A computer-implemented method for recording an asset survey or installation, comprising storing data received from an electronic database in an independent spreadsheet application operable on a portable electronic device, the data including identifying information for new and/or old assets and an employee listing. At least one field of the independent spreadsheet application is prepopulated with a set of data displayed in a drop down menu when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. A variable is selected from the set of data presented in the drop-down menu associated with the at least one field displayed on the independent spreadsheet when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. The selected variable is stored as a record located in a storage worksheet of the independent spreadsheet application when the spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. The record is transferred from the independent spreadsheet application to the asset management database in accordance with controls stored in a control worksheet of the independent spreadsheet application that control the manner of exchange of data with the asset management database.