Automating file export

[kwstx]

Is it possible to automate file export? We have an HR system built in FMP 3 (yes, it's very old!) that contains information that could be used by other applications. If something like cron for Mac could be used to initiate an export script so that the user doesn't need to go into FMP and run the export, it would be helpful.

[LiveOak]

There are a couple of options for scheduling an event on time. One is to use one of the FM plug-ins that allow you to do this. The second is to use a startup script with a loop:

Loop

Pause/Resume Script(*set a pause interval*)

If(Status(CurrentTime) = *set a time*

Perform Script(*export script here*)

End If

End Loop

Make sure you set a pause interval short enough to not skip over the time desired. As an option you can check for a range of times (better idea). The downside to this approach is that any script executing a halt in this database will terminate this script. An export script step is used to remember the parameter of the export you desire.

-bd