Current planned use will be for adding records and editing existing records to update information which is normally not done by more than one person in a single day, but the records are updated with the changes as they are received and a log file is kept identifying any changes made and who made them. If I extend the app to also collect inspection data, all inspection data is kept in a history file linked to the component record, so syncronization will be unnecessary.

I don't know your particular situation, but shouldn't multiple providers visiting the same patient on the same day be considered separate incidents and all info for each be recorded without need for syncronization other than perhaps updating some status info for the patient?

>I would be interested in your synchronization process that you plan on using. That has been a big challenge for us as we have the posibilities of multiple users updating same records during the day. With the users synchronizing at different times during the day or next day. For example we will have more than one provider visiting same patient on the same day causing possible data overwriting on synchronization. We had to develop an audit for each field changes capturing timestamp of change so that during synchronization, we are able to capture any conflicts. Like I say, has been a real eye-opener.
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>Good luck again and I as sure you will be happy with the TabletPC's
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>>Hi Ronald;
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>>Thanks for the good input and words or encouragement. I think a Tablet PC will make a very suitable field data input device that will be a welcome change to those using the current devices. The only problems that I expect are durability issues and that there are some facilities or areas where the device may not be acceptable due to intrinsic safety listing requirements (tested and certified not to generate a spark for use in areas where flammable vapors may be present). But they allow cell phones, pagers, and PDA's in those areas and these devices are not listed as intrinsically safe so we'll see. Anyway, the application requires extensive field data entry and currently, the old data terminals and palm pilot size devices being used are a real PITA. I would expect that it will be very easy to create a useable data entry application for the tablet with easy integration to the main app that will be a great improvement over what we use now.
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>>Elmer
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