Create relationship from separated data?

[GrantSymon]

Hi,

I've just separated data in my files, from *all* info in Contacts to 'most' info in Contacts and 'some' info in Company addresses. It seemed like a good idea to have a separate company table, so that any change in a company's details is easily replicated across all associated Contacts.

However ... as it happens I *only* use Portals to view my records and now I find that some of my portal/sorting/finding methods have fallen apart, because now I have some of the info required for the relationship in one table and other info in a different table.

Question :

Is it possible (I think it is, but I'm having trouble grasping it) to have a single Portal (Relationship) based on data from 2 separate tables ? (I've tried calc fields ... but depsite the fact that they return the correct data, nothing shows up in the potal ... storage problem? )

(While I'm at it ... is this really a good schema? To separate Contacts and Company addresses into different tables? It has solved some problems, but *seems* to have created a ton of different ones? (N.B. I'm doing all my data viewing/manipulation via relationships/portals)

Many thanks for any help/info!

Grant

[aldipalo]

Hi Grant:

Just saw your post. IMHO, you are on the right track. I have 22,000 companies and about 16,000 contacts. I downloaded Hoovers Company DB years ago, that's why more companies than contacts.

Anyway, I find it much easier to manipulate my contacts and companies that way.

My main layout is "Contacts" with 12 tabs including 4 portals (all different tables, internal and external). I have no problems getting the data I need to show in any of the portals or tabs. However, what I found was the key is your main table in your layout as well as your relationships.

You can have fields from different tables in the same portal, but, I'm not sure you can have company and contacts data in a portal in your contacts layout. (Or vice versa) I've done it in a list view, but have not tried it in a portal. Would suggest you post an example of what you are trying to do. maybe someone can pull it apart and give you an answer.

Al