Data Tracking

[AlanP]

We want to keep track of a persons job classification. We import the data into FM via an Excel file.

So basically if the job changed from "programmer" to "janitor" we would like to see a list of that.

I tried doing 5 repetitions for the Classification and Classification Timestamp fields but it just keeps overwriting the first repetition and won't add new ones (leaving existing ones alone).

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

[Ender]

Instead of using repeating fields, put the Position and the Start Date and End Date into a related Position table. If there's a Start Date but no End Date, then a calculation can flag the line as Active. You can then show the Active Position through another relationship.

Now getting your data to import into this structure depends on how much stuff you're importing. If you only import the job classifications, then these could be imported directly into the new Position table. If your also importing other employee info, then you'd need two imports, one for each table.

[AlanP]

Hi Ender,

I tried doing a related table also (included employee number [this is what we use for the relationship to the main table], classification and classification timestamp) however evertime I try to import the new classification it doesn't create a new entry for the employee (number). Is there a certain way to import or something in the field properties I need to specify?

Much thanks for all your help!

[AlanP]

OK...I tried the new table again and it works when I import and tell it to 'add' records. However I don't want it to constantly repeat a job title (for example it will add a new record of "janitor" everytime). When I tell it to match it will just replace the initial record. Is this just some sort of thing I have to do when I import?