Shadow fields from an .xls file

[sicSRT8]

Would I need a script to shadow fields from an excel file located on a local drive. I don't want to import the file but simply shadow specific fields from an existing .xls file on a local drive.

The .xls file is updated each morning with inventory stock and want file maker to pull from the available file each day.

[Fenton]

Yes, you should create a script. You could do it manually, but a script is more reliable. If the file is always the same name, then you can just hard-code it into the Import step. Otherwise you can just choose it; but personally I'd much prefer some better way to identify the file.

Look at the Import script step, which supports Excel. The options you'd want are "Matching records". You would need a unique ID on both sides. Click again on the -> to change it to =

That tells FileMaker to match records using that field. It will bring in values from the matching row-column of the Excel file (including blank values). You may also need to Show All records, as the above will only match against records in the found set.

You may also want to use the option "Add new records", which will create new records for any rows not matched; if you have new records in the Excel file.

Test on an example database until it is reliable.

[sicSRT8]

Sorry my post was moved and didnt realize it...

Edited February 27, 2009 by Guest