The Separation Model

Hi, I've got a question about normalization ... I have a FileMaker solution were I've consolidated the "User" and the "Contacts" into one table since the beginning. The reason I did this is because the "User" and the "Contact" carried the same data; FName, MName, LName, Phone, Address, City, State, Zip ... etc. I am involved with a MySQL developer and they want complete separation between the "User" and the "Contact" and they say for "Security" ... and I say OK ... please clarify. Here is my question ... what happens when the "User" becomes a "Customer" ... the MySQL developer says that we would create a contact card for the "User" in the "Contac…

I have a database I maintain that was originally designed with 3 filemaker files. I'm trying to update the Navigation using a Button bar. This bar is common across the 3 files in most layouts. The difficulty I'm having is that when navigating away from one file to the other the app seems confused as to which is the Active window. The active and rollover states seem to think the previous window (file) is still active. Is there some scripting action that will make it obvious who is the active window now?

Hello folks I am experiencing a peculiar behaviour, which is creating a user case problem, in a solution that is utilizing the Data Separation Model and WebDirect. I need to know if this behavior is normal, a bug, or if my implementation is incorrect. I've got an interface file and a data file. Each file has two Privilege Sets defined (in addition to [Full Access]); call them Floor and Manager. Floor has very restricted access, and Manager has more liberal access (but no where near Full Access). Scenario 1) I've made a script in the interface file which performs a re-login. A user logs in as Floor privileges via WEBDIRECT. User then performs the script and …

I've got a solution designed as a separation model where data is split among 6 files and I am working on an upgrade. I'm planning to consolidate those 6 files under three with the following criteria: One file with messages because it gets quite big in size Another file with all of the value list tables I use because there are quite many and they require relationships only for value lists A file with the rest of the data Is this a good way to distribute the data? would be better a single big file, even if it grows up to 800MB? which design criteria would you apply with this scenario? Thanks,

Hi, So a client asks me to migrate/transform an old solution 30 files or so to less files. My thoughts are to go to a three files solution : interface, data and reporting. As the files have crashed in the past I am asking input two things : 1. I am pretty satisfied with other three files solutions, but should I reconsider. 2. The files have crashed in the past so maybe more important question : Can I start copy/pasting of should I rebuild from scratch ? This will increase the costs for my client. Or can I, for example just copy/paste the field definitions ? Thanks on any input you can give me here.

Is the only way to change the data-source of a table occurrence, manually? I'm working with a data separated solution that has one presentation database and 3 databases containing data. When the system was originally designed there were good reasons (at the time) to have 3 separate databases for the data. Now it no longer makes sense and is over-complicating development. I'm hoping to combine the 3 data databases into 1. But it's going to mean changing the data-source for 400+ table occurrences in the presentation database. Hoping there is a method by which I can change them in bulk? I found this (http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5764809/filemaker-batc…

I'd like some thughts on this please. I'm using the seperation model and have a data file and currently one interface file. However, I know I'm going to create other interface files for other systems but keeping the data in the same data file so it can be accessed all together. My question is - Where is the best place to put the administrator layouts (to grant user access etc) Should I create a seperate interface file just for this that gives the administrator the ability to provide access to all systems in one place or implement this in each of the interface files I create? TIA

Hi, <background you may skip over> over the last few years, I've converted many of my personal files to the SM (the dirty one, that is), mostly because it's interesting. I don't use servers or any sort of multi user environments. I'm only mentioning this to say that I have had some limited exposure to the SM. I used to have some solutions deployed in back in the FM6 days and to this day I'm getting bugged here and there that I should upgrade my stuff, which I may or may not do. If I do, I'd like to use the SM, because it would be ideal to deploy updates which typically deal with features/work flow, etc. rather than data fields, making an update rather simpl…

I would like to create and distribute a "separated" runtime solution which acts like an "application" in enabling the user to manage multiple independent data sets with the same logic. Each independent data set would start as a clone of the Data Source listed for the data file side of the separation model, and the logic file would be directed to link to the appropriate data set upon opening, so the user would need to quit the "application" and reopen it to work with a different data set. Ultimately I would like to keep a list of recent data files the user has accessed with this Filemaker "application," and make it simple for the user to open - any of those recent f…

Hi. Im sure there are many discussions about this, but I am looking for some information about the best way to handle a test version of a database. I'm happy to use a separate set of data (different table), but use the same solution - so I don't have to amend layouts and scripts in two solutions instead of just the one. Can anybody please give me a pointer to a known good source of how best to handle this - a separation model. Thanks in advance. Greg

Hi..When i try to import records in separation model ..its shows error like no field is selected for import how to ..solve this... ?

