I'm currently trying to build a costing database for the family business. Although I started with great ideas for the database, I'm now beginning to struggle with my knowledge of Filemaker!! I'm normally very resourceful with this type of thing and very thorough, unfortunately I do not have that luxury on this project due to timescales!!

I am fairly new to Filemaker but have had past experiences with database design at Uni and am confident that when I get going, all will bloom!

The struggle is getting going!!

I'll explain the database that I'm trying to make and maybe someone could give me tips on the best way to achieving my goal. Please be weary... the list of variables is a bit of a headache!!

Here goes...

Each product is governed by variables that can change in many tables and that are governed by each other.

Firstly there are two field options (single and double glazed) that will then influence the fields in each of the other tables and with any luck the cost!!

A window can be single or double glazed and by choosing one of the Glazing Options you will then narrow down the list in another field (Frame Option) dependent on the Glazing Option.

Frame Option then influences the possible Design Options available. Design Option then influences Opening Option. Glazing Option also influences Specific Glazing Option.

With all this in mind the user should have selected a series of variables that are influenced by one another and once the user has entered the width, height, Shape Option and Finishing Option of the window the database should draw from all the necessary costs involved with each product and calculate it against the variables chosen.

The database will then show all the costs inherrent with each product in tabs. Glazing Costs, Metal Costs, Finishing Costs, Furniture Costs, Labour Costs, Gaskets and Sealing among a few!!

Where would it be best to store all of the associated costs and in what format. How do I make the choices in one Field affect another? How from the variables will each option pull those costs depending on the options chosen and what tables/relationships would be required? I understand that this is a big ask and for that reason I would just appreciate any tips and input provided. If I could just get out of my Filemaker 'block' I would be grateful!! lol

Do an "advanced search" on here for

+conditional +value +list

This will allow your choices to be narrowed down for each previous choice selected.