Calculation for creating code names from the first 2 characters from several fields

[Heatherrd]

Hello, Please help me make a calculation that will combine the first or last, 1 or 2 characters from several fields to create a Code Name for an item.

For example:

Season: Fall

Year: 2010

Type: Shirt

Item_ID: 12

Code Name: F10SH12

I've been searching for an answer for an hour and figure that I don't even know where to look. The answer is probably very simple.

Thanks! Heatherrd

[Fitch]

Use the Text functions like Left and Right to grab pieces of the field. Use the ampersand (&) to concatenate the text.

E.g. Left(Season;1) & Right(Year;2) & etc.

I highly recommend that you do NOT use your calculated code as the primary key, i.e. as a field you use to create relationships to other tables. Use an auto-entered serial number for that, and use your calculated code for labeling or whatever you have in mind.

Also, Spring and Summer both start with S but I assume you have a plan for that.

[efen]

If the code you require - F10SH12 - is first character of Season; last two of Year; first two of Type; last two of Item_ID then the calc is:

Left (Season; 1)& Right(Year; 2) & Left(Type;2 & RighWords(Item; 1)