Merging Data from FM to FM

[MikeKD]

Hi folks,

in a week or so (when I'm ready!) I'll be deploying my assessment database to two other unconnected users.

 

Every so often I'll want to import (or merge?) their data into my master copy of the database.

 

The last time I did an import was  using data from Excel and it didn't work as I expected, deleting any records that weren't in the new data and leaving random fields populated with the wrong data for the wrong records. - The primary key's didn't appear to work.

 

What settings do I need to use when doing this job for multiple tables in FM?

Do I use import records, or am I missing something?

 

I have already set up the UIDs for each table as UUIDs and I've got created / modified / timestamp fields too, in preparation for the IT support giving me the green light to use MirrorSync down the line.

 

Cheers!

Mike

[MikeKD]

Hi folks,

I'm still not sure about how to do this.

What's the difference between the options of

• Add new records
• Update existing records
• Update matching records

How do I select which field(s) are used to match the fields?

 

I guess the easiest way to do this is to write a script that goes through importing for each table with the correct options using the "Import Records" script step.

What else should I do to avoid errors?

 

Sorry to ask again, but I can't find any relevant info on this in my book or online.

 

Cheers!

Mike

[Wim Decorte]

http://www.filemaker.com/help/13/fmp/en/html/import_export.17.11.html

[MikeKD]

Ah, thank you, that's useful & explains where I went wrong the last time I tried this.

Is it best practice to script this to try to avoid human error?

 

Cheers,

Mike

[Wim Decorte]

If it is always the same import, then yes: script it to cut down on errors.

[MikeKD]

Cheers - attempting that now...

 

Just found another resource at http://www.filemaker.com/solutions/ios/docs/fmi_guide_sync_en.pdf

It's a bit advanced for me, but could be helpful to someone a bit smarter!

[bcooney]

Mike,

 

Have you looked at http://fmeasysync.com ?

[MikeKD]

Yes, and a couple of commercial alternatives.

They're a no go - the school management won't let me host it on the network (they're worried about HD space) or fund FM server & I think EasySync, GoZync etc all need FMS.

:-(

 

I'm not aware of a 1/2 way house.

Ideally I'd like to script a sync, but that's way beyond me, so will just import records.

 

Cheers!

Mike