combining summary results?

[joniraincloud]

I could really use some help.

I use my database to track print projects.

Some projects have 2 binding types

Project Number | NumberofCopies | BindingType |NumberofCopies2 | BindingType2

Right now I can pull a report using summary field that says:

BindingType Number of Copies

3-ring Binders 11

Spirals 15

And a separate report that says:

BindingType2 NumberofCopies2

Folders 5

Spirals 7

But what I need to do is combine the two:

Binder Qty

3-ring Binders 11

Spirals 22

Folders 5

Is this even possible?

I've been reading though a lot of Filemaker documentation but I don't see any examples like mine.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[comment]

You should use a related table (a child of Projects) for the type and quantity. Then produce the report from the child table, sub-summarized by type.

[joniraincloud]

I'm not sure how to set that up.

I make the child table and the fields are project number, bindertype and quantity, and I draw the relationship between project numbers? I think I get that part but I'm not sure about the data entry part then. Can I connect the two tables by all three of the child's fields?

Let me show you my form (attached) and maybe that will help explain what I'm asking. How do I make it make two records for each project number (if there is a second binder type selected--there won't always be)?

I hope that makes sense. I know this ought to be simple but for some reason I've got a mental block about it.

[joniraincloud]

Okay.

I changed my input form to a portal.

This is going to mess up some of my other calculations I think but I can re-work those other relationships.

You know, I tried doing it this way yesterday and couldn't make it happen for some reason. Thanks for your help.

[comment]

Looking at your picture, it seems you need to move more fields into the child table (Jobs?). Basically, anything that you have two of should move, e.g. paper stock. I believe this should simplify your calcs, rather than make them more complicated.

Note also that you could achieve the same layout arrangement by placing two one-row portals side-by-side, and setting the one on the right side to start at row #2. But I don't see why would you want to limit a project to two jobs at most.

[joniraincloud]

Thank you, that is what I did. It didn't work yesterday because my tables weren't as organized as they should have been.

Thanks a heap, I mean it!

Oh, and you're right. The old way was very limiting. I think having a portal provide more than just two options will be very useful. Thank you for the idea!

Edited October 14, 2009 by Guest