I have implemented a separation model in order to make a mirror file but when the users in the office which hosts the FM server locally are logged into the mirror file via a script step, they automatically log in via WAN instead of LAN. FM Server shows clients logged in with the same client name via the WAN and LAN. How can I force the clients in the office with the FM server to log in via a script set using the LAN instead of the WAN? Thanks in advance, Peter Lehrack

I'm just setting up my first database using the separation model. Â User interface file is stored on local workstation. Â Data is stored on FM Server in another state. Â I want to store all user interface elements (buttons, icons, etc) in container fields but that would mean the container fields would exist in the DATA file and therefore all images would have to travel over the WAN between the FM Server and the local workstation. Â But how can I store the images in the local UI file when the table occurrence is based on the remote data file? Â I could do as per the attached screen shot: Â Have a relationship between the remote data file and the local UI …

Hi all,  I have a file which points to another file and there's TWO file files in the File Reference.  So, the UI file, points to a data file which is either at:  file:data or  The idea being if the local data file can't be found it'll fail over to the remote data file.   So, I have three attachments to this:  1-works.png = that's the basic process of having two files set up in the one file reference. If the UI file finds the first one, it'll use it... otherwise it'll "fail over" to the second one (2-works as well.png).  I've isolated the problem to this...  3-doesnt work.png... If I open a completely separate file which actually re…

Hi All: I am new using FM 12 and implementing the data separation model. I have samples to implement the data and application files, however, would like to apply the same method to the scripts and reports/prints. Where can I download samples of the application_print and application_scripts files? Thanks in advance! Mary

Hi All: Just a dumb question: Do I need to create a user table in my db if I plan to use Active Directory on Windows Server? This is my plan (not tested still): http://fmforums.com/forum/blog/13/entry-83-the-power-and-advantages-of-external-server-authentication-with-filemaker-server/ Thanks in advance! Mary

Howdy, I'm able to use Ruby and the Ginjo-Rfm module to retrieve data from a "one file" FM database. However, when I try to use the same method to retrieve data from a "separation model" FM database, I encounter problems. With "one file" database, no problemo... With "SM" database, it will list layouts, but will go no further... and the Ginjo-Rfm docs do not cover SM topics... Could anyone please elaborate on how to solve this problem,..or offer some diagnostic steps to help us find how to make this work? I'm an experienced programmer generally speaking, but relatively new to using FM. Our system is comprised of a MacMini running FM Pro,…

Hi..I want to hide button on trigger fire of another button. like ..in .Net we do on click event we hide button..is there any way to perform this??

hi..when we click on button of the tab its go to another layout so how can we pass the control to the active tab

Hi, how to store current layout name in variable and display that variable in show custom dialog box ???

Hi....I created separation model from existing solution ...i create one db and on ui file ..there are some external file also..i just make copy of all external files's layout in UI file ..so things is ..in existing solution they used select:current layout to return data in current window...bt now all layouts are in one file ..so how can return conrtol to current(from where scripts is called) layout........

In separtaion Model ....Is there any way we can show anothers file's layout in UI files tab control where each tab shows different file from different external file source ???

Hopefully I can explain my question well enough for you to understand what I am doing and help. I have a database that I created for in-house use. Currently, it lives as a collection of 4 databases (oops)... A Launch Bar file (for lack of a better term), two Report files (there's my oops... Should have ensured all reports were done in the same file), and a Data file. After attending a Filemaker Training Series class in November, I have realized a number of places where I need to clean up my scripting, calculations, and lots of other stuff (the joys of being self-taught!), and as part of that, I am working to integrate the Launch Bar file and the two Report file…

It is with great excitement that I plan to re-create my existing solution (For my medical practice) using the separation model concept. I have looked at Matt Petrowski's tutorials but they assume much knowledge and don't give step by step instructions. What I don't get is do I need to keep the relationships in the data file or can I delete them all leaving only pure data tables? Aren't the relationships between these tables established in the UI file? My approach would be: 1.Duplicate the file 2.Take one and save as clone- becomes the UI file 3.Take the other and delete everything from the relationship graph 4.Delete all layouts except the basic …

I use a simple 2-file separation model configuration. My primary file automatically opens the data file using a common account ID (i.e., defined in both files). Now, I'd like to be able to switch between a "production" data file and a "test info" data file. I thought this would be as easy as closing the normal file and opening an alternate copy on a different file path. But the Close doesn't actually close the normal file ... even though I'm on a layout that has no fields from the data file (no fields at all, in fact) ... and even though it executes, seemingly without error. My script sequence is: Go to Layout ["Neutral"] Flush Cache to Disk Close File […

I am trying the separation idea. I have interface file and data file. I create instances of the data tables in the interface graph. I create layout based upon these 'data tables' in interface and I put fields from data file onto it. I have set up the data file identical in privileges and I know it is identical because it is actually copy of same file as interface. If logged in to interface as person with restricted privileges, I cannot change fields which is correct. But if I relogin as me with full access the fields all say I do not have rights to change them. The data file is not changing the credentials. So I must somehow run the relogin in both or any f…

