Manual import ordering

[JJBrannon]

Using FMP 5.5 I recently had to import voting data from a preexisting Party FMP file CD.

My voter file and scripts used different Field Names, so Matching Names Order was out from the get-go.

Manually dragging Field Names can easily overshoot to the top or bottom of the list, causing a displacement havoc.

To align the import of the >80 Field Names into my file required over 3 hours by dragging.

Given -- 1] Can't change data source Field Names, 2] must not change data target Field Names,and 3] must easily & quickly move Field Names manually.

Does anyone know a solution for this or whether this problem has been addressed in v6?

[LiveOak]

There is no automatic way of aligning names which don't match. FM has no way of "guessing" which field names you consider equivalent (no clairvoyance function ). The scrolling problem can be solved with a scrolling mouse. Once you've done the import once manually, you can save the import order by creating a script with the step Import[restore, no dialog]. The next time you do the import no matching would be required (unless field changes were made to the source file), just run the script.

-bd

[andygaunt]

For the wild scrolling, you can use the CTRL (CMD key on Mac) to select a field and using the cursor keys to move the fields without the list scrolling wildly out of control.

This next bit is just me thinking aloud. Feel free to comment

How about using the import XML option in FMPro 6.

You could use this to import data and use an XSLT stylesheet to match the field names automatically.

::

[Lee Smith]

Hi jj,

While I was composing this, others have made suggestions, so sorry if there is any duplications.

FileMaker only remembers the last import order used by a file.

The only way around this is to create a script after a successful import, and it will then be remember and available for the next time. Not very helpful for today, but something to consider anytime you have to put in a lot of work creating an import that will most likely be done on a regular basis.

However, a little preparation on the export side, should help you to eliminate some of the hassle.

1). You can move the fields around in the export menu itself, perhaps making the import a little easier.

2) You can sort the fields in Field Definitions, and then use this order in the export dialog box. (Clear Right Side, Move all From Left Side).

The jumping of the fields on the Right side of the import box, although annoying, will not affect any fields already placed. (unless you accidentally move a field into one, then it can be a PIA, however they are easier to find once the arrow has be activated.

HTH

Lee

[Vaughan]

Make an intermediate FMP file with the old file names in it. Import the data into the file using the old field names.

Create calculated fields in the database with the new field names: where the result of the calculation is equal to the field with the old name. Now when you go to import the field names in the new database will match the calculated fields names.

[JJBrannon]

Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate the quick response.

The proxy file sounds workable.

Since I'm running v5.5 on WinXP Pro with a laptop, the scroll tricks may not work.

I hope they improve this feature in the next release. CTRL selecting a group and moving them would speed things immeasurably.

JJB

[Lee Smith]

Don't count on the next edition changing anything, it has been this way since I started using it in 1989.

Lee