How do I link database information?

[andyday]

I'm trying to build a button in my 'address book' database that automatically creates a new record and fills in common data (name, address, company name etc.) into my 'jobbook database'. I've been playing around with relationships and field lookups but to no avail. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to make this work?

Thank you.

Andy

[falkaholic]

Can you give more detail as to how you use those 2 databases?

[andyday]

Hi Eric,

They're both quite simple, the address book is self explanatory and the job book registers and assigns job numbers and client details once we have an order from a client. I see the address book as the central hub (parent?) of the system with other databases such as estimates, job book, invoices etc linked as children. I've managed to create (I've only been working with filemaker for two days so bear with me) a lookup field (company) within the job book database that links to the 'address book' and autofills shared field info; client names, comapany name, address etc when company name is entered. This works OK and we could live with it but ideally what I want is a button in my address book that creates a new job book page with all shared data filled in based on the individual selected in the open address book window.

In short responsibility for creating a new job entry is fulfilled from the address book with one click as opposed to the three step process I'm performing at the moment.

best,

andy

[jasonwood]

The easiest way would be to script the following in the address book:

Copy contents of your lookup field to the clipboard.

Run external script, "New Job from Address Book"

The external script is in the Jobs Database and looks something like this:

Enter browse mode

create new record

"paste" into the lookup field here.

Refresh window (bring to front)

The slightly more complicated way would be to forget about copy/pasting and use a global field setup instead.

One more thing... I recommend against using company name as your lookup field. If you ever have to change the company name (even slightly), the "link" between the records will be lost forever, so you'll never be able to run historical reports by company for example.

It is much wiser to use a "serial number" as your lookup field. They will never be duplicated, and they can never be changed.

Good luck!

--

Jason Wood

HeyWoody.com