I've always been an advocate for a single file solution (or at least not he separation model) but now think that I may need to do it. The reason: I have a shrink wrap solution and some of my customers have to run multiple copies of the same solution on one server. And some need to open multiple copies from one client. Part of the copy protection requires that the customer provide us with a unique filename when they purchase and that then also becomes the window name. Since FileMaker won't allow variables for related files, updating the solution will be 'hokey' and cumbersome. Any option that I can think of won't be impressive to the customer. Also, I'm considering …

Hi, I would like to know your opinion about security when related with transfer sensitive data in separation models. The full access at script level is file oriented, in result of this you can’t run a script in UI to get sensitive data in Data file, because the field should be protect from Data Viewer (no access). I have overpass this, but I would like your opinion to learn more tools to deal with this important security scenery. The main problem is Data Viewer, I can’t see why this should be available for non-developers users. My clients buy FM because i sell my application to them, they don't want to use PRO or Advance. Just a Go for desktop. But for me, …

I'm trying to convert a solution developed as a single file into a two file data separation-based solution. I've run into a problem, though. In the original solution, a user (actually, the single user; solution was developed based on assumption only 1 person would use at a time) would select a project to work with, and the project ID would be read into a global variable. Records created in related tables were set to auto-enter the ID in the Global variable into the project foreign key field, which worked well for my purposes. Now that I've split the data and the interface, users will have the project ID in a variable local to their machine (each user will have a…

Hi, I've been reading a lot recently about the separation model as I would like to develop a Filemaker application that needs to run on a (slow) WAN. I have found one "purist" approach that aims at avoiding anything else than just data in the data file, avoiding anything like calculations, summary fields etc This requires what I see as significant cost (work) in the User Interface file in order to reproduce the same functionality (additional local tables, fields, relationships, even mirror tables...) A very good example of this is shown in the videos from filemakermagazine (for example "The Separation Model - Breaking up your data and interface" bu…

I'm working on my first data separation model project and it has an Invoice table. There is also a related Payment table. The Invoice table has a calculation field that sums the Payment::Amount field in related records. It also has a Balance calculation field that subtracts Invoice::SumPayments from Invoice::Total. In the user interface file I've created an Invoice form layout on which I've placed a portal to an occurrence of the Payment table. Rather than the user entering payments directly into this portal the user clicks a button above the portal that runs a script that opens a window containing a layout in which the user enters the new Payment record. …

Please help me how can i do Data Separation Model. I want to create both Database and Interface in two different files.

I use the separation model and have different privilege sets and accounts defined in the data file. On the other hand, the interface file is configured to be opened with a common "User" account and privilege set. Every time a user opens a database I get the following FMServer warning: === FileMaker Server x.x.x on SERVER reported the following event: 2011-07-19 09:47:12.013 +0200 Warning 661 SERVER Client "xx (xxx) [192.168.2.112]" authentication failed on database "Data.fp7" using "User [fmapp]". === Is there a way to avoid this warning without having to create the same accounts in the interface file? Thanks in advance!

I've been working on a large system for over 12 months now, it's complex, but is working perfectly and is rolling out to users next month as a run-time. It has just under 70 TOs in the relationships graph, so it's not the easiest to separate. I've decided to now split the interface from the data to make user backups and upgrades more straightforward, as it'll be distributed into a runtime, and it'd be good to provide interface upgrades without having to import and export data. I've split small FMP systems with ease before, and massive ones in Access with a few mouse clicks, but this is causing a serious headache! I've split the data off (duplicated the orig…

Hi, while I'm new to FM, I am experienced in "older" database programming. So "only" the interface is new to me. I've written an application and we could start data entry. As I will keep on developing the interface, I need a (easy:) way to update the application while keeping the existing data intact after. From my research, it looks like I should separate my interface files and data files. But by now I have 48 tables in my application with many more TOs and relationships. So I looked if I could copy the whole file and relink the interface from one application to the databases of the other. While I can import the other "external" databases, that leaves me withou…

Hi, I have been trying to get my head around this document http://help.filemaker.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6996/kw/host%20client%20differences It is a little confusing to me. Anyone got a clearer reference than this? I have an interface file & a data file & i want to know what get functions to put in the data file to tell me its state & which functions are only worth putting in the interface file as they just return client system information. I have tried putting a list of all of the get functions in two files & putting them in both environments but i can still not be 100% sure that i am reading the results correctly. Any he…

I've got a question for you pros out there. If you've been using the 'separation model' for your apps, how successful would you say it's been? Here's the context of asking this question: I've used the SM in various apps, and most of the time I've ended up questioning whether it was worth it. It takes longer to develop, runs a little slower, and personally I've found it to be buggy in certain ways (see http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/183087/). Moreover, the professed benefit doesn't seem to actually come up very often. The whole reason to do SM is so that you can implement updates to the front-end without having to mess with the back-end. But s…

