Hey Alex!

Post the relevent file structures. I think you lost me on the "n01" stuff but I believe it's possible once you explain this a bit better.

>In a batch/transaction/detail file group there is a conflict between a structure that offers flexibility, and one that makes reporting easier and faster. How do you resolve that conflict?
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>In my case (a payroll program), different detail types follow different rules. For example, some are tax exempt, some accrue towards vacation, some are considered overtime, etc.
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>So far, I have not saved much historical detail but included "subtotal" fields in the transaction history file for each of the categories and report from those. Now I am being asked to break history down further and I am wondering if now is the time to follow "theory" and calculate all totals at report time.
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>This brings me to the question:
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>Assume that a detail file has Transaction Number, cost center, project code, income type, hours, and amount.
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>Is there quick and easy way (SQL Select statement) that will total all income types for each transaction. I think you have to create the records one by one with columns such as n01, n02, etc. and fill them the slow way (Scanning through detail file).
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>Perhaps I should consider a hybrid? I know it would not be third normal form then. How do you people resolve this problem.
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>TIA,
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>Alex