I have a file with records that have a serial number associated with them
(for the most part). I need to import that file using the serial number as a
"match" field. I also need to enter new records into the database both by
hand and by importing.

For new records (hand input, not imported), would there be a way to look at
the highest serial number, add "1" to it and use that as a serial number for
the new record but still be able to import records that already have a
serial number with them and ignore the serial number field if there is one?

I have an auto-enter option setup, but with that set can't import the
records with existing records. It won't keep the imported serial number.

In article <D1qZh.1425$kg1.755@trndny04>, "Verizon Newsgroups"
<danmms (AT) verizon (DOT) net> wrote:

You're probably heading for a disaster with this approach. What happens
when an imported record has the same serial number as an existing
record?? You're going to get a clash which will cause you problems.

You're best to stick with a normal FileMaker generated serial number
which are incremented automatically with both "hand input" records and
imported records (as long as you remember to have that import option
turned on).


Helpful Harry
Hopefully helping harassed humans happily handle handiwork hardships ;o)