Scripting Folder Input

[RodinBangkok]

We have a part database that we have linked to a support document database, in the support file we have a container field used to hold such things as spec sheets, application notes, etc, all in pdf format, these vary greatly in size so we import reference only. In starting this we used the folder import command from the menu (mac FM6 menu command folder import)...not anticipating we could not perform the same operations via scripts. That is now our problem, during folder import the select field window automatically shows file name, file ref, pict, and thumbnail as import option fields...ok this is great, we set up fields corresponding to these import option fields. Imported a huge reference file, over 2000 pdf's, and no problem, went ahead and embedded this into our solution.

So now it's time to implement updates and revisions to this database, meaning we need to import a single file in the same manner as the folder was imported. First we tried import record selecting a pdf file and found the same fields referenced during folder import were not available.

Import record appears to treat the pdf as a text file. So import record was not an option to get one file added to the database, Insert picture works as expected only importing to the selected container, not the additional file ref data or thumbnail available during import.

At this point I see no way to import the same data brought in by the menu folder command using scripts,or importing a single file and obtaining the same data, is this correct?

Our only solution to this point is to reimport the entire folder using update and add new records options, but with the amount of records we have this is taking a very long time to complete, and is definitly not an option for on the fly import by folks in a multiuser environment. Am I missing a command somewhere?

Comes down to this question can you import to a single record obtaining the same data that is aquired during folder import of many files?

Thanks

Rod

[PotzUK]

I am also in this position, I'd prefer not to have to pay for a 3rd party plugin if Filemaker's Import Folder routine can be automated?

[cjaeger]

folder import works on folders with just one file in it, so where is the problem? Or am I missing anything?