Sorry, trying to trawl through the millions of posts... trying to learn as much as I can and I have been reading about the separation model, does anyone have a sample file showing how that has been implemented please, I think I understand it but it would be nice to see an example : Cheers GW

I'm on the verge of having to clone a database file that has about 85 graphic images in containers. This is the GUI file of a separation model application and the images are the icons, logos, etc. for the runtime. Most of the fields are dimensioned (repetitions) to contain a small array of selections. This is the first time I've been faced with this and it looks like it could be messy. Is a low-level, image-by-image right-click export the most practical way? I was hoping there was some kind of a magic wand, but I don't see one yet. "Container fields cannot be exported" seems to eliminate most of the possibilities. Thanks in advance for advice from anyone wh…

I have a quite complex database and decided to separate the interface from the data because my director was requiring many changes and I wanted to avoid repeated imports. None of my books cover this topic -- it literally says to google "filemaker data separation" in the fmp book! I watched this video which made it seem peachy pie but of course does not discuss any of the specific things to watch for: http://www.filemakermagazine.com/videos/data-interface-separation-discussion.html So here is what I did: I duplicated my file. I relinked all table occurences to the external file and then deleted all parent file tables. Already just on my computer I noticed certain e…

(Posting moved to Manage Scripts forum)

Hi, With the separation model, I assume that the accounts and access privileges are defined in the data file. But ... I guess that you also have to create a privilege in the interface file so the users cannot edit the scripts, the relationships graph, etc., right? What's a good way to deal with this? the file is configured so when it opens it automatically logs in with a common "user" account for everyone? Thanks in advance!

I am using data separation model in order stock module and the total tax is coming from the item setting table but he calculation field is not coming.how we get calculation field in data separation model.

Hi. Now that I have probably sounded like a goose with that title, I would like to ask about the pros and cons of an idea I was toying with. It's not that I'm too lazy to setup the SM for my solution, but working the other way, what do you think about having a single Filemaker file (app and data), but running it for several clients. So, for example, client 1 signs in and accesses their data, and client 2 accesses their completely separate set of data. It would need to be cleverly done with scripts so none of the data crosses 'over' but would make database maintenance a lot easier. I know that file size may be one issue, but would security be difficult to man…

I have recently completed a file separation project, but this being my first one I do have a question. When my users log in to the UI file, filemaker will open the connection to the data file. From the users standpoint nothing happens, however, from Filemakers standpoint a new "window" is opened to the data file that the user cannot see. When the user closes the UI file, their connection to the data file does not close unless they manually go to the Window menu, open the data file in a new window, and then close that window. Only then does Filemaker close the connection to complete solution. Is this normal behavior? Running the command WindowNames does not retur…

Hello all, I'm currently using the separation model. I have previously kept the interface file on the server in the same folder as the data file. I've recently tried putting the interface file as a separate copy on a couple users’ workstations. This has improved performance. However, I'm a little weary on how record locking (or lack thereof) will work. I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with corrupt data when 2 users are attempting to change the same data. As a test, I went into the same field as another user w/out any locking warning from filemaker. (Both interface files independent, on separate workstations, accessing data from the same file on the server) …

Hi. I have successfully split my single database file into two and the table vs layout side works fine, but have encountered another issue and wondering how to get around it. Value Lists. I would like some of them to sit in the application file and some in the data file. Application one's are the standard ones that should not be edited (Yes/No, etc), the the lists for the data file are the ones the user can edit - their own data. I've not been able to find any info about how/why Filemaker stores it's Value Lists and how they can be used in te seperation model. If I have both files open and then Manage Value Lists from whichever file has the focus then I can…

how to make a dataseparation model

Hello folks. Another hiatus from me, but I'm back with another one of my "Where did he come up with THAT one" Questions. I have a solution that I set up to use the Separation Model back a few years now, mostly to facilitate interface updates. That has generally worked out fine for my single user clients, but one of my clients has asked whether they can install their copy on a server and run concurrent sessions--and I frankly don't know. So, here I am with a few specific questions: 1) With a SM solution, does only the back end database go on the server? 2) If the front end is on each client, are there special steps to link the front to the back? 3) Of c…

First off, you should know that I am a total newbie to Filemaker. One of my concerns with Filemaker has always been the issues surrounding updating apps... distributed apps. It appears that the separation model is an attempt to alleviate some of these issues; however, I've read in a couple of places that the separation model is no longer relevant. Not sure what is meant by this, but I thought I would ask the question. Is the separation model ideal for those situations where you will need to update the solution on a regular basis?

