help on calculation

[spam]

Hi there,

i'm fairly new at FileMaker. I would like to generate a custom serial number. Basically, I would like the text/number generated to have the first 4 character in the AdvertiserName field + a 6 digit number (automatically generated).

I don't know how to calculate this.

please help

[John Mark Osborne]

The easiest approach might be to use a field with an auto-enter serial number. Start the serial number off with 100000 since it is the first 6 digit number. This will give you unique values of 6 digits till you reach 1 million. Then, you can use the serial number in a calculation:

Left(AdvertiserNameField; 4) & SerialNumberField

[spam]

thank you. that worked. now how do I get the records that have already been made to have that number. the serial won't generate unless it's a new record.

[mr_vodka]

select the SerialNumberField and then Go to the 'Records' menu --> 'Replace field contents'. This can not be undone so make sure that you save a backup first.

[spam]

thank you! that worked.