InfoPath Dev

Hi Infopathers,

I have an Infopath application that requires using only MS Access lookup tables. Here's the scenario:

• The data collectors will use a secondary data source to query against a local access database to verify address,phone, email, etc information before completing their form
• I cannot store the local DB within the form as it is 3000+ records. Plus the DB will be updated and synchronized daily. Cannot use web services either as they will be completly disconnected.
• They will send the results via XML file for verification, and then the project manager will submit to the Primary (Main) Acccess database.

The question is: what is the best way to deploy the infopath form and local Access database to field data collectors without breaking connections and rules built in. Can I create an installer that includes the Form and Access database?

I successfully moved the Form and Access DB to a tablet, but had to reset the secondary datasource and rules associated with it. This could be problematic for deployment

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

I would do a couple things. First would be to leverage Windows offline folder and synchronization features.

 I would use a network location, that everyone can access. Then have them create off-line access to it.

This will accomplish your sync and allow your path to remain the same for everyone.

Windows offline folders work this way.

So you would have say an \\server\InfoPath network folder.

Within it you have a template folder, which they have read access to it and it holds your published xsn's

Have a DB folder for the Access DB so you can have the same path for everyone.

Then have a docuemnts folder.  If you want you can have all of the forms submit to this location and as long as each the form name is unique they would all merge back when they went online and synced the folder.

Then a project manager could access them via the network and do the final submit or the users themselves could do the final submit, whatever your process.

The database, if it is read-only for the users would be fine too. It does not sound like they are saving to the database so you would not need to worry about it being merged.

That is my idea. You can send me an email if you would like to discuss.

Thanks Clay,

Sounds like a perfect idea, I will try that out soon.