Course outline
Inputting accurate data• Using Auto Enter and Validation options to automate (clean) data entry
• Recap on Value Lists
Cleaning existing data
• Review of common problems e.g. data entered in the wrong fields, misspellings and variation in data input
• Bulk updates of text using the Replace Field Contents command
• Extraction functions e.g. LEFT, RIGHT and MIDDLE for text strings, whole words and whole values
• Updating functions e.g. PatternCount, Substitute, Position and Replace
Developing a Call Back system
• Setting up fields to record call back status and call back times
• Understanding calculation fields
• Scripting a call back reminders system
Using FileMaker to send mail merge letters
• Adding text directly to a layout
• Using global fields
• Using calculation fields
• Using the Substitute function to replace placeholder text references with field values
Emailing from within FileMaker Pro
• Technical requirements - email software supported under Windows and Macintosh
• Using the Send Mail script step and text fields to automate output
• Overview of Plugin alternatives
• Using a Looping Script as an alternative to sending a Found Set
• Creating, naming and specifying attachments automatically
Setting up a simple relational database to handle communications
• Key benefit - no more lost MS Word documents; keeping it all in FileMaker Pro
• Demonstration (as time permits) of a simple Contacts Management system including a linked Letters table
• Automation through Scripting