In the near future I'm going to starting a new development project. I have decided that this solution will be best served if designed around a data separation model. I have worked on a few projects that utilize this technique to a degree. Mostly just for the creation of layouts accessible only via the web that would grab data from the needed table to display to a customer rather than give the customer access to all the records. However, this will be my first solution completely build around data separation. I have read lots of articles and design tips by people in the know. I'm wondering if anyone can direct me to someplace I can get a hold of a sample file. I'm looking f…

Hi, I created a script in the data file that executes when opening the file. This script executes the external script from the interface file "get privilege from data file" script and passes the function "Get(PrivilegeSet)" as a script parameter. Is there a smarter way to do this? I had to add an External Data Source in the data file (to the interface file) in order to be able to call the external script, but I wonder if there is another way so I can have a cleaner data file. Thanks in advance!

I have plan to implement the user management features with my small application. It will be having a user table, When i get a input from the user like user name and password I will check with the user table. By using users table can i set the privilege for the screen like the FM default one. Thank you

I'm new to SM and wondering the best way to transfer a found set. In a single file solution I'd use GTRR but that doesn't work in a multifile solution. Simple scenario. In 1.fp7 I have the found set but the report is produced in 2.fp7. However, when I run the script in 2.fp7 to generate the report, and the report is based on the same table in 1.fp7 in which the found set is based, what shows up in the report are all the records and not the found set. I know that I'm missing something basic here and appreciate the time you take to enlighten me. Thanks, W

Using FM 10. Have a client that is expanding from 2 to 5 campuses. To facilitate updating changes and sending to all campuses how do you build and separate the frontend (screens) from the Dbase. Is there an example to see. Right now they have 2 and I do a copy paste but five ? Also, they are willing to allow me to make the necessary changes so that updating in the future is easier. They are looking to expand to 15 centers in the next three years. Also, how or what is the best way to consolidate certain data from each campus to one central campus in order to see what is going on at all campuses...example how many students enrolled today. Thanks.

I am having trouble with using the ReLogin script step and my separation model. I have badges with barcode printed on them that contain the each persons username and password. This is used to quickly log them in and out the system. initailly a low level user FileMaker account is used when the app launches. When they login in it uses their external authentication user. When they create record I use auto-enter and Get (AccountName) to grab their External authentication name. Unfortunatly the data file remains logged in as the lower level user from when the file opened. How do I also have the relogin apply to the data file and not just the interface file? Th…

I'm looking for some logical insight into "when" to deploy the separation model. I am working on a new project which combines 3 existing FM systems (just the functionality not the actual systems) and we are writing the 'new' system from scratch. This is going to be the largest data store I have ever worked with, in terms of population density of records (as opposed to number of tables). I typically work on smaller systems in general. We are just at the pencil/paper stage at the moment but approximately there will be around 25-30 base tables (maximum) but at least 3 tables will hold around ½ million records (500,000). The record population will only gr…

Hello, new here - I hope this hasn't been asked a million times already - I did look first. I am (re)-creating a multi department database with FM10. I want to use quite a lot of separate files - Interaction and data, and the all various components in separate files. I need at least 4 different privilege sets and every user must have their own account name. I am bound to want to add more files to the system in the future. In the past I have issues with AccountNames opening one file from another - Maybe I am too stupid, but it seemed unpredictable! In our set-up we use mostly Macs and everyone saves their login data in Keychain, so I can't force users to ent…

I am working in 8.5 on a separation model solution. I have a script that switches from a main table to a line item layout, sets some variables in the data file and creates a new line item before switches back to the main layout. I want to be able to calculate the name of the most recently added line item in the main table. To do this i have to duplicate the relationships in the data file and sort that relationship in the data file in the same way as my interface file does. The relationship has multiple criteria some of which uses an unstored calculation as the primary key. (a does not equal these IDs calculation) I just cannot get the calculation …

I have used the SM for years. However, I am experimenting with the use of a viewer table, wherein displayed data is related to foreign keys in a client-side preference table. An advantage of this model is that in the future you can add functionality based on relationships from client-side global fields without updating the structure of the server-side Data file. All is well and good, except that when I update the foreign key in the viewer table to mimic record scrolling, the displayed related data does not update unless I add a script step to Refresh Window and flush cached joins. This results in layout flash. Is there a way to get the join data to update wit…

We use the separation model with two files, Interface file and Data file. Basically, we have one db application over Terminal Services where every client database has these two files. Hot fixes and updates are therefore a real hassle. Any changes need to be made on every file - very tedious and potentially error prone. There is nothing we can do about the DATA file but the only difference in each of the interface files is the External Server Group Name (from Active Directory) and a File reference. You can see now the benefit of having a single interface file. Based on user login the DATA file reference would be then changed to point to the proper file. One solution…

Hi, I'm currently developing a database in which there will be 100+ tables. All the relationships are in the data file. Is there a way to import the relationships into the presentation file or do I need to manually redo all the relationships? Thanks

