I have an Service db. Staff enters Procedure Code and Length of Service and the Procedure rate is displayed from the related Procedure db. Then the c_LineItemTotal (calc field) displays the total. However, there are times that 'special circumstances' arise that won't fit the formula. I can't add an item to Procedures, because I want the proper Procedure to display and be tracked.

I also have a n_LineItemTotal field (num) and, when invoices are generated from the Service db, the c_LineItemTotal calc SETS the n_LineItemTotal num field (for posting). I thought of having an 'override' function (I know it's dangerous but a necessity) which would allow a user in the Service db to display this n_LineItemTotal field for direct entry.

I thought about having an "override" button which, when clicked, would display the INVISIBLE n_LineItemTotal. I would then need to change my Invoice generation to make sure the n_LineItemTotal field IsBlank so it won't be SET with the calc, but that's fine. Sorry, I don't have an FM manual to try and figure this one out myself and FM's Help doesn't explain it. How can I keep a field hidden unless a Script makes it visible? I'd be nervous about ALWAYS displaying this field. Or, do you have any other suggestions?

Before you finish designing the systems you are working on you will need to 1) purchase a copy of FM so you can get a manual and 2) purchase some FM books such as Coulombre and Price and Scriptology. You are putting a lot of effort into gardening before you buy the house.

The general answer to your question is to have an item come from two places, one of which is a manual entry field. For instance:

cCalcResult (calculation, number) = Case(notIsEmpty(ManualEntry), ManualEntry, Sum(Relationship::Field))

If you make the cCalcResult field opaque, set it for do not allow entry (I know you can't change a calculated field, but his make is so you can't click into it), and stack it on top of the ManualEntry field. When you click on the cCalcResult field you will land in the ManualEntry field under it and can make a manual change to the value.

-bd

I had a manual for awhile, but the guy I borrowed FM 5 from needed it back. FM6 should be here Tuesday! It had BETTER come with a manual -- it's a new program, right? I've also been looking at training information ... thanks for the pointers on information to buy ... I will order them now! And, thanks for the help, Brent. I'll try this right now!