A Dumb Question on Overriding Calculation Fields

[snackcakes101]

Sorry if this is an obvious answer that I'm missing...

QUESTION: If I want a field to calculate a result but occasionally will need to alter that data in extenuating circumstances, where do I find the option to override the calculation? It always says, "field not modifiable." THANKS in advance!

[LiveOak]

You can't enter information into a calculation field, but there is a method. You'll need an additional field, I'll call it "ManualEntry". An example:

Price (number)

Qty (number)

ManualEntry (number)

cSubTotal (calculation, number) = If(IsEmpty(ManualEntry), Qty * Price, ManualEntry)

In layout mode, make the cSubtotal field and ManualEntry field the same size. Maker the cSubtotal field opaque. Using Format --> Field Format... uncheck "Allow entry into field". Stack the cSubtotal field on top of the ManualEntry field.

The purpose of not allowing entry into the cSubtotal field (which you obviously can't enter information into) is to cause the cursor to end up in the ManualEntry field behind it when the cSubtotal field is clicked. This gives the appearance of clicking into the cSubtotal field when you are really clicking into the ManualEntry field behind it. When populated, the value in ManualEntry will override the calculated result.

-bd

[snackcakes101]

Ouch - brain hurts.

Seriously, I follow you, that's something I definitely NEVER would have thought of! Thank you. I'll try it after my 3rd cup of double-brewed joe! Sheesh, how do you do that so early?

[Anatoli]

I guess for LiveOak is still late evening

[snackcakes101]

It worked like a charm!! This opens new possibilities for me to allow gross/net pricing to be calculations and still override the few clients that get special rates! I'm excited!