Hi Mark,
For me the major consideration would be data validation and the quality
of data you're getting. If what you'd get from Pocket Excel would be
typical spreadsheet quality (plus errors from a handwriting recognition
system), I'd import into a temp table and then only append validated
records to the main table.
But if they're using handheld computers you might as well give them an
intelligent front end: a data entry form where they select the address
and meter number from dropdown lists loaded with that day's or week's
route; a field for the meter reading that only accepts digits and also
warns the user if the reading is significantly different from what would
be expected on the basis of previous consumption, so that implausible
entries can be checked on the spot. I've never used Pocket Excel and
don't know what it offers in the way of programmability and userforms.
If the answer is "none", IMO it's the wrong tool for the job.
I am working on an access program for recording monthly
water meter readings. My thoughts are to have the meter
readers use handhelds with pocket excel and import the
spreadsheets into my access program. Should I set up a
temp table to import into or just import right into my
existing data table? In other words, how are the pros
doing this?
John Nurick [Microsoft Access MVP]
Please respond in the newgroup and not by email.
