Auto Update Exisiting DB

[VPSWU]

I am a FM newbie and have manage to create a membership database which I am now trying to tweak but am lost as to how to do.

I created a Record ID file using the serial number function - how do I automatically renumber the existing records when I delete a record?

Is it possible to be auto notified prior to my members needing to renew their membership?

Help would be greatly appreciated but please remember I'm new at this and may not know the correct FM terminology.

[Korky]

Check the FilemakerPro Help "Replacing the Contents of a Field".

[Lee Smith]

I caution you in renumber existing records. You need to beware, if the number are used for other things, it can really mess things up to do this. Why renumber, after all they are only numbers. Word of caution first: Once done, you can [color:"red"] NOT UNDO it.

However, if your are really wanting to do this, then here is one way.

If you want to change all records, Do a Find All, and Unsort to put the record in creation order. [color:"green"]Or sort to the order you desire them in

If you just want to change the found set, just Unsort. [color:"green"]Or sort to the order you desire them in

Next, put your Cursor in the field with the Serial Numbers, and then Got to [color:"blue"] Menu >> Records >> Replace Field Contents, you will then get a Dialog Box, with the option to start you number from whatever number you want, it will default to your last number it there is one, and has the option of increasing by one.

HTH

Lee

[Korky]

Here is one way to check on which memberships are due for renewal. It involves creating a script which, as a beginner, you may find a bit daunting. You may also wish to tackle this in a copy of your database rather than the original until you are confident you've got it right.

I presume you already have an Expiry Date field, so first you need to create a new text field called "Expiry Flag"and place it on your selected layout.Now, in Scriptmaker, recreate the following script:

[VPSWU]

Thanks, I'll give the script a try on my test DB.

PS Why do you want to renumber your records? What's wrong with leaving the gaps?

I just need to have an accurate membership count. Can I do away with the Membership ID fieid and rely on the "CurrentRecordCount"?

[VPSWU]

Trying script and got stuck at-->

Set Field [Ex-brats::Expiry Flag; "Due" ]

I changed to this -->

Set Field [Membership::Expire Flag] unable to include [color:"red"]; "Due"

says an operator is expected

[-Queue-]

Get(TotalRecordCount), in an unstored calculation, will return the total number of records in the table. Get(FoundCount), also unstored, will return the total number of records currently found. If you have a field that marks a record as 'active', you could create a relationship between a global field containing the word 'active' and the active field. Then a calculation field of Count(relationshipName::RecordID) will give you the total number of active records.

The semicolon in Set Field[ Membership::ExpireFlag; "Due"] is a visual separator between the field to be set and the calculation to apply, as displayed in ScriptMaker. You do not type it in the calculation portion. Only type "Due" in the calculation.

[VPSWU]

Thanks to everyone for the assistance.

One more question, not sure that I understand how the script is suppose to work - what content should the Expiry Flag field hold?

DUH! Thanks, I've figured this out!