Size Limitation on Fields

[stuj1026]

We are creating a database where we will need to enter pages of data into a single field. Actually it will be a depositions taken by attorneys. I am aware of the 64000 size limit per field... Is there any way around this? Or any creative solution anyone can help me with

Thanks

Stu

[Chuck]

There's no way around the 64000 character limit, but here are some suggestions:

Use a related database where each related record is a single page.

Use an external program, such as Word or a text editor. On Macs you can use AppleScript to link the two programs. On Windows there's WinBatch, or for a cross platform solution, perhaps Troi File, which can manipulate files on both machines, opening them in the appropriate program.

Both solutions have trade offs, so which one you use depends on exactly what you want to accomplish. Others may have more suggestions.

Chuck

[Vaughan]

I've put separate paragraphs into records. makes printing them easy, and paragraph numbering is a snack too.

[Kundinger]

Hello Stu,

Here's how I implemented an information management solution within my client law firms. This is certainly not the only way to manage law office information. This discussion is only about how I implemented one possible solution. There might be something here that could help with your issues.

First... I implemented MS Word for all word processing needs... depositions, case notes, etc.

- Reasoning:

-- it's wide acceptance and training within the legal field

-- it's cross-platform (Mac/WIN) compatibility

-- it's advanced feature set (thes., sp. dict., hyphen., indexing, TOC, etc.)

Second... I set up a 'document storage' system on a server. Each 'case' has a folder with sub-folders to organize depositions, case notes, etc. The attorney 'drops' (saves) a document into the appropriate case folder and his/her secretary is responsible to 'file' the document into the appropriate sub-folder.

Third... I implemented a 'case management system' utilizing FileMaker to manage all contacts, meetings, schedules, etc. In addition, the 'case management system' has a 'related record' for each MS Word document connected to a case. When the secretary 'files' the document on the server, he/she makes entries into the 'case management system'. He/She enters the creation/modification date; subject; document type; document name (file name); case name/number; etc. Once entered into FMP, the attorney and secretary have access to the file from within FMP. They will see a list of 'case' documents in a FMP portal that they can click on and MS Word automatically opens them from within FMP.

- How it works:

-- path names are critical... ex. [serverSharePointCaseTypeDocument]

--- a text field "SharePoint" contains [DocSrvrBobSmth] (Bob Smith is the attorney)

--- a text field