combing multiple items from value lists

[Answers]

I just wonder if there is a simple way to do this (Filemaker 9)

Basic invoice situation:

Inoivce Table

Line Item table

Product File

Enter item# in and description and price are displayed in that line item of the invoice. Simple. Now I want to be able to choose multiple item#s for that ONE line item. For example:

Items might be -

Shampoo $20

Color $35

Set $10

I want to choose multiple items from a list and have it concantenate so the description reads:

Shampoo, Color, Set $65

We don't have the space to have a checkbox where you can select more than one item. What's the cleanest solution?

I have ideas but they all seem to time intensive to do something so simple.

[comment]

I believe the very reason for having a line items table is to keep every line related to a single product (and to a single invoice). Otherwise, you could select multiple products directly in the invoice record.

[Answers]

I believe the very reason for having a line items table is to keep every line related to a single product (and to a single invoice). Otherwise, you could select multiple products directly in the invoice record.

I think you misunderstood. I understand the relationships, One invoice multiple line items, done it many times. The product file in this case is merely a list of products & prices, it doesn't track inventory. This is not a relationship issue. I just want to choose multiple descriptions from a popup list so it puts them together in one description.

i.e. sometimes someone just gets a haircut, sometimes they get a haircut & a set. We see that as one service.

I want to choose from a list of descriptions, and put together the service on the fly so to speak. One invoice has:

Charlie: Beard Trim $15

Sam: Beard Trim & Shave $25

Ethel: Shampoo, Cut & Set $55

This question is more of a clever way to choose those services from a list and it populate the service description field.

Thank you

[comment]

I'm afraid I still don't follow.

[LaRetta]

Your grouped description-plus-price calculation field (result of text) in your Invoice table would be:

Substitute ( List ( lineitems::description ) ; ¶ ; ", " ) & " - " & Sum ( LineItems::Price )

But as Michael says, it's the same thing as your LineItems table in a portal. You could even omit the price on each portal row and only show the total sum at the bottom. By using another calculation to concatenate your lineitems, you wouldn't need your portal BUT ... as a customer, I would still prefer seeing each charge separately so I know exactly what I am paying for unless you give 'group' discounts, treating one of these full features as a special price itself, such as:

Individually:

Beard Trim - 15

Shave - 10

Shampoo - 10

Cut - 15

Set - 30

And then have grouped 'products' such as:

Neatness special - (beard trim and shave) $20

Otherwise there is no need (in my opinion); use the calculation if you truly want to omit the individual charges.