Abstract: A method for synchronizing a database server to a current status of a client database using data cache techniques is provided. Upon initiating synchronization, the database server receives an identification of a client connection, and creates a server-cache-table having a structure that is compatible with the client database. Database records from a corresponding client-cache-table are received through the client connection and inserted into the server-cache-table. The server-cache-table is merged into the database server. Similar cache-tables can be utilized to synchronize data from the database server to the client. Optionally, a parent-cache-table can be created on the server and populated with records associated with the identified client. Queries and other database operations during synchronization can be performed over the parent-cache-table to further optimize performance.

Abstract: Methods for managing the distribution of samples in support of activities of field representatives which differentiate on-hand and in-storage inventories of samples that have been previously allocated from a master inventory, for example, from the inventory of a pharmaceutical company. Field representatives are assisted in managing an inventory of samples known to a database through an interface including one or more charts or tables that distinguish an on-hand quantity from an in-storage quantity, and a mechanism to identify a quantity of a particular product in the chart or table for distribution, with the database being updated to track changes at least in the on-hand quantity information. The interface can be further configured to capture the signature of a sample recipient over that person's name, presented in a signature block as a watermark in a cursive-font to deter unauthorized sample acceptance.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a database server to a current status of a client database using data cache techniques is provided. Upon initiating synchronization, the database server receives an identification of a client connection, and creates a server-cache-table having a structure that is compatible with the client database. Database records from a corresponding client-cache-table are received through the client connection and inserted into the server-cache-table. The server-cache-table is merged into the database server. Similar cache-tables can be utilized to synchronize data from the database server to the client. Optionally, a parent-cache-table can be created on the server and populated with records associated with the identified client. Queries and other database operations during synchronization can be performed over the parent-cache-table to further optimize performance.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a database server to a current status of a client database using data cache techniques is provided. Upon initiating synchronization, the database server receives an identification of a client connection, and creates a server-cache-table having a structure that is compatible with the client database. Database records from a corresponding client-cache-table are received through the client connection and inserted into the server-cache-table. The server-cache-table is merged into the database server. Similar cache-tables can be utilized to synchronize data from the database server to the client. Optionally, a parent-cache-table can be created on the server and populated with records associated with the identified client. Queries and other database operations during synchronization can be performed over the parent-cache-table to further optimize performance.

Abstract: Electronically creating an itinerary schedule in a calendar program. A geographic indicator and a calendar date are acquired and coordinated with each other to define an itinerary entry. The itinerary entry is included into a calendar program maintained by the machine. The step of acquiring the geographic indicator further comprises the step of updating a counter upon each selection of a geographic indicator. Another method electronically populates a calendar program with an event using an itinerary entry. Optionally, health care providers from within a geographic indicator are included in the itinerary entry. A geographic indicator and calendar date are obtained from an itinerary entry, and additional search criteria are input. A search of a database is executed to identify candidates matching the geographic indicator and search criteria. Candidate matches are assigned to a time slot, and each time slot is populated into the calendar program on the calendar date.

Abstract: A method for realigning a database server and a client database is provided. During realignment at least one table of the database server is copied to a workspace, and a set of records copied to the workspace is identified that are associated with the client. The set of records associated with the client are modified and can include a subset of records newly associated with the client. An association-rule is created that defines the modified set of records as accessible by the client and includes an effective time. The association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed to the client, preferably during database synchronization. At the effective time, the modifications to the workspace records are made effective on the server and activated on the client. Optionally, the association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed in response to receiving approval of the modified set of records.

Abstract: Electronically creating an itinerary schedule in a calendar program. A geographic indicator and a calendar date are acquired and coordinated with each other to define an itinerary entry. The itinerary entry is included into a calendar program maintained by the machine. The step of acquiring the geographic indicator further comprises the step of updating a counter upon each selection of a geographic indicator. Another method electronically populates a calendar program with an event using an itinerary entry. Optionally, health care providers from within a geographic indicator are included in the itinerary entry. A geographic indicator and calendar date are obtained from an itinerary entry, and additional search criteria are input. A search of a database is executed to identify candidates matching the geographic indicator and search criteria. Candidate matches are assigned to a time slot, and each time slot is populated into the calendar program on the calendar date.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a database server to a current status of a client database using data cache techniques is provided. Upon initiating synchronization, the database server receives an identification of a client connection, and creates a server-cache-table having a structure that is compatible with the client database. Database records from a corresponding client-cache-table are received through the client connection and inserted into the server-cache-table. The server-cache-table is merged into the database server. Similar cache-tables can be utilized to synchronize data from the database server to the client. Optionally, a parent-cache-table can be created on the server and populated with records associated with the identified client. Queries and other database operations during synchronization can be performed over the parent-cache-table to further optimize performance.

Abstract: A method for realigning a database server and a client database is provided. During realignment at least one table of the database server is copied to a workspace, and a set of records copied to the workspace is identified that are associated with the client. The set of records associated with the client are modified and can include a subset of records newly associated with the client. An association-rule is created that defines the modified set of records as accessible by the client and includes an effective time. The association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed to the client, preferably during database synchronization. At the effective time, the modifications to the workspace records are made effective on the server and activated on the client. Optionally, the association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed in response to receiving approval of the modified set of records.

Abstract: Methods for managing the distribution of samples in support of activities of field representatives which differentiate on-hand and in-storage inventories of samples that have been previously allocated from a master inventory, for example, from the inventory of a pharmaceutical company. Field representatives are assisted in managing an inventory of samples known to a database through an interface including one or more charts or tables that distinguish an on-hand quantity from an in-storage quantity, and a mechanism to identify a quantity of a particular product in the chart or table for distribution, with the database being updated to track changes at least in the on-hand quantity information. The interface can be further configured to capture the signature of a sample recipient over that person's name, presented in a signature block as a watermark in a cursive-font to deter unauthorized sample acceptance.