We've seen a lot of cases where developers put most thought into how records are added and retained, how data is modeled, and how data will link in a dynamic way - but not much thought is put into the removal of data from the system, and the consequences that might follow.Īll of our users are savvy, and all of their actions are intentional. Unfortunately, some of the biggest database administrative headaches we’ve seen are a result of careless DELETE actions, and the removal of important data from a system. In order to prevent such mistakes in the first place, it’s important to understand what it means to delete a record and to establish good business-rules as a foundation to your system. So, what does it mean to delete a record in a robust database system? Let’s use this simple FileMaker Invoice table with line-item records as an example.Īs you can see, there’s nothing exceptional about this interface and it should be fairly familiar. When you were starting out and you were the only person doing the invoicing, it was easy to keep track of everything. But as your company has grown, you have found that the simple interface is no longer cutting it. As new users access your system, data begins to go missing and records become unorganized.įirst and foremost, let's identify the problem: the Delete Record button. There are going to be end-users out there who mentally align the “Delete Record” button with the “Undo” action. With this button automatically in the toolbar (and no “undo” button automatically in the same toolbar), their first impulse is going to be to hit that button to fix a mistake or to leave a screen they accessed accidentally. Despite the warning that the action cannot be undone, they end up deleting a record anyway.īy default, FileMaker is not going to know who, when, or why a record was deleted. It is simply going to be struck from existence. The record could be painstakingly re-entered or restored from a backup, but that Delete Record button is the first thing to scrutinize when looking at any layout. Naturally, the “Delete Found Records” menu option should also be heavily limited.
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