Simple Invoice isn't working

[Develop]

I'm trying to do something very simple:

In an invoice, I choose a Product ID from a drop-down list based on another table, and would like the Product Description from that other table to appear automatically for that product, on the same line.

Using a Lookup function I was able to set this up correctly. When I add repetitions, however, to be able to list several products on the invoice, the process breaks down and the Product Description does NOT appear.

Why is adding repetitions not working in this case? Is there an alternative way to list several products on one invoice?

Thank you for your help.

[bcooney]

Review how to use portals.

You need 4 tables: Customer, Invoice, InvoiceLineItems and Products.

Create a portal on the Invoice Layout to InvoiceLineItems related by InvoiceID. Don't use repetitions, but rather a portal with as many rows as will fit on your Invoice data entry layout. Enter the Product key into an InvoiceLineItem record in the portal and use the Lookup function to copy the Price, and Desc.

Print invoices from a layout based on the InvoiceLineItems table.

[Develop]

I have been told to stay away from repetitions but thought I'd try anyway.

I was under the impression that portals are used only to view data, not for entry. I'll try your advice and let you know whether it works.

Thanks a million for taking the time to respond.

[bcooney]

Portals can be used for entry if you have "Allow creation of records" checked in the relationship dialog.

Yes, it's much nicer to give the user a "New Line Item" button with a custom dialog, rather than having them type in the portal, but it's not necessary.

[Develop]

For some reason, the portal only allows me to enter one record. What am I missing?

Edited March 14, 2007 by Guest

[bcooney]

Take a look at this quick and dirty example.

btw, what version of FM are you using?

InvoiceSample.fp7.zip

[Develop]

You da man. Thank you for the sample DB. I'll study it and figure things out.

I'm using 8.5 Advanced.

[rblloyd]

I have the very same problem, I am using a relationship to pull pricing information into the order form, but the repetitions are not functioning correctly. Maybe you wouldn't mind looking at my file to gain a better understanding.. Thanks a ton

backup.zip

[mr_vodka]

Drop the repeating fields and move to a relational model. Invoice/LineItem/products. YOu will be limited with repeating fields.

[rblloyd]

I understand the concept of the portal, but Im not sure how I go about placing it in my forum. Could you help me out? Thanks for everything!

[Develop]

It's easy to place a portal on your form. In Layout mode, choose "Portal" from the "Insert" menu, then follow the dialog box.

[Develop]

I have set up a portal that allows entry of line items into the invoice forms. However, when I delete an item from the portal, it does not delete it in the Line Items table, even though I have set up the relation to allow record deletion.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[mr_vodka]

How are you deleting the item from the portal exactly? are you using a script step?

[bcooney]

How are you deleting the line items record? I typically put a "Delete" button on the portal row that does a Delete Portal Row script step.