Append Field On Import

[AnthonyDixon]

Hi,

I have a parts database that has a notes field and I would like to append the data in that

field with the data in my notes field in my import file. I am using the part number as a

match field. The only thing I came up with creating a new notes field then doing the

import and using a script to update the new notes field with the imported data. I did not

know if anyone had a better way of doing this.

Thanks

-T

[bcooney]

Could you explain a bit more what your source file is. I suppose I'm trying to determine why you have another system with a parts# and notes field.

An approach you could take, regardless, is to import into a temp table, then loop thru the records, use Set Field to prepend the new notes field (newnotes & ¶ & notes. )

[No_access]

you could create an import script, where you run through a loop and store the current values in an array, them import, then with another loop add your data from the array...

read this thread

http://forums.filemaker.com/posts/f486026754

[LaRetta]

I would like to append the data in that field with the data in my notes field in my import file. I am using the part number as a

match field.

Barbara is correct to ask the purpose. Is this a one-time thing or an on-going process? Ideally, additional notes for a single Part should be a second record in a Notes table (which holds the PartID and relates on it to the Parts table) and that also is the simplest. But if this is a mistake made where data from a backup file (for example) needs to have just that field merged between two copies then there are several ways to handle that as well.

With a bit of clarification, we all will be happy to help you resolve it with more specific answers. :laugh2:

Edited May 20, 2012 by LaRetta

[AnthonyDixon]

It is an Excel file that is received from a parts supplier that has notes that my client wants to append to the existing

notes field in his database based on part number.

This will be an ongoing process.

[Vaughan]

Better option is to make the Notes relational, so each new new is a new notes record that is related to the part. That way the import date can be recorded, and the previous note is there.