Contracting System Development Help

[mrpockets]

Hello!

Am developing a contracting system for an entertainment agency. I need to accomodate 2 scenarios:

1) Generate a contract for both client and single performer for an event, (already have this part done using a one page form containing all information on both client and artist), and;

2) Generate a contract for client and multiple performers for same event - to put it another way, I need to generate a set of subcontracts tied to one master client contract;

Am not a true "newbie" per se, however, my FM skills are a little rusty! Would appreciate any input the community might care to offer! Thanks in advance!

[Steve T.]

Hi, Mr.Pockets! I think you'd want 2 related databases. 1 db (contract) is for performances/gigs and the other db would be for performing artists. On the contract db, you could then create 1 record per show/gig and then enter the performers id numbers in a field to show in a portal.

Looking at a contract record would show your client and job info as you have already, and also have a portal showing what performers are associated with that contract (1 or many).

Looking at an individual performance artist's record could show which contracts are associated with him/her, too.

You may have to play around with the relationships a little to get what you want, but it shouldn't be too bad. Just make sure you have a key/index field for each db (i.e. unique contract serial number and unique performer id number)

If you've never used portals before, define the relationships first, and then in layout mode, you can draw a portal box (there's a portal tool) and then you can drag related fields into the box (like performer ID, performer name, etc.) and they'll show up as rows

----------------------------

performerID..... performerName

----------------------------

1001 Don Henley

1004 Glenn Frey

1005 Joe Walsh

Defining relationships can be kinda weird at first, but holler if you get stuck.

--ST

[mrpockets]

Hello, Steve!

Thanks for the input. I DO have two databases setup just a you suggest. The portals are new to me (The last time I did much of this stuff 64k RAM was enough for anybody!) I'll get back when I try your suggestions ane let you know how I make out!