Report based on repeating records

[katya]

Hi everyone!

I have a problem that I've been trying to solve for too long and it looks like I'm in a dead end now. I tried everything I could think of - nothing works.

I have a bunch of records with repeating fields. Each record represents an invoice, each repeating field represents an item that was sold. I'm trying to make a simple columnar report on the items sold with subtotals and totals. Pretty straightforward, isn't it?

Well, the report only shows the first item from each invoice, although the subtotals and totals are calculated perfectly fine. I need ALL items on my report.

I suspect that the reason it is happening is the repeating fields. But I can't change the design of the records.

Please, help me with any suggestions you might have.

Thank you all!

[Vaughan]

Yes, the reason is the repeating fields. And you are going to have to change the design of the records to solve the problem.

[IdealData]

You could try EXPORTing the records and splitting the repeating fields to new records. Then run your report in the file holding the exported data.

[danjacoby]

As many of us have said many times, never, Never, NEVER use repeating fields (ok, that's not quite true, but it's an excellent rule of thumb).

Top recommendation -- learn relationships. A related file containing the individual line items that show up in a portal in the main file gives you all the information you need, plus the flexibility to print anything you want, broken out any way you want it.

Repeating fields were created back in the dark ages, when Filemaker had no relational capabilities. Now they're pretty near worthless.

If you create your related file first, then import the line items into it, splitting the repeating fields out as was suggested, you'll be in great shape.