Can I create sub directories in Reports for Tables

[Connie Brouillette]

I wonder if I can create a subdirectory in the Reports folder which would hold the unique reports I will need for different Tables.

In other words, if I have three Tables (A, B, C) and each has multiple reports which are basically identical in content, but unique to each table, can I create a report folder for each table (Table A Report Folder; Table B Report Folder; Table C Report Folder)which would eliminate any confusion when selecting the correct report for each table.

Thanks,

Connie Brouillette

[Stan Mathews]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

Reports are not stored in folders. They are stored in the support files for the individual tables/sets on which they are based.

If you look at the report tab of the control panel you can sort the entries by name, type (superfluous), or table/set.

If you want to eliminate any ambiguity you can qualify the report name with the name of the table/set...

PRINT_REPORT("cig_retails", "", "", .T., .T.)

is the same as

PRINT_REPORT("cig_retails@item_info.set", "", "", .T., .T.)

if the first is based on "item_info.set"

[davej]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

Connie,

Let me play devil's advocate, if I may and ask why, if the three tables are "basically identical" (your words) do you not combine them and include a field that differentiates the content? It seems to me t hat that would be a much more efficient way to handle things.

Lets say that I have an application having to do with classes that I teach. Rather than a different table for each semester, I would have a students table in which one of the fields would be 'semester'. That way, if I have a student in multiple semesters, I do not have to enter the same information multiple times. All I have to do is enter the appropriate semester and build my reports (identical for each semester) filtered on semester.

Dave

[Connie Brouillette]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

Good thought, but the record entry form would be too cumbersome. We are convention/trade show planners and have anywhere from 5 to 7 major events a year. Each event requires the same reports, (hotel res, meal lists, balance due, etc.) but the variables for each event are different (meal selections, exhibit space selections, workshops etc). To list each variable on one record entry form would make that form extremely lengthy.

I'm open to suggestions, anything to make my life easier would be appreciated.

Connie

[davej]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

Connie,

Let's say I am an exhibitor at your trade shows. The way you are presently doing things, there will be 5 to seven records on me that are virtually identical. Forget the space you are wasting, what about the extra time it takes to reenter the duplicate information 5 to 7 times each year, what about the (very real) possibility of typing my phone number, credit card number, etc. over and over again and making a mistake and transposing two or three digits.

You could include an embedded browse that displays selected fields for relevant records in in the browse table. Take a look at the Invoice form in Alphasports. Notice that there can be as many records in the browse as is appropriate. You can also see that the description column is a dropdown selection list. That can be set up as a 'previous value' lookup, which means that for the first records of a new show you have to enter the show identifier, but that identifer will appear for all subsequent data entry.

Dave

[Connie Brouillette]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

I see what you are talking about, but I'm not sure I can accomplish this. The "Getting Started With Alpha Five" manual isn't the most illuminating. The drop down feature would definitely help keep things more organized and user friendly.

Of course, now that we've started the switchover, our old software is starting to bug out on us and I'm really under the gun to get this up and running ASAP! I'll play with the browse feature and try to figure out how to use is. I'm confused about the "show identifier" remark, what do you mean? Is it a unique data field?

Thanks for the pointers, I need all the help I can get.

Connie

[davej]

RE: Can I create sub directories in Reports for Ta

Connie,

The 'show identifer' would be a unique field, probably character type, no idea as to the length. The first thing would be to add the field to the table structure (I'd probably call it something like 'show'). In field fields, click on 'Lookup' and on Lookup styles' select 'previous value'. An example is - a payment form has a field for bank name. I can't build a list of possible banks on which checks would be written, nor do I want to make the operator(s) have to enter the same bank names multiple times. By setting the field to 'previous value', a new bank name only has to be entered once. From that point on, the newly entered name is available for selection in the dropdown selection list.

Dave