Import and Add Data

[dpmnyc]

Hello all and thank you in advance...

I am using FM 9.0 on Mac OSX.

I have a database that contains a table "members." Each member on this table belongs to a group with a group name and group number.

When I create a new member, and select the group number, everything works fine.

When I import from XL, sicne there is no group number (or name) field on the spreadsheet, it doesnt import (makes sense). How do I get FM to assign a group number to that batch of contacts--there will be only one group number for each batch of contacts imported via an XL spreadsheet?

I hope I have made myself clear.

Thank you again!

[LaRetta]

You can ask the User to enter the Group number (using Custom Dialog) which is stored into a global field. Then the import would run and the actual GroupID field would then be set with the global GroupID after the import; similar to (untested pseudo-code)

Show Custom Dialog [ Enter Group ID ; Input field: globalGroupID ]

If [ IsEmpty ( globalGroupID ) ]

Show Custom Dialog [ You did not enter a GroupID. Process will end" ]

Half Script

End If

Set Error Capture [ On ]

Import [ bla bla bla ]

... now you have your imported set isolated

If [ not Get ( LastError ) ]

Set Error Capture [ On ]

Replace Field Contents [ GroupID ; globalGroupID ]

If [ Get ( LastError ]

Show Custom Dialog [ "Record is locked. Be sure every record in this found set receives the GroupID" ]

End If

End If

Back up first before any new process particularly a script untested as this one is.

UPDATE: I would also validate that the GroupID the User enters in the global is a valid group number.

Edited April 15, 2009 by Guest
Added update

[dpmnyc]

SO now my newbie comes out...Can you please point me to where I can learn more about Custom Dialogs?

Thank you!

dp

Edited April 15, 2009 by Guest

[LaRetta]

Custom Dialog is a script-step and you can find out about it by searching FM Help "Show Custom Dialog script step."

You need a way to accept the GroupID from a User and then set the imported records with it. You could also just place the global field on a layout and attach a value list based upon GroupID (also displaying the group name as second field) and then only displaying second field. Use a pop-up menu so you wouldn't have to validate the entry.

[dpmnyc]

Thank you!

I just got a call from the HR people and the specs of this project have changed so I will now be getting the group number with all the other information!

Thank you for your help.

dp