54 Form design: Multi-table datamodelsVERSIONS: All
SUBJECT: Multi-table datamodels where detail is shown as a summary
BY: BERTIL ISBERG
Note: This text was earlier found in DocIssues, Wadid 246. It was once in my buglist as PX0027.
Working with multiple tables, and showing them in multirecord objects, sometimes you want to show a master and a summary of the linked detail table, eg for each customer you want to show a chart of that customer's order records. When customer is shown in a multirecord object, you can use the design technique described below to create the form.
With tables linked in the datamodel, design a blank form, and place a multirecord object (MRO). Define it by placing a field, Customer No from Customer table in the record object. Inside the record object, create a new MRO. Make 1*1. Now define the MRO object on Orders, but don't place any fields yet. Inside the MRO (not the record object), place a chart and define it on Orders table, Make it a bar chart, with Ship Via as X axis, and Total Invoice as Y axis. Save the form and run it.
The crucial action during design was to place the chart inside the MRO object as opposed to the record object.