How to calculate the running total for...

[gaassist]

Hi all,

Wondering how I could calculate a running total of an object, but once that object is depleted, I want a new one that starts with a fresh running total. For example, say I want to see how much I exercise each day and I want to keep a running total (hours) of each activity I do for the entire day. Then the next day, I would like to start a new running total for each thing I do that day. So on and so forth. I wonder if this makes sense, I hope. So I have a field where you input the hours and a radio button field for new or old with the values "yes" and "no". If you select "yes" then a new running total begins. If you click "no" (object is old) then it continues to keep the current running total. Is this the best way to go about doing this? When I do implement it this way, the problem I get is that once I click "yes" but I still have hours inputted, the running total will say zero. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks everyone...

-gaassist

Edited September 29, 2005 by Guest

[Kent Searight]

Set up two tables, one for each day and one for activities on any given day. Join them on a relationship based on the ID of the "day" record and set up a portal where you can add related "activity" records for the "day" record you're in. Each day you make a new record in "day" and just add "activity" records.

You're running count will zero out every day and you'll be able to collect data over time that might show results or progress. I assume that's your ultimate goal?

[LaRetta]

I look at this more from an accounting perspective. It's no different than keeping time or checkbook which are all perfect candidates for running summary. You start your new-day time by adding a plus record. You ZERO out the balance by adding a plus equaling the current balance. This figure should be coded as 'skipped the full exercise' etc. Your minus entries are your time. The difference produces a running balance of your workout schedule.

Each exercise could be a record in EXERCISES table. Each activity (whether working out or balancing out, smile) can be records in the ACTIVITIES table (with Date and TimeStart/TimeStop), joined on ExerciseID. A portal of Activities placed on an Exercise form, including the newly created summary (RUNNING) of time from Detail (placed within the portal) will handle itself. Leave the portal and the relationship unsorted (which is FM's natural sort state). Running summaries in portals work a treat if left to do their thing.

After all ... you SHOULD account for any balancing act or write-off, no? If nothing else, you might balance your 'books' on New Years Eve!! You can zero it out daily (reset the clock or get a second chance, so to speak) and STILL have a record of your predicted goals.

LaRetta