Does this sound right? FieldA and FieldA Copy.

[Rotorian]

Okay I have File1, File2 and File3. File1 and File2 are used to record two different but similar types of data. Depending on inputs on File1 and File2, users maybe required to reenter data into File3 for reports that combine File1 and File2 Pertinent Data. Not all of File1 or File2 Data is required to be entered into File3.

Obviously my users ask, "Why cant the pertinent Data be auto copied to File3?"

I have a script where if the Data in a particular field of File1/File2 is the required data for File3, then File3 opens and the user is required to enter the info from File1/File2. My users want that when File3 is opened that pertinent data which they just entered into File1/File2 be there for them in File3 and then all they have to do is confirm that data.

Is it doable?

I have tried inserting the fields (thru relationships) from file1/file2 into the layout of file3, but nothing is shown. I also tried creating a fieldA as a copy of matching field in file1/file2, set this field as "autoenter from last record" and then placing that field into file3, but no dice.

Help!

[QuinTech]

I have tried inserting the fields (thru relationships) from file1/file2 into the layout of file3, but nothing is shown.

This is most likely because your relationship is invalid. Check that the data in the fields on both sides of the relationship does, in fact, match, and that neither is an unstored calc field.

I also tried creating a fieldA as a copy of matching field in file1/file2, set this field as "autoenter from last record" and then placing that field into file3, but no dice.

For your purposes, you should avoid any copying or auto-entering. I could be wrong because i don't know the details, but i am 90% certain a related field will be the option for you. You can set up conditions in file 3 that populate fields based on the requirements you alluded to, so that no data entry or copying/pasting needs to be done in file 3.

Can you say more about the relationship(s) between the files? Please be specific, as it can be difficult to understand relationships when we are using file names that are different from the ones in actual use. (If the names are senesitive or private for whatever reason, just use "Apples," "Bananas," and "Cherries" as file names.)

Jerry

[Rotorian]

Agh! I had a nice reply all typed up and the forums went boink. Lets try again.

Three files associated in by "Creation Date"

They are named XXXActivity, YYYActivity and ZZZRecords.

I have a macro that if in field "Task", of XXXActivity and YYYActivity, where either one of 8 possible entries opens ZZZRecords for user to input in FieldA, FieldB, FieldC, FieldD and Field "Task" of ZZZRecords. Fields A/B/C/D/Task are fields that get populated in either XXXActivity or YYYActivity by user, prior to ZZZRecords opening.

The users want that when field "Task" triggers macro to open ZZZ Records, they want to see FieldA, FieldB, FieldC, FieldD populated from their entries in either XXXActivity or YYYActivity without reentering the information, just a confirmation that the data is indeed correct.

Make sense now? Do I have to make a different relationship based on something other than "Creation Date"?

Thxs.

[transpower]

Forget using creation date as a key. Use ActivityID or some such. Then, when you have the files properly related, place FieldA, etc. from XXXActivity and YYYActivity into a layout in ZZZRecords. Hey, couldn't you use simpler file names?

[QuinTech]

Hey, couldn't you use simpler file names?

Yeah... i think i liked it better when you said "file1," "file2," etc.!

In general, it's a good idea to make a separate file for each type of object. It is pretty clear what a XXXActivity would be, but i won't go into it since this is a family forum. It's not clear why you need a second file for YYYActivity, but i'll trust that there is a good reason for this. But what does ZZZRecords represent? Is this some sort of combination of the two activities? Can the data that was input in the different Activity files be edited after it is copied the ZZZRecords, and if so, if data is changed in ZZZRecords, should it also be changed in the Activity files?

As far as the relationship -- what made you choose the creation date as the relationship key? It may be appropriate, but such a relationship would be relatively rare. The only time i can think of it being appropriate is if there is a special significance about the creation date.

J

[Rotorian]

Apologies, for the file names, just had to blank out the first part. The reason why I need a second file is because while Both activities are related, they are basicly two different jobs with smilar characteristics. However, both of those jobs generate (at times) a type of task that I need tracked separatly in a third file.

I chose creation date as the relationship key because it is a known common. However, i did not know this would be problematic. There is no special significance other than in any of the three files I need to know the date it was created. After that the next things that binds them together is "Task" Field, and maybe even a couple of others.

As far as editing, there is no need to edit records in either file.

[QuinTech]

Without knowing exactly what types of data you are capturing, it is tough for me to give recommendations; however, if you are trying to view all records from another file, your best bet would be to use what i call a universal relationship (it's a fairly common FM convention, though i'm not sure what it's usually called):

In each file, create a calc number field that is always equal to 1 and stored. Now a relationship from this field in any file to the same field in any other file will allow you to display all records in a portal.

If you need to view specific data in the ZZZRecords file, then i'd agree with Transpower that you're better off using some sort of unique ID number.

It is pretty clear what a XXXActivity would be, but i won't go into it since this is a family forum.

I don't even get a for this? I think i'm wasting my talent on you people.

HTH,

J

[-Queue-]

If it's any consolation, Jerry, I giggled when I read it yesterday.