invoicing application

[Lewy]

As you will know from previous postings I have managed to set up a simple 'Invoice' (more like data entry) system using P7. I have a main form that records the following information: A self incrementing record number. Client number with auto fill in of name & address. A lineitem table in which part numbers are filled in, giving a description and price. The total of the lineitems are then displayed in calculated fields, breaking down into taxable, non taxable and tax amounts.

I now want to extend the facility to be able to print out the invoice but also to take into account any deposit paid and by what method (cash, cheque or credit card) giving the balance outstanding on the invoice. I would then like to be able to clear the balance when the client collects their goods. Each day I will also need a breakdown of all monies taken into amount, taxable etc..

What would be the best way of approaching this? The complexity is a bit overwhelming at the moment, bearing in mind I am not a programmer just someone keen to learn!

Many thanks

Lewy

 

[footpad]

Lewy,

I don't recall the data model you're using, but I think your best best is to:

a) Store a current order total in the main orders table

b) Add a transactions table to the data model for tracking each adjustment to the current total.

Using the traditional samples shipped with Paradox, your data model then looks like:

   ORDERS -> CUSTOMER
      +--->> LINEITEM
      +--->> XACTIONS

Then each "adjustment" to the order total is entered into XACTIONS and you can use standard summary techniques for calculating daily balanaces and so on.

Keep in mind that the current order total should be calculated on the fly and based on the transaction entries for that order. The user should not be allowed to edit the current order total except by adding adjustment records into transactions.

Put another way, you'd clear the order total by adding one final transaction record that zeros the overal balance.

At least, that's how I'd probably approach the problem. I'm sure someone else has a different take.

Hope this helps...

-- Lance