rephrased question about relating 2 databases

[Scott King]

Okay I am reopsting this...my last post didn't seem to get me anywhere and rereading it, I felt as if it were just a mess.

This is my second First Post am I am a real novice at FMP. I can usually figure things out but I can't seem to get the grasp of this. HELP, please. This is just the first step of many. I have about 4 DB I would like to join as one.

I need to get the Client info from it's own sepeerate DB into the inventory DB. The info has been imported into the inventory and added as a Layout. Or it can be brought in from a completely sperate DB. What is the best way to make these two come together. I want to be able to add people in the invetory as well as the mailing list layout. I also need to attach a person to each inventory itm sold. Most of our items are unique as well sell European Antiques. So there would be one item with one person, however one person could have several items. I wouldn't mid just having the mailing list layout as the only enterable entity and just have thenames searchable in a drop down menu, selected and their information filled in.

:P

Edited March 7, 2007 by Guest
Edited due to my own OCD

[Dr. Evil]

I would NOT create separate databases.

I would only make one, and create tables as necessary. Then import data from old databases into the new tables. This may be tricky and require some manual identifier/serial number entry.

Sounds like you have

- Clients

- Vendors

That buy or sell your product.

As far as database world is concerned there is no difference between Clients and Vendors. Both store the same information, contacts, phone, address and CATALOG! It is only a matter of labeling. I use a check box for my asscociatesTable including values of: Client, Vendor. I use a check box, because sometimes an Associate can be both a vendor and a client. For example, I am a graphic designer, I sometimes hire other designers to help with workload and visa versa. So someone I do work for, may hire me to do work as well. This labeling is not set in stone, I use it merely to help sort records and filter value list.

You need to create a table that holds this information. Lets call it AssociatesTable.

Then you need to create a AssociatesCatalogTable which is a child of AssociatesTable. I personally have a AssociatesDataLineTable. This table stores ALL information related to Associates, contacts, catalog, phone/fax/email. So that all information for Associates can be found in one place, this makes is easier to create reports.

Your AssociatesTable will have a layout with a portal showing related record from AssociatesCatalogTable.

This way, you can see who and what they sell, service they provided or sell. Add, update or delete any time. Oh, and always include a created and modified time stamp in each table, this come in very handy.

Once you have the this build, you can simply create a scrip that uses specified criteria to filter your list and generate a mailing list.

Whoa! That was long winded. Let me know if you have any questions, hope this helps!