Charles

A 'sandbox' mode by any other name is quite simple to achieve with what is currently available.

When you enter RODIS set-up a 'New File' in the Recording Folder and name it Test or any name with Test in the name - you decide what you want to call it. Then 'Load' that file into the main data entry area/mode and begin to key your data.

This file will remain in the RODIS files area BUT will not be passed forward for inclusion within the main database UNTIL YOU 'Submit' the file.

As a consequence you can test out the RODIS functions to your hearts content safe in the knowledge that the data will never be accidentally submitted and entered into the live database as 'Live' data.

Once you have finished all your testing (and that could be days, weeks or months into the future) then go back into the Recording Folder, highlight your Test file, and click the 'Remove File' button. Your file and its test data will be deleted from the system.

If you are still concerned about the data entering the live system - say you 'accidentally' clicked the 'Submit' rather than the 'Remove File' button then there are other protections which come into play. The File Name and the WebNo. (a number allocated to the file by the RODIS system) is added to each row of the  data (i.e. each record) so that it is always traceable back to the original electronic file. This means that every record now has 'Test' in this field which gives the chance of it being noticed when using the Import Wizard or even running an SQL query against the main database to identify any data which has 'Test' in the relevant field. I am sure it would be possible to build in a process to stop 'Test' files from being submitted or, as you mention, a 'sand-box, area but to be honest with the above facility(ies) I do not think it absolutely necessary. Comments from others who try RODIS out would be gratefully received as rECOrd staff are always looking for ways in which to improve the product and hence the service offered to recorders and partners.

One aspect which may not be immediately obvious, is that recorders can enter their data into RODIS for passing to rECOrd BUT, at any time, can 'Export' that data back to themselves (or to anybody else with an e-mail address - e.g. County recorder; National Recording Scheme Organiser; etc., etc.) in spreadsheet format. This can be done while the file is still 'Active' (i.e. data is still be added to the file) OR even after the file has been 'Submitted' to rECOrd. Thence the exported data (the recorders own records) can be used in their own Recording package (most/all recording packages allow spreadsheet importation of data), or held as pure spreadsheets, for their own use and data analysis.

Hope that helps Charles - we/rECOrd will look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Cheers

Steve     :)