Lookup with repeating fields problem

[vihuela]

Beginner here - I've created a lookup between two files that both contain repeating fields. When a catalog# is entered all I want is the related file info for that catalog# to come up. Instead I'm getting only the first field from each record. It's not recognizing each field as unique. Is there a way to do this within what I have already created?

Version: v6.x

Platform: Windows 2000

[bruceR]

No.

Your best bet is to avoid repeating fields. Look at the examples that come with Filemaker, or any invoice example, to understand how to use portals and relationships.

[vihuela]

Thanks for replying. I actually tried to use portals and that didn't seem to work either. What I want is to create an "Orders Database" file where the user will paste in a catalog# and all other info from the "products" file for that product will appear. There may be many unrelated products to be ordered on a single record so I need to have several fields available to enter different Catalog#'s. This is driving me crazy, because it didn't seem that difficult at the start but I'm just spinning my wheels now. I'll try again.

[bruceR]

There are plenty of invoice type examples out there. You do NOT need different fields to enter different catalog numbers. I believe that even the manual and the tutorial examples that come with your copy of Filemaker shows you all these things.

[vihuela]

I'm looking to create a file that the user can open and be able to call up several products (by catalog #) and have each products info listed from a related file. The master file can then be printed and used for ordering the products. That's why I need to have several fields available for the user. What do you think? I tried portals but still didn't get it.

[bruceR]

Then you should probably hire a developer. This is really very basic stuff. There are several problems you will encounter if you head down the repeating field path. For instance you won't be able to do summary reports on sales of particular products. You won't be able to do inventory. I don't know what works for you in terms of getting it. Examples? Books? Personal training sessions? But you either need to find a way to get it; or use one of the thousands of existing order processing solutions; or hire a developer.

[vihuela]

Oh, I think I "got it"

[Stine]

Hi vihuela,

I've the same problem as you!!!

Did you find a solution yet?

If yes, could you please let me know?

I can't work it out!!!

Thanks a lot!

Stine

Version: v6.x

Platform: Mac OS X Panther

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Here's attached both how to handle this with repeating fields and how to use portals and a Line Items, which is a billion more effective.

HTH

Version: v6.x

Platform: Mac OS 9

RepsVsRel.zip

[vihuela]

Thanks a million, I'll take a look at the files. Stine has it worked for you?

[Ugo DI LUCA]

Hi,

To be complete, in the Line Item, create a relationship back to the OrderRel file, by using the Order# on both side.

Then, set the Customer Name to be a lookup field using this newly created relationship, and picking its value, obviously, from the Customer Name field in the OrderRel file.

Hope it helped understand the process

FileMaker Version: 6

Platform: Mac OS 9

[vihuela]

It's now working perfectly! The examples you sent were dead on and perfect for what I needed to do. Thanks so much, you're a life saver!