Multiple people working in Access

[Anderson]

I have a really silly question I'm sure:

I have a database that is used to record revenue data. I am wondering if it
is possible for say 3-7 people to be working on it at the same time
performing entry of information? Will records be overwritten if there is more
than one person working in the database at a time?

What are my options/alternatives here?

Thanks.
Access NOVICE (Anderson)

 

[Fred Boer]

Dear Anderson:

Access databases are multi-user right out of the box. So, yes, 3-7 users
could use the same tables.

Splitting the database is an essential part of creating a well-designed
multiuser database application. When you "split" a database, you create two
separate .mdb database files: one file holds the tables of data, and the
other file holds all the forms, reports and queries and so on. The file
holding the tables of data (often called the "Back End"), is stored in a
shared folder on the network server. All users need full permissions on this
folder. Copies of the file with the forms, etc., (often called the "Front
End") are stored on each workstation. The "Front End" .mdb database files
are "linked" to the Back End" .mdb database files, so that all users have
access to the same data. There is a database splitter tool available within
Access to help with the process. (Tools>Database Utilities> Database
Splitter)


There is good information here:

http://allenbrowne.com/ser-01.html

and here:

http://www.granite.ab.ca/access/splitapp/index.htm

Post back if you have further questions!

HTH
Fred Boer

 

[Fred Boer]

I guess I didn't answer your question fully, now that I see it:

Will records be overwritten if there is more than one person working in
the database at a time?

Access provides mechanisms to prevent records being overwritten when hit by
multiple users. It's a somewhat involved issue, though, that might
profitably wait until you've got the "splitting the database" information
fully digested. Access provides different levels of "record locking", and in
later versions (Access 2000 and higher, I believe), you can set locking down
to the "record" level. I'm no expert on this aspect of your question,
however...

HTH
Fred Boer