Hello, I have a data separation situation in relation to Start up / Login I have a GUI file on the local system and the Data file on the server. If an administrator changes the password for an account in the Data file the user can login to the GUI file successfully but when the GUI file then switches to a layout that calls on information in the Data file the authentication will fail and the file displays the FileMaker login prompt for the Data file. I want to avoid this. How can i test for the validity of the GUI accountname and password in the Data file without it failing and displaying the FileMaker login prompt for the Data file. I would like this t…

Hi, Would it be a good approach to - create the database in SQL Server. - create the business access layer in a FM file. - and create the presentation layer in a FM file. Why SQL server? Because it's a powerful database system and a lot of company use this technology. Why FM for BAL? Because this way it's easier to add some calculation over SQL fields. Why FM for PL? Because, IMO, it's one of the best RAD (Rapid Application Development) software. Is this development method is a good approach? Now a technical question. If I create the BAL in FM10A doing all the necessary external connection. Can FM8 server host this file? Than…

I have been having problems with the separation model in FM7. I have attached two sample files to help you understand what I am seeing. Files: Source.fp7 - holds all data, contents two tables Invoice and Line Items. Interface.fp7 - no tables, just a relation to the source file and TOs of Invoice and Line Item tables. Setup: I put a portal of the line items for an invoice in a layout in both files. Also I put the total field in each layout to show the sum of all the line item prices. Problem: The totals calculation field in Invoice table does not update correctly when displayed on the interface file, but does work correctly while displayed in the s…

I just want to share details about a major problem I encountered in upgrading my runtime solution from 8.5 to 10.0 My application is based on the separation model that I first implemented under FMP 8.0. I have successfully (in the past) conducted smooth upgrades to installed systems by simply setting the database.fp7 aside, upgrading the entire contents of FMP and application directories -- and then copying the database.fp7 back onto the directory to restore the customer’s information into the application. It always worked without a hiccup. I came to believe this was the foundation principle behind and advantage of the separation model. When I began upgrading…

I've just set-up a 10 table system for customers and orders and billing, I did it from scratch all properly relational! I'm now considering separating the "data" from the "interface" as it's going to be shared on a network between 3 users, and it would make backing up and changes to the interface easier. What is the easiest way to do this, without breaking all the scripts and layouts? I'm using FileMaker 8.5 Advanced. Thank you experts!

I'm thinking about storing my external tables in a password protected directory so that they cannot be accessed by unauthorized people. How would FMP handle a pathname to the protected directories for the portal relationships?

I need to send users to layouts based on both native currency and page size used in their local. Currently there is no individually assigned user accounts, just account names for job function and local. I am planning to use a pattern count from the privilege set to capture information. EG: _UK and _EU for currency, and _PSA and _PSL (Page Size L for Letter, et all US sizes). All my scripts, including navigation and print are in my User Interface. (I capture the OS to deal with Win/Mac page setup, and set UI system formats as well). Data is in several other files which are not accessed by users directly. So my main Q: Is there any reason to add these suffixes to t…

What are the pros and cons on using external tables? My training vids don't explain the logic for deciding. What I have in mind is keeping the data separate from the interface. I'd like to understand the issues better before heading down this path.

Hi, I'm creating my first separation model solution with two files, myDB and myDBData. My question: do I create the relationships in the base data myDBData file as well as the interface/business logic file myDB? At first glance it would seem redundant to do so, but I'm creating several many-to-many relationships in this solution so I wonder if I shouldn't have the relationships in the data file too. TIA for any help, Pat

Anyone got any opinions on what is the most efficient way to dynamically GTRR when the data is on a host and the files i want to jump from and too are on the Client. See Attached Image. I can think of a number of ways but wondered if there was an excepted best, most efficient method. best Stuart

Hi Everyone, I'm at the stage of testing a separation model solution on the internet. Now it seems to work just great. • Takes say a minute to startup • When open works with very little lag. Now i have one concern. For test purposes i embedded some movie files in containers, when navigating to those records it seemed like they had already been loaded. I am hoping that this did not happen when the data file opened as if someone has 1000 movie files you may as well open the solution Monday and come to work on Wednesday. When did the solution get that data??? Any ideas on when FileMaker gets stuff as i would like to optomize the file for …

Ok, so I finally get all my bugs out, been testing all week and go to set up as users will use it in a shared environment. The client does not have a server, it's a 2 person office. I save my files, I thought, and then copy the UI over to another computer in my office. I've been using that computer as the host. The host has the data files. Before saving the files, I changed my "external data source' in the UI to look at the data file on the host. (I opened and closed it several times after that to make sure it was looking in the right place and all was well. I then save and backup the file and copy the UI over to the host. I open the UI on the host and…

in pre-separation versions, i had some calculated nav-icons for go-to-last/prev/next'etc. record. they took their images from source fields, depending on where you were. for example, if you're on the first record, the go to first record button appeared dimmed. with separation, this is not so easy, because the buttons and images now should belong in the interface file, but the logic which button to display is dependent on the data file whose table happens to be displayed on the interface layout. is there an easy way to know in the interface file which record of the target table is active? hope i made myself clear.

