adapting paper invoice/forms

[bfalasiri]

I am really a trained graphic artist, and not a filemaker expert, but have been charged with a simple move from paper to computer generated invoicing. Inventory files, etc. are obviously infilemaker 5.0. What I WANT to do is use a pdf or jpeg copy of the paper documents as a background to layouts, and place the fields on top of the proper spaces. The users are not comfortable with using computers, so we'd like to make this as close to their paper experience as possible.

Firstly, I cannot even insert a picture, because I get an error 2804 re: Claris xtnd system -- and when searching for tech docs, I only find references to this in 3.0.

Can I get to what I want, or do I have to stick with the design editing capabilities of filemaker?

thanks

[LiveOak]

...I'm not really a pilot, but I have been charged with taking over flying a 747 in mid flight... . (sorry, I couldn't resist!).

Sound like all of the pieces of FM were not installed. Try reinstalling FM. You will probably have to settle for Pict format. If you are laser printing invoices, it shouldn't make much difference to the non graphic artist. I find that these transitions are a good (although painful) opportunity to dump the old forms rather than carry all the old problems associated with them into the new system. I find that after customers use forms for a number of years, the boxes are meaningless and the forms are being used as scratch pads. The chance to define new fields more suited to the customers new operation usually makes the staff's job easier.

-bd

[Kurt Knippel]

quote:

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Originally posted by bfalasiri:

I am really a trained graphic artist, and not a filemaker expert, but have been charged with a simple move from paper to computer generated invoicing.

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And I am a trained and experienced database developer, not a graphic artist, but I have been charged with developing an ad campaign for an international product launch.

Sounds ridiculous, huh?

I would suggest one of three things for you to do, either buy/license one of the many invoicing templates/system that are already developed in FMP, use one of the templates included with the program, or hire an experienced developer.

Writing an invoicing system is no simply task and is not nearly as easy as converting your paperforms to electronic versions.

[AskBoB]

Listen-

It does seem that you need to reinstall. But more than that, I don't believe you mentioned which version you were using, but there is a decent Job time entry template in 5.0 that can easily be converted over to tracking and probably linked in with the invoice template. from experience, as far as forms go, I have found that if you get a really good scan, you should be able to import it, and then overlay the required fields where they need to go, since you'e the artist, you will find that bit easier than I did..

But if you have detailed requirements, it is better to work with someone to build the backbone databases, and have you work on teh layout/appearance.

just my $0.025

-B

[markdesign]

hahaha!! this one is a fun thread...

I am a Graphic designer and my logic was only one program to learn (filemaker 5) for database. But to be a graphic designer requires many books.

Hmm....so how hard can it be?.... well, if you saw my other topics, VERY HARD !

Soo... what are your hourly rates for some freelance work capt kurt? :

[Moon]

I will add my two cents worth, also.

First, to get the invoice into filemaker, follow the advice above. Once you get it in, use the graphic as template and recreate it using FileMaker's graphic tools.Your forms will look much crisper than if you use the imported graphic.

Do your stuff with the appropriate fields. Better still, on the invoice forme use merge fields. Much better text control.

DO NOT USE THE INVOICE FORM TO ENTER DATA. Create a separate data entry form that includes only the data you need to enter. Printed forms are meant to be printed and read, and printed forms that are manually entered or typewritten are compromises to accomodate the data entered into them directly. You are a graphic designer. Design a printed form that contains what it needs to communicate without unnecessary labels, spaces, data entry instructions, caveats, etc., that are designed for the data entry person. Put that kind of stuff on the data entry layout, and make that layout easy to ENTER DATA. Do that and you have an easy, informative, accessible way to get the info in, and an uncluttered, uncompromised layout to get the data presented to the user.

By the way, I am a graphic designer and a FileMaker developer. Keeps both sides of the brain cookin'.

[Ocean West]

quote:

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Originally posted by Moon Mullins:

By the way, I am a graphic designer and a FileMaker developer. Keeps both sides of the brain cookin'.

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I know what ya mean!

[bfalasiri]

I don't know about you guys, but my brain is equally lobed. thanks for suggestions -- insofar as dumping the old paper invoice, well I designed it last year to get everyone accustomed to what things oughta look like and what info was germaine. Where I was stumbling was the simple process of getting that scan onto my form.

The invoicing system, was previously constructed, as were all appropriate links, merge fields, etc., by yours truly. This process seems to be fraught with obstacles, had I known you were so fun, I'd have been askin alot sooner! barb