Obtain value from defaulted value in different field

[adonis]

Hi

Does anyone know how to obtain the initial value from a previous record.
The number of records can vary for each security.

Ie: IT can have anywhere from a minumum of 2 records to 20 or so but the description is only available in line 1 of the security that is available.

Usually it is one account that has the description while the others are blank.
I need to obtain the description and populate the other records.
look forward to your feedback.

Adonis

[Data Kruncher]

Hi Adonis,

Monarch is not able to share data between records. Though the Table looks like a spreadsheet, and accordingly we almost intuitively want to be want to be able to write formulas for calculated fields similar to Excel's referencing techniques, we can't.

The Table is really just a single database table. Each row has no "knowledge" of the others, with the notable exception being the "Leave blank" and "Copy value from previous record" option in the field properties dialog.

The solution to challenges such as yours are in handling it as a database situation:


Find a common key value between the records.
Export of list a key values and the other information that you want to share between records.
Create an external lookup to add the shared information based on the key value.

The key value is the kicker. While it's often possible to derive a useful key, at times you have to be a bit creative and choose from Monarch functions to help you out.

This is part where I ask you to post a representative sample of what you're working with. :)

Kruncher

[adonis]

you are always the man bud.
appreciate your help.

I thought that was the case, since it is a text file it is a pain, if it was in excel, a simple vlookup or something could be added anyways figured let me ask.
take care

[Grant Perkins]

Adonis,

I have to say that from your description I would have suggested the 'fill field from previous record' option mentioned by Kruncher or looked for a way to work the required description into the table using an appended template - but as Kruncher observes without a representative sample of the report both ideas are somewhat speculative.

Two step or multi-step processes are also options I guess.

HTH.


Grant

[adonis]

thanks Grant for your insight also.
always appreciated.
have a good day
will advise if i need additional help.