Consolidate Related Files as Tables

[lefky]

I have a group of approximately 15 related files that I use to track job related time and expenses. There is one main file which displays most of the data, while the other files are primarily line item file. I created these files about 12 years ago and have been using and upgrading since then. The files are currently in FP8. I am getting ready to add additional functionality and also update to FP9. Is there any reason for me to consolidate the related files as tables in the main database file or should I continue to use them as related files?

Is there an easy way to consolidate related files into one main file and at the same time retain all the data?

Thanks,

Lefky

[dansmith65]

I know of two ways to consolidate related files. Both require FileMaker Pro Advanced.

1) in FileMaker Pro advanced, there is an option to import tables. This feature does not import relationships.

2) Use a tool like New Millennium's FMrobot, which also copies relationships, etc (i'm not sure how thorough this program is - i've never used it, only heard about it)

Only you can evaluate whether or not the time/expense assosiated with consolidating files is worthwhile.

If you are wanting to add functionality to your database, consolidating the files will allow you take full advantange of all the new features since FM7. I feel it's also an investment - if you plan to continue to use this database for many years then you are likely to consolidate at some point in time. If you are wanting to know all the pluses and minuses about consolidating, I'd recommend that you search the internet - i'm sure you will find that this was discussed many times.

Here's a quick resource I found that may help:

http://my.advisor.com/doc/17427

[comment]

See also:

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/193173/

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/276301/

http://www.fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/180665/

[bruceR]

I know of two ways to consolidate related files. Both require FileMaker Pro Advanced.

1) in FileMaker Pro advanced, there is an option to import tables. This feature does not import relationships.

2) Use a tool like New Millennium's FMrobot, which also copies relationships, etc (i'm not sure how thorough this program is - i've never used it, only heard about it)

Importing tables does NOT require Filemaker Advanced.

You may be thinking of the copy/paste tables feature; it does require Filemaker Advanced.

[dansmith65]

Importing tables does NOT require Filemaker Advanced.

I have FMv8.5 Pro and Advanced and in Pro I cannot import tables. Perhaps you are thinking of importing scripts? That can be done from both Pro and Advanced.

[comment]

in Pro I cannot import tables

Yes you can - read the posts I have linked to.

[dansmith65]

Now I see!

Thanks for pointing that out. I wasn't looking beyond the Define Database window before.