CHANGING DATA FILE STRUCTURES

A powerful feature of Retain that is often overlooked is the ability to change the structure of the data files.

You can add fields to the task and resource data files. Any changes to the data files are automatically reflected in the screens in Retain. If you are using Retime with Retain, the changes will be reflected in Retime as well.

Use the Retain Restructure Utility, provided with Retain, to alter the database structure.  You can also use products such as FoxPro, dBase or other database applications, but care should be taken.

Before amending your Retain database file structures:

It is best to...

• Agree structural changes at an early stage, preferably before live implementation.
• Confirm changes with your users first.
• Agree conventions for the use of new fields up-front.
• Backup your latest data files before making structural changes.
• Log users off before making structural changes.
• Use a database editor capable of handling FoxPro or dBase formats.
• Re-index your database files after making structural changes
• Test your changes before introducing amendments into your live environment.
• Contact Step2 if in any doubt.

Never...

• Amend database files other than the resources and tasks database files.
• Amend ‘key’ Retain fields except as instructed in the Retain Manager guide.
• Use a spreadsheet package to make amendments. Although many can handle dBase format files, they do not always treat database field types correctly.
• Reduce the length of fields unless you are prepared to truncate the data they contain.
• Change the names of the database files themselves.