Update database from remote location

[Guest]

I have built a database for local squadrons so they can create their status
reports for their boss at the Wing (Navy squadron chain of command). The
program is on the local network for the base and those who need access have
it.

The problem I am running into is that when a squadron deploys overseas they
do not have access to the same network in order to complete their report. I
have tried to replicate my database but the copy is too large to send via
email back to home base so that the Wing can sync it and do their report. I
have also played around with just emailing a certain table in excel format
but when I try to import that data I receive an error.

So, my question is, given that the deployed squadron will have a similarly
built database to work with, how do I have them send just their data back to
home base then have their boss (the Wing) upload the data to the main
database so they can do their own report?

Thanks,

 

[GrahamT]

Hi Jeff

Why not look into making the database internet based - either partl
(for updates) or fully. You can do this using MySQL and a serve
which supports PHP. (You could use ASP instead, but there is usuall
an extra fee for hosting this)

I don't know the subject in great detail, so I suggest you trawl th
internet for more info. MySQL is a free download & there shoul
be plenty of help out there

Cheers
Graham

 

[Paul Overway]

I suspect the information is something that probably shouldn't be shared
over the internet. You might have been on the right track emailing the data
in Excel, but what exactly was the nature of the error you were getting?

 

[Guest]

Thanks Paul.

You're right, it is data that cannot be shared over the internet.

The error I am receiving while using the "Import Spreadsheet Wizard" is "An
error occured trying to import file 'tblAircraftData.xls.' The file was not
imported."

I'm not sure how much you can help me without seeing the database but it is
growing like a weed. lol I've even tried to compress and fix a back up
version of the program so I can save it on disk but it's still a monster.

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

[Paul Overway]

I would be looking at whether the data you are trying to import violates
rules on the table, i.e., the primary key already exists, etc.. Supposing
that the issue relates to primary key, you might need to delete the existing
records first before appending the imported data to the table. Or you might
need to do an update query instead. You may need to import the data to a
temp table before inserting to or updating the actual table. It is somewhat
difficult to say what exactly must be done without seeing data, but you get
the idea. You also might want to use delimited text files instead of
spreadsheets, and create import/export specs.

Also, supposing that Aircraft Data represents aircraft status for a given
date, it may be that you need to make some changes in your data model. For
example, supposing the table contains a foreign key representing the
aircraft and various status fields, you might need a date field to indicate
what the status is on a given date. If you currently have an autonumber
field on the table as a primary key, that should probably be removed and a
multi-part key based on the aircraft ID and a date used instead.

 

[GrahamT]

Paul, I just posed the question

If security is an issue (you may well be right) then running the lin
using Virtual Private Networking would be an answer. Db updates woul
then be near instantaneous

Paul Overwaywrote

I suspect the information is something that probably shouldn't b
shared

over the internet. You might have been on the right track emailin the data
in Excel, but what exactly was the nature of the error you wer getting

--
Paul Overwa
Logico Solution
http://www.logico-solutions.co


Hi Jeff

Why not look into making the database internet based - eithe partl
(for updates) or fully. You can do this using MySQL and a serve
which supports PHP. (You could use ASP instead, but there i usuall
an extra fee for hosting this)

I don't know the subject in great detail, so I suggest you traw th
internet for more info. MySQL is a free download & there shoul
be plenty of help out there

Cheers
Graham
[/quote:0d0a01dc48

 

[Guest]

I think you're correct Paul. I just took to the whole table, keys and all
and tried to export it as a delimited file, as per a suggestion from another
site, and still ran into import problems.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Jeff