Importing csv data into multiple tables

[jimlongo]

Hi, I have an old FM database that I inherited and I've built upon over the last 10 years.

It's to keep track of club members and the programs they purchase.

It's always been flat, that is 1 table. So each time they add an additional program I just copy the existing record - kinda messy I know, but it's always been manual entry and it works. I've added a lot of calculations and scripts so that it can send out itemized emails with everything from purchases to ID numbers for an on-line booking system that we have.

This year the club is adding an on-line registration ecommerce solution (built by an ecommerce developer).

What I'd like to do is revamp the database, which I've started to do using one of the Filemaker templates. I have a MasterID table which contains family name, address, familyID#, etc., I have a Member Table which contains all the members in each family and their contact information. Then there is a Transaction table which holds all the purchases for the family.

These tables are all connected using the familyID#.

What I'm trying to get my head around is importing the data from the ecommerce application. Let's say I'm importing CSV data. Do I have to do up to 3 separate imports to get all the data into the appropriate tables, or can it be done in 1 step?

Every year starts a new season. I need to import data for repeat Members whose Family information already exists. Later on in the year a lot of the imports would just be Transactions for existing members. Sometimes there are new Families that join so I would need to import data into all 3 tables.

Thanks for any tips.

jim

[comment]

Do I have to do up to 3 separate imports to get all the data into the appropriate tables, or can it be done in 1 step?

You have to do up to 3 separate imports AND it can be done in 1 step - or rather in one script. Import the data into a temp table, and let the script "distribute" it from there. See also:

http://fmforums.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/217177/

[jimlongo]

Thanks Michael, I'll give it a go and see if I can figure that out.