I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

There are two versions of this database. One is the master list which a manager has. The other is a satellite database which is used by other employees. They all add new records then export 2 tables to then be merged to the master list. The master list exports 5 tables for the satellite users to then import once updated.

I need to find a way to combine all the info into one table or one file that can be emailed back and forth. Dealing with multiple files is a bit too much to ask.

Do you have any ideas about how I can combine multiple tables? I am using Filemaker Pro Advanced, all copies will be stand alones.

Thanks

all copies will be stand alones.

Yes, but it wouldn't probably justify the expenditures - http://www.worldsync.com:16080/syncdek/uses/ ...

Instead turn to genuine versions of filemaker and share the solution peer 2 peer, if you're thrifty otherwise get the server version as well in a sort of VLA agreement ...comes from just above $2K...

A new alternative is this:

http://www.worldcloud.com/vapp/

http://www.worldcloud.com/xenapp/

...there is a youtube video down in the bottom of each of the pages

--sd

The manager has a single file, multi-table solution. Each employee (satellite user) does too. Right now, you are exporting text files (one per table) from the satellite, and importing into the master. The master exports text files (5) for a satellite user to import.

So, the problem seems to be that you are using text files. Why not pass back and forth FM files. All you tables will still be in one file. You'd need Export from Master, Import from Master, Export to Master, and Import from Satellite scripts.

How are you managing unique IDs for the records? Does each Satellite create records that have a "node" prefix?

Thank you for your insight. We already own FM Advanced and no more money can be spent on this project. There is also an issue with the lack of internet access much of the time. I did not know that the .usr files in a runtime solution were basically fm.7 files. What I am considering doing is having them hand off this file to the manager. I would need to create an import script for the manager to import the two necessary tables. The manager will then send out a copy of the .usr file for the rest to use with updated information.

I am having trouble creating an import script. I want the manager to be able to choose the location of the .usr file to be imported but then let the script choose the two files and import options. Is this possible with Filemaker alone?

Thanks again for your help.

Forgot to mention. Item numbers are added to each record when it is imported to the managers version. I'm not sure how to handle unique id's in this situation. (Off to read up on "node" prefixes) :confused:

A runtime app can import and export multi-table filemaker files. Build the runtime app to import all 5 tables from the file, and setup the Manager's copy to import the 2 tables you need from the remote exports.

Thanks for your response Jeff. That is what I plan to do.

What I don't know how to do is allow the user to specify the data source(usr file). It will not always be in the same place, sometimes a USB key, sometimes on their desktop, etc. I feel like this is something simple that I'm just not getting.

I had to put this project on the back burner for a while but I'm back on it now. If anyone could help me with this I’d appreciate it.

Cheers

This technique might help. http://fmforums.com/forum/showpost.php?post/335201/

I have the user find the source, I store it in a container (reference only). With this path to source, I'm all set.

That is excellent! I think I see how to apply that to my db solution. Thanks bcooney!