Need to count occurrences of an item, and display each item only once in the list

This would depend on how you have your tables and relationships set up.  If there is an "item Summary" table where you have a single record for each entry you could relate it to the table of records where it appears more than once.

then in the item summary table use count() to or a summary field to give the total times that item is listed

If there isnt a relationship and no other way to make it work based on the data model and relationships an executeSQL() may be your  easiest, but not best method. You can add this calculation field to any layout based on any table

An example calculation

ExecuteSQL(" SELECT DISTINCT ItemField, COUNT(ItemField) FROM TableName" ; " - " ; "" ; "")

See this thread for suggestions.

• https://community.filemaker.com/message/686321#686321

ExecuteSQL() does not work on "found set" unless you recreate the "find" in the WHERE clause. ExecuteSQL() does not use any relationships, either.

A Summary Report showing only the sub-summary part (no Body part) and sorting correctly may get you what you need.

• http://www.philosophyoffilemaker.com/subsummary-sandwich-103

Beverly

Assuming the setup and you want to use the Count() function

TableA::pk_TaskID----< TableB::fk_TaskID

In TableA create a new calc field with the calculation

Count(TableB::fk_TaskID)

The caveat is that if in Table2 there is a QTY identifier you have to factor that into the equation by using a SUM() function instead of Count()

Sum ( TableB::QTY )

**** this is based on my interpretation of your original post.  If i misunderstood the goal  please let me know

wow what a delay beverly  , your post just came through on my end.    I read the OP as in  found set being a list of tasks not as in found related records.   i.e. how many times did we perform this task  and not as how many times did Bob performed this task.     

Anywho,  bev as well as others are much MUCH more knowledgeable  and can offer better advice

Have you tried creating a sub summary section on the layout when sorted by the tasks field that you are counting?

Put the field and its Count() Summary field in that section of the layout then remove the body section of the layout.

Sort the found set and you should get a list of tasks with a count of how many of each.

Unless I have misunderstood your question I would have thought that is all you need to do.

Just spotted you gave the same answer as I just posted higher up the thread re-Sub Summary parts - missed it because initially it was a response to ExecuteSQL() which did not seem what was needed.

Did not mean to duplicate the same answer!

You are doing just fine, brianb! It takes a village and all that!

I found that answering questions on the forum is a great learning experience for you and the OP!

I've flubbed more than once, we should not judge each other.

Keep on keeping on!

Beverly

Sent from miPhone

Blame it on the 'net. LOL. Good to have same answers, don't you think?

Beverly

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If you use Advanced Editor on this forum, you can attach files.

Beverly