Keeping it simple

[werder101010]

Keeping it simple

I used a simple structure to compose a letter for different customers. I used a �record list Combo Box� and used a table for the different letter component. Printing can be done by using the report functionality. I really like this structure because it straight forward and easy to understand.

The problem is this:
1).the combo box doesn't allow word wrap
2).the characters in the combo box are randomly in upper and lower case
3).the options in the combo box don't show completely.

So now I'm considering to use an embedded browse with a check box but the problem is this. How do I store the selected choices in the �administration table�. I looked for a solution for about 20 hours but I can't find the answer or just don't recognize the answer.

I really need some help on this one. The main goal is to keep it simple. The embedded browse doesn't necessarily have to be multi selectable. Five different embedded browses for five different answers would work just fine for me. Maybe it's even better. Any other simple solution is welcome to.

To make things more understandable I produced an example. Thanks in advance!

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Werder,

I have looked at your application and can understand why you are unhappy with the way the combo is displaying the text. What I dont understand is what you are trying to do.

The main goal is to keep it simple

Keep what simple?

Are you trying to make make report selection simple or are you trying to use the Comp_Id as a filter in a report?

[werder101010]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Keith,

I would like to keep the structure (work flow) simple and the solution easy to understand.

The comp_ID is not used as a filter in a report because all the required letter components are already filtered by using the a combo box on the form. Every new letter has a unique �Adm_id� and the selected choices are stored in the �administration table�. The �administration table� is used to print the report. At least this how I see things working smoothly. Because I'm a new alpha user I can easily misinterpret what your asking or saying so I hope I understood your questions correct and answered them correctly.

Thanks for your time, Werder

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Werder,

I would like to keep the structure (work flow) simple and the solution easy to understand.

I think that is what every one wants.

The �administration table� is used to print the report

What does that mean? I do not understand this, how are you using the table to print a report?

Every new letter has a unique �Adm_id� and the selected choices are stored in the �administration table�.

Does this mean the �administration table� used to record what reports have been printed?

There is no report in your sample.

Where are you? Do you have Skype?

[werder101010]

Re: Keeping it simple

I think that is what every one wants. What does that mean?

I guess it's like money. Most people want to be a millionaire but most people are not really willing or able to put in the effort. I was just trying to say I'm willing to produce the thought and I'm also willing to putt it into practice. I am looking for people who want to put it into practice to.

I do not understand this, how are you using the table to print a report?

I designed a report an placed all letter components from the �administration table� on there position and saved the report. (For the moment) I opened the �administration table�, marked different records, from the file menu I selected �print / send selected records�, selected the report that I made earlier and all the records where printed. To print a letter directly from the form I will place a button on the form. I guess this is or should be a simple thing to accomplish within Alpha five.

Does this mean the �administration table� used to record what reports have been printed?

I meant the selected choice in the combo box. You asked me if I was trying to use the Comp_Id as a filter in a report? I probably misunderstood / stand your question.

There is no report in your sample.

I did not include a report because I assumed my approach on printing the records is very common.

Where are you? Do you have Skype?

I am Dutch and on Skype but my braincells don't work fast enough to explain what I mean and to understand what is been said in English. Thanks for the offer anyway and if you still want to give it a try on Skype it's no problem.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Werder,

I'm very sorry, I am no nearer understanding what you are trying to do.

Can you post a very simple app with a table, form and a report with something that you have tried to do and what it is you really want to achieve.

My problem is that brain cells dont work at all in Dutch. At least yours do have some speed in English.

[werder101010]

Re: Keeping it simple

No problem Keith, I'm glad your taking the time to understand what I'm trying to accomplish.

In the example I use the five combo boxes like you've seen before, only now I have added the report. Every combo box represents one choice and a selection is stored in the �administration table�. Combo box one stores in administration table �component_1, combo box two stores in administration table �component_2 etc..

I would like to replace the five combo boxes with five embedded browses. The main reason for replacing the combo box is the need for word wrap. I would like the embedded browse to work exactly the same as a combo box. This means: embedded browse one stores the choice in the administration table �component_1�. Embedded browse two stores the choice in the administration table �component_2� etc.. To avoid mistakes every embedded browse should only allow one choice. If there is another simple solution / workaround for this word wrap problem I would like to hear about it.

For now the only other thing missing is a button on the form to print a report for that same form. This means: when all letter components is selected and the customer information is filled in I want to be able to press the print button and print that letter directly without having to go to a menu.

If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them, Werder


Ps. I have included a browse in the control panel and have tried to implant it in the form but did not succeed. When opening this browse directly I see all the letter components. When opening the browse within the form the letter components are no longer visible.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Werder,

Thank you for this new sample of your application.

I recommend you have a good long hard look at AlphaSports.

I'm not sure what experience you have had with building a database but with the samples you have supplied, they do not match the questions you are asking.

Before you do anymore development work, I suggest you get hold of everything Alpha has to offer in means of tutorials.

[werder101010]

Re: Keeping it simple

Before you do anymore development work, I suggest you get hold of everything Alpha has to offer in means of tutorials.

Is there something wrong with my application?

I recommend you have a good long hard look at AlphaSports.

Is the word wrap problem solved within Alpha sport?

The problem is this:
1).the combo box doesn't allow word wrap
2).the characters in the combo box are randomly in upper and lower case
3).the options in the combo box don't show completely.

I'm not sure what experience you have had with building a database but with the samples you have supplied, they do not match the questions you are asking.

Any other simple solution is welcome to.

Keith, What are you talking about?

[werder101010]

Re: Keeping it simple

I forgot to share the solution I used:

Create a browse on the browse tab in the control panel, select the browse properties and select word-wrap on the format tab, change the hight of the table and save the browse. Define a table lookup in the field rules and replace the default browse with your own saved browse.

When you need more detailed instructions just let me know.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Keeping it simple

Hi Werder,

Thank you for the update.

I'm very pleased for you as I was very confused as to exactly what it was you wanted to do.