File merge using multiple databases?

[aynrandgirl]

Can I perform a file merge using records from multiple databases? Here's what I want to do: I want to auto-generate documents for my real estate business. For example, I want to generate a lease. This requires information from three databases:

Name & stuff about the Tenant (Lessee)

Address & stuff about the Property

Name & stuff about the Manager (Lessor)

Plus, information specific to this lease instance:

# months

rent/month

amount of late fee

etc.

Once the document is generated, I want to save an electronic copy for reference. Eventually, I want to be able to keep an archival history of all documents generated for a tenant (leases, "you're late, pay up" letters, eviction notices, etc).

Can I do this? I've only ever seen file merge examples using a single record.

[stardust]

What you're trying to achieve falls under the category of relational databases. If you're new to FM you may want to check out the relationships forum. There is a wealth of info to be found there.

I also suggest you review the FM user's guide. It features an entire section dedicated to this topic. It's important that you understand how relational databases work before you try to tackle one. It's really not difficult to understand, but there is a small learning curve!

In short, you'll probably need to create a fourth database that will pull in all the related info you need to generate your lease. Each lease can then be saved as it's own record for archival purposes.

Hope this helps!