Adding fields from different tables to a layout

[Brainiac58]

I'm pretty new to working with FileMaker Pro 8.5 and am developing a database to track quality assurance and staff performance data. Examples of tables in the database include one that tracks a supervisor's completion rates on staff performance evaluations, another table that tracks the amount of time a case manager takes to write a service plan, a table for staff overtime, etc. I want to create a layout that generates an individual report for each manager's performance over a specific time frame.

How can I take fields from these various tables and place them into one layout? I'm not sure if I would have to build a relationship between each table or not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[aldipalo]

I would suggest you read the White Paper for FMP Novices: http://www.foundationdbs.com/downloads.html

Also FM web site has several good papers on this subject. http://www.filemaker.com/help/MacTOC8.html

It sounds as though you are looking to develop a complicated relational database and I would suggest you understand the basics before proceeding. Once you have the basics down you will find that development will go a lot faster and with a lot less frustration.

I would also suggest you read Kevin Frank's papers on the Anchor-Bouy relationship graph system. http://www.kevinfrank.com/demo-files-user-group.html

I wish I had before I got started.

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In answer to your question, yes, you need to set up relationships for all your tables, although they do not, necessarily, need to be all related directly to your main table. That's why I suggest you read the above and then if you have further questions we all would be happy to help you.

HTH

Al