I have an Invoice Items table that requires a Line Item field. It is a summary field that is used when the table is sorted by invoice number. Very simple - it numbers the item records from 1 to x where x is the last item within each invoice. The table also contains a calculation field that is equal to the summary field. The summary field and the calculation field work great in the data file. In the interface file - the summary field is correct - but the calculation is not!!! Here is a test db I made to duplicate this special feature. The tables need to be sorted by Invoice Number. I have found a workaround and have included that in the sample files attached. …

I have a DB that will be deployed as a runtime and is made up of one front end file and 5 files for data. So far everything works great but I am stumped as to one issue. 2 of the data files can only be used for a single project at a time. The rest are for persistent data that is not project specific. This means that the user can only work on one project at a time. So how can I arrange it so the user can easily create and change projects to work on different things? My current solution is a function I created that mimics the save/load procedure of software. It imports the project only DBs into container fields and exports them to a user defined location. …

I am curious to see if anyone has attempted to use a complete separation with the data file being stored on a flash drive. The reason for this question is that it is for a runtime solution that a person (teachers) would only use for a short duration of time (about 3 weeks) each year. This setup would allow the teacher to take their data home and back to school during the short time they need to use the runtime. I have experimented with this setup and it seems to be stable. I use a automated backup routine that does create a backup data file on the hard drive(s) as a precaution. Any thoughts or experiences to share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks …

Am i correct in thinking that you can not pass variables between Files? If so anyone got any great techniques other than global fields in order to get around this? best Stuart

OK so i made these terms up, but i was trying to work out a name that would explain what i would like to do. I have 2 solutions they are both built using the separation model one is for a supplier and one is for distributes. The suppliers trade with one off individual items. There are many suppliers. The distributes often share suppliers and items from the same supplier. The suppliers would like to share up to the minute information on the status of there items, so the distributes record would reference read only information about the status of individual items. This way the supplier can update the status and all distributes are informed immediate…

Hi all, I'm in the middle of my first "big" FileMaker Project. It started as, let's see how we can do an inventory which include infos we would like to see in our inventory and ended like, yeah, let's implement a system for reservation and scheduling of all the stuff we have, too, and do it like in a selfexplaining very intuitive User Interface. By now I'm in the final stages and I regret to not have thought about one thing before. We have now two tables (inventory and reservations), about ten layouts and around 30 custom skripts. When adding new functions for the interface and debugging the skripts, I would like to work with a database which does not include…

I have taken over the task of rebuilding some sloppily put together databases and need some help with the re-structure. We have one process in our business for setting up a sales order and then printing off a confirmation, delivery and invoice notes. My predecessor has setup this process as 2 databases the first being that of a data entry database. The major problem with this database is that each line of an order is a new record in the database rather than each record being a new order which I think is the way it should be. The second database is a forms database which is related to the data entry database by an order number. We then have a rather clunky and lo…

I'm starting to play with the DSM for the first time. I would like to include some calculations that may change on a regular basis due to legislative changes. I can then just send my client a file to import the changes when necessary. I have set up a basic interface file with all of the relationships, and a data table with some test tables. In the interface file I have a table called 'Resources' that contains a record for each formula. This has a self-join [color:gray](Resources x ResourceList), and a calculating global (g_ResourceList) using the 'List' function [color:gray]e.g List (ResourceList::Formula) Now I can access the relevant formula for either v…

I was looking for something where the Data File holds just the data. The GUI File holds the relationships and calculations. That way if I have to make updates, the end user doesn't have to reimport their records. For example: File(A) is the GUI File = The GUI File( is the Personal Records = All DVDs you own. File© is the Data Files = File where all possible DVDs are stored. Basically, you browse the Data Files and Personal Records through the GUI file. You add records from the Data Files (through ID# ?) to your Personal Records. I want the Data Files and Personal Records to be nothing but data. All the calculations and relationships in the GUI file s…

Data or Interface file? Pros/Cons?

I just finished watching 2 videos from ISO FileMaker Magazine on "The separation Model" to try and get up to speed on how I can do this for a solution. In video 2 he got to a point were he was talking about mirror tables in the interface file (to show items in a portals). He described it as a record for record match of what is in your data file. Also how all data would have to be synced at startup? How would the data be synced if it were always open on FM Server or even just FM Client running as a server? I really like the idea of having interface from data but this doesn't seem very logical to me. So I'm starting to question if this is right for me. Have others dev…

Hi, all - Last year, I implemented a fairly small DB, and for reasons that are no longer clear, I decided to use the separation model. Now I have to make some changes to the DB's tables and relationships. 1. When I make a change in the data file, do I have to manually replicate it in the interface file, or is there some cool way to automate this? 2. I'm also hoping to make changes on a copy of the DB in one location, and propogate those changes to another location. Basically, the same question as #1...do I have to manually replicate it, or can this be automated? 3. If I should decide that I probably didn't really need to use the SM, can I undo this eas…

Hi: ¿Does anybody know if it is possible to use a runtime single table with just one script intended to connect with a remote DB hosted by FileMaker Server? Tnx.

