copy Text field data from cross referenced record

[SinghaiPrachi]

Hi,

Is there a any function to copy text field data from all records (many records linked to a record with a cross reference field) to a separate field.

Note: I don't want to use data feed.

Thanks,

Prachi

[PhilMc]

Hi @SinghaiPrachi You can use a calculation to concatenate in text from related records but this could get clunky and will need constant updating as you add additional cross references to the app over time. The other issue is that the field will no longer be editable to you directly.

The other option would be using the API to first pull the record you want the text copied into and then to retrieve all related records and their data held in text fields. Within the script you would be able to create code to build up the text string you want to populate the field in your initial record with. The nice thing about the API is that you can retrieve data based on field types (9 (cross ref), 23 (related records) and 1 (text)) so it will be scalable and require less hands on maintenance. This would also mean that the field that will capture the concatenated text strings would be editable should that be required.

[DavidPetty]

To add to @PhilMc comment.  You'd use a custom object to the work.

The downside to use a custom object is that if that cross-reference is updated from the child application the custom object won't see it until the next time the user edits the records.  A data feed is the more reliable approach in this case.