Here's a tricky one

[Bill Neilsen]

I currently have 2 identical databases running at different company branches.
The data bases have multiple related tables, and because they are at
different branches obviously have different data in them.
The company has now moved into the 21st century and given us the ability to
log into the central server and run the database from all branches.
But, this gives me a problem, the different data.
As I see it, I have 2 ways to go.
1. Have the other branch lose all their data and start again.
2. Somehow, migrate all the data form their multiple tables into the central
database on the server, and conserve all the relationships.
When I think about it, it seems like a pipedream, but, has anyone ever tried
to do this before and succeeded? If it's viewed as possible, then I can then
look for a solution, but if not then I can just get on with it.

 

[Fred]

In addition to DS's advice on the DB execution side, you are going to have to
deal with some basic issues. Like, are records duplicated between the two
databases and, if so, are you going to let two copies go into the new
database, or are you going to hunt down and deal with duplicates.

 

[Bill Neilsen]

Thanks for your help guys.
You have convinced me that it's too hard and the danger of introduced errors
would be too great.
I might just keep the other branch's copy for record and history, but start
them anew with the database on the server.
Once again, thanks

 

[Barry A&P]

This is probably completely stupid but i did a similar merge Database A to
Database B by joining tables in my append queries with a different fields.
For example i had a table of transactions in "A" and a table of vendors in
"A" that were joined on VendorID but in database "B" i was compiling my data
to the vendors all had different ID's but same names so i did an select query
in database A with Transactions and Vendors joined on Vendor ID and the
results were appended to Database B with where Vendor Names matched insert
Database B Vendor ID ..

Probably worthless shibboleth
Barry