Another auto-enter calculation conundrum

[afusaro]

I have a field that I want to be filled in as "Archived" if another field (with a calculation specified to equal a field on another table, as referencing the other table did not work either) is not blank; otherwise, I want the first field to be editable, preferably via something like a drop down list of other choices ("Discarded", "Repurified", Edit...). I know that calculated fields can not be edited nor have drop down lists, so I actually set up the field type as text with an auto-enter calculation.

All I really want is a particular entry to auto-enter for one condition and a choice of entries if that condition is not met. I was able to do this for another pair of fields in the same table, with the same set up conditions:

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Field Type: Text

Options: Auto-Enter Calculated Value, Case ( test1; result1; result 2), replaces existing value

Field Control Style: Display as Drop-down List

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If anyone could let me know why my first field is not behaving the same way and how to fix it, I'd be most grateful. Thank you!

[aldipalo]

Are the tables related? If so, place the field you are referring to on the current layout. If you don't want it to show you can make it transparent and only 1 pixel wide and high. The calculation will still get the data.

hth

[afusaro]

Hi aldipalo,

Yes, the tables are related. I've tried two ways of placing using the reference field in the targeted layout--by inserting the field from the other table (a "Display data from" : relationship) or by creating a new calculation field on my layout table that evaluates the field from the related table to equal the reference field (lists it as Unstored in the Manage Database window). Neither way of placing the field in my target layout allows the auto-entry calculation for the other field. Is there another way of placing the field in the current layout that you think may work?

Thanks!

[aldipalo]

Can you post a clone of your file with a few bogus records for us to look at?

[afusaro]

Here's a downsized version to review. Thanks again for your help.

The ExtractionFate field is set up in the ExtractTable layout to be a drop down list; in Manage Database, I want this field to auto-enter "Archived" if the StorageLocation field has an entered value (comes from related table Storage field "StorageLocation"). Otherwise, I want the user to be able to select an option from the All Extract Fates value list. (The ExtractConcentration and ExtractionConcPass fields are set up similarly and are functional.)

Test_fusaro.fp7.zip

[aldipalo]

It's asking for a UID and password.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Guest

[afusaro]

I neglected to mention that I had given the Guest Account login full access (no password). That should work.

[aldipalo]

Hmmm, if I make ExtractionFate a calculation it works, but AutoEnter does not. Perhaps someone else can take a stab at it. I "think" the problem is the way you are updating/entering the data doesn't allow the AutoEnter calculation to work. From what I can see of your script you are going to several different layouts to create an entry. Also, your calculation should be:

Case ( Not IsEmpty(ExtractionStorage); "Archived" ) Rather than Case (ExtractionStorage > 0; "Archived" )

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.

[mr_vodka]

Auto-enter calcs do not update when a related field is modified.

[aldipalo]

Hi John:

So what could he do for a work around?

I thought perhaps a calc field under the ExtractionFate field?