I’m a beginner / intermediate programmer that’s not really familair with Lotus Script but has a good understanding of formula language. I have a Quote Log database and 3 copies of it that have all been slightly modified for other plants. The form names are the same as well as most of the fields. Our corporate office now wants a way to view all that data in one place. is there any way to create a view that pulls records from multiple databases? If not are there any other options short of creating a new database that all the plants use together? Any ideas or tips? Thanks!
Subject: Notes view that displays records from multiple databases???
Hey Michael,
Most users are now familiar with “Dashboard”-styled applications. You can probrably get away with multiple embedded views on a given form within a frameset or some other like-minded design. It all really depends on how 1) you sell the idea and 2) how they’re really going to use it.
The selling of the idea is really just a matter of projecting that whatever you come up with is the better solution than what they originally wanted (which is what we should be doing anyways as developers, of course). Instead of a big, clunky, meta-view, you’re now giving them consolidated data in a visually appealing and structured interface that will allow them to review meta-data at a glance as well as interact with various back-end systems from said consolidated interface.
As for how they’re going to use it - most of us developers fall into the trap. We don’t ask the “why” and try to address the business requirement, but rather focus on the “how”. We get wrapped up in the geek and forget the business side of things - and the business side of things is what’s going to matter once the users get a hold of it.
So take a look at exactly what they’re trying to do. A “consolidated meta-portal” of the collective data might just be what the doctor ordered, and the expansion and delivery of this solution will make you look good in the process. After all, no one has to know how easy slapping something like this together was.
HTH, but if you need help/suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me or post back in the forum!
Subject: Notes view that displays records from multiple databases???
Here’s one way.
Add a new field (hidden) to the form to hold the Plant name.
Create a lotusscript to create a new document and populate the new Plant field with the Plant name and then copy all other fields and place in a new database.
Run the same script in all databases, moving all database information to the new database.
Build views in the new database to show all details using any field and the new Plant field value.
