Controlling FM output

[LaRetta]

I am documenting a procedure for generating electronic billing. The file will be exported. I want this process automated so the user doesn't need to know anything except clicking a 'bill all outstanding services' button. I don't know how much can be controlled internally. What I wish to accomplish is this -- When user clicks "bill all outstanding services", a script (or something) does the following in one continuous process:

1) Copy the previous 'billing.tab' file (in the FM Files directory) to a backup directory (preferably renaming it to it's system date. Can this be done?

2) Execute script to find, assign invoice numbers and export the billing file. I know FM can do this.

3) Then, (from within FM), sign onto the Clearing House website and make the upload file easily accessible for the user to attach and upload? On sign-on, user will need to enter their UserID and Password then attach the upload file, but I've seen users get lost trying to find the 'upload' file. Some Users can even get lost trying to find the Clearing House website icon (smile).

Yes, I'm one of those people that likes to 'idiot proof' things. Any suggestions?

[bert]

1) Can be done with the free File Toolbox plugin of David McKee. With this plugin you can make files, rename them and copy them.

2) This can be done by exporting or (when you need very special exporting) by the same plugin.

3) For this action you can use the FTPiT plugin. From within a script you can upload files with FTP, the username, password and path are included in the script.

I use both plugins myselve and they work great. Hope you can use this suggestions.

Bert