Filtering Lookup Fields

[Frank0135]

Is This Possible ? Filtering Lookup Fields

I made my first FileMaker database which is conversion of one of our old databases.

It is a relational 2 table database.

My key field is ProjectNumber for the two tables,

Each project has 2 Project Numbers one for contract work and another for extra billable work

and a status field with shows that the project is open or closed.

I have ProjectNumber set as a lookup in the other table.

I need to filter out all the Extra Work Numbers

and the Closed Projects out of the ProjectNumber Lookup so it shows only the

Open Contract Numbers to avoid duplication of project names.

How can I do this?

Your help would be greatly appreciated

Thank You in Advance,

Frank

[FileMaker Magazine]

Frank, the solution to "filtering out" a lookup is always a matter of data retrieval. Regardless of using a lookup, portal for data display or a single field, the way your relationship is structured will determine what data you'll have access to.

In your situation it sounds like you'll need to create either a concatenated multi-key (the older method of doing this in FileMaker) (e.g. 200-400-Open, where 200 is the account number, 400 is the extra number and "Open" is the status)

The more current method of using a relationship to filter out data is to use the concept of multiple predicates. Without sounding confusing, this is simply a matter of making sure you can match any number of key "values" (note the values may include more than just the "key value") on both sides of the relationship.

In the case of whether a status field is open or closed, you will need a "fixed" value on one side of the relationship. This involves using a dynamically changed global text field as part of the relationship keys or a "fixed" calculated field (either non-stored or global).

If none of that information makes sense then you may be a few more steps away from learning how to filter out data.

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[Frank0135]

I thought this was a place to get help not a place to sell me services

[Lee Smith]

If you ignore their signature lines (i.e. the information posted below the line), you will see that they have provided you help, or suggestions on how to accomplish what they want.

It is very common on list like this forum, to see a signature line that references the helper web site. After all, the Members of the list are providing you valuable help for FREE.

In addition, FileMaker Magazine is an excellent resource, and some of their stuff is FREE to all. If you are serious in learning FileMaker, there are several Resources that have been recommended in the Resource Topic Area, and in the User Group Topic Area.

If you are not able to figure out how to apply the help given above, then post a copy of your files, we can tailor our replies to meet your needs, and perhaps make it so you can understand the process. Be sure to remove any confidential information.

HTH

Lee