Synching Goldenseal Files

How can I synch a file between my laptop and my office computer?

We don't have automatic synching between multiple Goldenseal files. Because of the "linking" between Goldenseal records there are too many possible ways for it to go wrong-- for example, if two people make different changes to the same record.

If you need to work with Goldenseal data from a remote location, there are a couple of different ways you can keep two sets of data "in synch".

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you have fast Internet access at a remote location, use the Multi-User version of Goldenseal to access your company data over the Internet through a virtual private network (VPN).

A VPN requires a static IP address at your office location. You can then "sign on" to your local area network (LAN) from anywhere, access Goldenseal as a client, and view and change the data on your server computer no matter where you are.

Goldenseal Multi-User automatically synchronizes data with the network so you can always see the latest information, and make changes whenever it is convenient.

Using a Passive File Copy

If all you need is access to your Goldenseal data, just copy the Goldenseal program and a copy of your company file onto your laptop. You'll be able to view your latest records when you are in the field-- and as a bonus, you'll always have a recent copy stored off-premises so you won't lose data in the event of a hard drive crash, computer theft or natural disaster in your office.

NOTE-- Your Goldenseal license allows one person to use your files on more than one computer.

Using a Sign-Out System

If more than one person enters data into Goldenseal and you can't use a LAN or a VPN, you can use a sign-out system to make sure that data is only entered into the latest copy of Goldenseal. You just need to keep track of who has the latest version, and then make sure that the next person uses that file when they are ready to enter data.

For example, you can rename the file, or use a sign-out sheet, or use any other system that keeps track of where the latest version of your company file is.

Casual File Synching

If you have field personnel creating estimates, you can use Goldenseal's export and import commands to merge it into your main company file in the office. The procedure would be:

1. Take a copy of the Goldenseal program and the latest company file on a laptop.
2. Create an estimate on the laptop.
3. Choose Export from the File menu, and choose This Record from the submenu.
4. You can email the export file to the office, or move it to one of the office computers via your LAN, a zip disk, a flash drive, or any other method.
5. From one of the office computers, choose Import from the File menu, choose Other Update from the submenu, and select the file created at step 3.
6. Goldenseal will add the new estimate to the main company file so others can use it.

To return to file topics, click here.

Topics | Previous | Next | Getting Started Manual | Reference Manual | Site Map | Website