I’m using FMP 9 Advanced and I've converted some of my solutions to SM with success. Now I'm being asked to have a solution hosted on the web using one of the FileMaker Web providers like “dbdom”. I've never built a FileMaker solution for the Web and hope you could answer a few questions for me. We expect up to 200 simultaneous users who will select 3 to 5 subjects (out of maybe 175) to read and then vote Yes or No on the ones they selected. I just have a couple questions and the first one is would you use a separation model for this? The other has to do with layouts. I know with scripting I need to click on the “Indicate web compatibility” so I only get th…

In a 2-file separation model, I have an auto-execute startup script in the data file that is intended for execution when I open the data file (only) during development. For runtime, I have an autologin in the GUI file using a user account that is defined in both files, plus the GUI has it's own auto-execute startup script. The GUI autologin works fine when starting the application. The problem is that the startup script in the data file appears to execute -- at least partially -- up to the point of a custom dialog step. The dialog never appears, and no subsequent steps execute. It's as if a Halt Script step is executed at that point. Yet, a Set Field step immedi…

Hi everyone, I converted a 7.0 file into a 8.5 Single file and everthing works fine. Now I'm taking the 8.5 single file and converting it to SM and to date have had very little trouble doing so. I've now started to move some print layouts into the SM solution and I'm having a problem that looks to be due to SM. Although all of the TO's are the same and all of the Relationships point the same and the layouts are built on the correct relationship, I cannot get the Sub-Summary parts to work. Everything in the Header and Body parts works fine. But as I said everything in the Sub-Summary part, the fields, field headers and box around them will not show in browse m…

Hello Guys, I'm trying to create a Database but with the possibilty to extend with more Database "Modules" (more funcionality). 1. Is this possible? (Relations GUI etc.) 2. Would you just make one BIG database or separate? Regards Ron

I have a file(A) with all the data. I want file( to be the GUI. With the two linked, do I have to have a record in file( for every record in file(A)? Or can I have one record in file( and view all the records in file(A)?

I have a development version and production version of my database. I have some new tables in the development that I would like to move over to the production version. Is there an easy way to do this or do I have to recreate the tables from scratch. Dom

I just watch the two part series of video on ISO Filemaker Magazine's website that discusses the Separation Model. See link below: http://www.filemakermagazine.com/videos/the-separation-model-breaking-up-your-data-and-interface.html My question is ... is his advice still valid. In particular his warnings on the difficulties in displaying calculated data in portals? The only reason I am questioning it is because these video were released back in Oct 2004 which presumably meant he was talking about how difficult it was under v7. Has version 8.5 made his concerns redundant? I am considering using a three tier separation model ( Data / Logic / Interface )…

Hi, What is a separation model in filemaker? Is it like n-tiers development in application? If so, how do you create a separation model? Thank you

I am converting an old dB to the separation model, but I don't get why I wouldn't just keep the calculation fields in the data file. For example, I am running a medical office which which requires authorization from insurance companies every 3 months for a procedure we repeat weekly on a single patient. So, I have the Auth_StartDate (Date field) and an Auth_EndDate (Calculation field) which is automatically calculated and populated as the calculation [Auth_StartDate + 90]. I then have another field, Renew_AuthDate (Calculation field) calculated as [Auth_EndDate-14] so my staff are prompted to renew the authorization from the insurance company 2 weeks prior to expir…

How do find requests work in the seperation model ?

Hello Trying to take an existing "single file" fp7 application and turn into separation model. Took file.fp7 and copied to file_data.fp7 Renamed file.fp7 to front_end.fp7 In front_end.fp7 created file reference to file_data.fp7 In front_end.fp7 change the file reference in Relationships from file.fp7 to file _data.fp7. In front_end.fp7 I deleted all tables except for 1 to hold globules. In file_data deleted all scripts and layouts other than a basic table view for each table Things are working great.... except I do not understand how to work with privileges. In the single file file.fp7 user Jim is using a privilege set that allows him to only…

I have an interface file and data file. I discovered that on list views referencing an external table, when making multiple find requests and then deleting, the screen does not redraw! I've only confirmed this within FM85a Mac, (both local and accessing same files hosted on a windows server). Form view seems fine (the requests delete properly). List views of local tables are fine. List views in data table are fine. Can someone with a sep model try this out? I'd like to confirm this is "just" a bug. Update: I find I can Refresh to make the false image of the phantom row go away, so I scripted that into the delete request button. That leaves the now blank phantom reco…