reasonable fee. If you are interested,
contact me at the email address below.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I will consider it as I go forward in the next couple of
months. Eric
 
Eric,

You apparently are in the early development of your application. The bit about
the new table, old table, renaming the old table and creating a reletionship for
the new table is all very untypical of what you would see in any application.
You ought to reconsider what you are trying to do with this process while you
are still in the early stages of your application. I can help you with this if
needed.

--
PC Datasheet
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Stephen G. Santus, MBA, Engineer Office (814) 226-5327
52 Campbell Avenue Fax (775) 822-3965
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www.pcdatasheet.com
 
Hi Steve,

Thanks for your reply.

Actually the app is pretty much 'completed'. We've been using it at
our school for the past year and a half. Most of the bugs have been
removed and I've added improvements along the way.

When the school year starts theTeachers table needs to be populated.
Data needs to be imported into it (TeacherID, LastName, FirstName)
The Students table needs to be populated. Data needs to be imported
into it as well. Currently this is the only table that's not
normalized. Its fields are StudentID, LastName, FirstName, Per1, Per2,
Per3, Per4 (rooms). I will probably normalize it this summer by making
a table to handle room assignments.

The current naming-renaming occurs with the Students table.
At the beginning of Semester II many students are deleted and added to
the roster. I haven't worked out a standard routine to deal with
updating the Students table yet. Also, up until now I was using
autonumbering for StudentID, but next year I will switch to the
original nine-digit StudentID used by the school.

Eric
 
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