Automated, Weekly Creation of multiple entries of a custom object, using a button [ Edited ]

[beener]

Hi All,

I am in need of help in selecting the appropriate method to perform a task.

Basically, my question is how can I duplicate multiple records of a custom object, on a weekly basis.

Below is a more detailed explenation.
I would appriciate any replies directing me to the simples tool. (Hope I don't need to learn Apex to do that).

Thanks

Ben

Background:

My Organization needs to track employees (which are contracts, not salesforce users) and their weekly hours.
this information is then exported (or reported on, in the future), to create paychecks.

for every employee, a weekly page comes through the fax describing various fields of THAT WEEK's time sheet, including work hours for THAT WEEK.

Let us assume that we have records (rows) for each time sheet of the PAST WEEK.

Now, let's say it is the beginning of a new week, and time sheets must be fed for the new week.

In our case, 95% of the time sheets, are just the same as last week, with the exception of the date, and some change to the hours.

I would like to have a button "New Week" automatically create these records from last week, leaving out only several fields, which would then be manually changed on a per record basis.

What is the simplest tool to use for this case?


Message Edited by beener on 09-30-2008 06:39 AM

[NPM]

The simplest solution would be to add the "Clone" button to your custom object page layout.  From Help and Training:

The Clone button on a custom object record quickly creates a new custom object record with the same information as the existing record. To clone a custom object record:

1. Click Clone on an existing custom object record.
2. Enter or change any information for the new record.
3. Click Save.

You add the button by editing your page layout and doubleclicking on the detail page buttons inthe Detail Page Section.  Then select the buttons you want to appear.

[beener]

Thanks for your reply.

I don't think I made myself clear. I am trying to clone 200 records in one push of a button.

Any thoughts?

And while on the topic, does anyone know how to make the Clone behavior such that some fields must be changed by the user?

Thanks

[NPM]

My next idea would be to export the 200 records and then import them as new records.  I would probably use data loader to do that but there may be other ways/tools others may recommend.

[Jakester]

Hi Beener,

I have developed a tool which is similar to the Clone button but significantly extends the functionality. It allows you to make unlimited copies and will also allow you to copy the child(ren) objects of an object.

If you're interested, please contact me at dancingjake <at> gmail.com