InfoPath Dev

I need to have a Project List and multiple updates for those projects (1 to many). I have tried a few ways to create a solution and keep running into dead-ends.

When creating two lists and doing a lookup I can only update one list or the other on one form, not both. I need to be able to update the project and the update on the same form. I also need the ability to create new projects or updates on that form as well.

The best solution I can create follows: 

I have combined the projects and updates into the same list. I am using a repeating section for the merged update fields (Update, Update_Type, Update_Date) so that I can have 1 to many.

I have a main data connection (no query fields), and a secondary data connection (with query fields). Both point to the same list called Projects.

I query the secondary data connection for a specific project and then set the fields individually on the main data connection from that queried result.

It works great until I get to the Repeating Section. I can only copy the first item to the main connection.

The question is. How can I replicate what happens when you simply click on a list item in SharePoint and it populates all the form fields including the repeating section, just as it was saved? 

  -   or how can I loop thru the repeating section data and populate my main connection repeating table?

Hi - I'm sorry, I'm a little confused by the description - but it is not simple out of the box to copy repeating data into an InfoPath form, as you are seeing. The only no code option I know of is to use default data - basically, you add as many rows by default as you'll ever think you'll need, then you use rules to populate them.... I can put together a sample for you if that is something you would like to try to implement?

Hilary, Thank you very much for your response!!!

It's just that really, getting the data from a repeating table. All the rest is just fluff. :-)

I had considered your solution, and as a last resort I suppose I could go that way, if nothing else works. The only problem is that there is no limit to the possibilities. What I had considered was trying to find a way to dynamically create the new fields as the list grows. Even if it ends up being a workflow solution?

I cannot install any 3rd party software and I'm now considering a CAML solution? Or perhaps a code solution if necessary. From what I've read qRules will work, but it's not an option for my company.

I guess the part that has me stuck is that SharePoint knows how to parse the repeating table data, when I click on the list data to bring the record into my InfoPath form, and so does MS Access. When I link the table in Access the data breaks out into multiple rows, just like SharePoint does. Why is there not a way to parse the data or address individual rows in InfoPath?

Thank you!

Mark 

 

When you say dynamically create new fields as the list grows - are you talking about a change in the number of columns? Or just rows? If you are trying to also handle for column changes, you are going to have quite a time in InfoPath. It sounds like you just need some parent / child solution for your lists? Is that a good interpretation of what you are trying to do? But then you mentioned having combined into a single list - in which case, why not just use a customized list form that can manage multiple items? You may have to do a little formatting / rules magic for the user experience you are wanting (so for the faux parent data they only need to enter info one time) but I think if you try anything OTHER than a SharePoint list form you are going to have a really hard time implementing this.

Dynamically creating columns as in this example. Now I have Update, Update_Type, Update_Date in my Projects list. As you described adding as many columns in my list as I could possibly ever need I can imagine creating Update1, Update_Type1, Update_Date1 & Update2, Update_Type2, Update_Date2 and so on until (50).  It would be nice if I didn't have to create the 50 iterations to accommodate what might come. But instead dynamically create Update3, Update_Type3, Update_Date3 columns when and if (2) is ever populated.

I did try a parent/child solution first. The problem was trying to update both lists on the same form and write them back to the lists. I could update one or the other but not both. I also tried using the same concept via InfoPath webparts, but the same problem, only one was editable. I need to be able to edit both on the same form which is why I've combined them.

Do you have a link to a customized list example/solution? I'm not familiar with that? I suppose I wouldn't have the same retrieving issues as the repeating table if you're suggesting that.

So in my new (combined) Projects list I need to be able to modify the project data (percentage complete, etc) and also be able to add updates to the project in a 1 to many relationship. This works well until I try to bring the data into my form as in my original post.

Do you know of a CAML or light code solution that could work for this?

Thank you!

Mark 

 This is why I am suggesting using a single list. But if you have to have two, you can find samples of parent child stuff online - http://www.sharepointhillbilly.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=26 is one example.

You could use CAML to submit back to your list - without code I find it clunky because you generally end up submitting one row at a time - again, there are lots of examples online and in this forum.

Any special reason the data needs to be in lists and not in a library? Reporting on update dates or something? 

But again, with the Parent/Child solution I still have an inability to update BOTH lists. In InfoPath, as you know, you can only have one Main data connection that writes back to the list. I can query other lists using secondary connections, but cannot post the updates or changes to a secondary list. At least that I'm aware of.

I was hoping to find a solution that could write to both lists, on one form, but came up empty. Hence the combined list that I have now.

I don't mind a little clunky-ness if it solves the issue of reading and writing to a repeating table. I'm also not opposed to code if it's spelt out for me. Do you know of an example that I can utilize?

And yes, all data is reported upon... 

Thanks again,

Mark 

 Hilary,

 You mentioned above "why not just use a customized list form that can manage multiple items?"

 I have tried to find information on how to do that but not finding anything on Google. Do you have a link that could help me?

 Thank you,

 Mark 

Open InfoPath Designer. Select "SharePoint List" for the template type. Enter the URL for the list ... at some point in the wizard you will see a checkbox for managing multiple items - select that checkbox. Here is a blog post with screenshots: https://salnikan.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/inserting-multiple-list-items-at-once-into-a-sharepoint-list/