cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
MJL1
Helper I
Helper I

Cascading Lookup - M:M relationships

I'm building a model-driven app.  I want to create a form that uses cascading lookups - lets call them lvl1, lvl2, and lvl3 (there may be more lvls but right now I only have three).  A single term from lvl2 can relate to multiple terms in lvl1 (i.e. 1:M from lvl1 to lvl2), likewise a term from lvl3 can related to multiple terms from lvl2.

If it helps to understand this from a data perspective, think about this; city names are likely unique within a state/province, but may not be unique within a country, likewise state/province names within a country vs. globally. The relationships are inherently many to many.  How do you set up a three level cascading lookup that honors those relationships and allows filtering lvl2 by lvl1 and lvl3 by lvl2?

 

I have two questions:

1) How do I set up the lookups i.e. define the tables?

2) How do I use them on a data entry form so that lvl2 is filtered by the applicable lvl1 terms and lvl3 filtered by the applicable lvl2 terms?

What I've already tried
Simple lookups
I've created a table with lvl1 terms and a table with lvl2 terms.  The lvl2 terms table has a lookup to lvl1 terms.  When I import data into this table things work fine because lvl1 terms are unique.  I can have "duplicate" lvl2 terms that relate to different lvl1 terms.
I've also created a table with lvl3 terms that has a lookup to lvl2 terms.  When I try to import data into this table I get failures because there are duplicate lvl2 terms and the import doesn't know which lvl2 term the lvl3 term should be related to.  This is the problem that doesn't have a workable solution, so far as I can tell.  On a data entry form, when I create columns that use these lookups I'm able to use filtering to show only the cascaded/applicable values.

Many to Many tables between lvl1 & lvl2 and lvl2 & lvl3

I've created lvl1, lvl2, and lvl3 tables and imported the unique values for each lvl into those tables.  I've then created a M:M for the relationship between lvl1 and lvl2 that has M:1 relationships to lv1 and lv2.  I've done likewise for the relationship between lvl2 and lvl3.  I've imported the relationships into those tables.  So far, so good.  On a data entry form, when I create columns that use these  lookup tables:

- the column for the lvl1 value references the lvl1 lookup table,

- the column for the lvl2 value references the M:M table that joins lvl2:lvl1

- the column for the lvl3 value references the M:M table that joins lvl3:lvl2,

I'm unable to filter lvl3 column based on the choice in lvl2 column (I am able to filter lvl2 column based on the choice in lvl1.  I'm not sure I understand why that works but I'll take it.).  This is the problem that doesn't have a workable solution so far as I can tell.

 

Can someone point out what I'm doing wrong?  Is there another alternative to this?

4 REPLIES 4
Michaelfp
Post Prodigy
Post Prodigy

I would recommend to use a javascript to handle that, based on change of each lookup field you apply the filter using fetchxml allowing to to use M:M relationships.

addCustomView (Client API reference) in model-driven apps - Power Apps | Microsoft Learn

If my answer helped you, please give me a thumbs up (👍). If solve your question please mark as solution ✔️. This is help the community.

MJL1
Helper I
Helper I

@Michaelfp 

Thanks for the reply.  I was fearful that I wouldn't receive one.  I've done a hours of research on this and have turned up nothing that directly applies.  A forum post was a last resort.

 

Based on a read of the link you provided I think this might be a solution, if I was a coder :-).  I don't know how to write javascript.  I think I could figure it out but, I don't know what the syntax of The fetchXml query for the view (in the fetchXml: String parameter would look like or where I can find one?  Is this something I can copy/paste from within the app?  Would you be able to provide an example (The rest I think I can figure out on my own).

Michaelfp
Post Prodigy
Post Prodigy

@MJL1  you can use the tool XrmToolBox and using the plugin FetchXml Builder you can build the queries using the UI. It will gonna help you.

For the javascript you first need to setup on OnChange() event in the form to call the javascript.

function OnChangeLookup1(executionContext){
 var formContext = executionContext.getFormContext().

  var lookup1Attribute = formContext.getAttribute("new_fieldname");

  if(lookup1Attribute != null)
{
  var looukp1Id = lookup1Attribute.getValue() !== null ? lookup1Attribute.getValue()[0].id : undefined;

   if(looukp1Id) {
    var lookup2Control = formContext.getAttribute("new_field2name");

    if(lookup2Control !== null){
    lookup2Control.addCustomView("<Guid Value", entityName, "View Name", "your fetchxml", layoutXml, true);
}
}
}
}

 

MJL1
Helper I
Helper I

To close this off - I wound up not going with the M:M table solution, although I feel like that would have been the most elegant.  I couldn't figure out how to make it work right.  I wound up using a M:1 that references the first table in my hierarchy and then the same for the third.  In the 2nd table I have rows that have duplicate values in the Name column but are distinguished by referencing a different row from the first table.  Likewise with the 3rd table referencing the 2nd table.
I'm not really happy with this (because of the duplication) but it works.  I've run out of time to tinker with this.

Helpful resources

Announcements

Community will be READ ONLY July 16th, 5p PDT -July 22nd

Dear Community Members,   We'd like to let you know of an upcoming change to the community platform: starting July 16th, the platform will transition to a READ ONLY mode until July 22nd.   During this period, members will not be able to Kudo, Comment, or Reply to any posts.   On July 22nd, please be on the lookout for a message sent to the email address registered on your community profile. This email is crucial as it will contain your unique code and link to register for the new platform encompassing all of the communities.   What to Expect in the New Community: A more unified experience where all products, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio, and Power Pages, will be accessible from one community.Community Blogs that you can syndicate and link to for automatic updates. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. Stay tuned for the exciting new features and a seamless community experience ahead!

Summer of Solutions | Week 4 Results | Winners will be posted on July 24th

We are excited to announce the Summer of Solutions Challenge!   This challenge is kicking off on Monday, June 17th and will run for (4) weeks.  The challenge is open to all Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio & Power Pages) community members. We invite you to participate in a quest to provide solutions in the Forums to as many questions as you can. Answers can be provided in all the communities.    Entry Period: This Challenge will consist of four weekly Entry Periods as follows (each an “Entry Period”)   - 12:00 a.m. PT on June 17, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. PT on June 23, 2024 - 12:00 a.m. PT on June 24, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. PT on June 30, 2024 - 12:00 a.m. PT on July 1, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. PT on July 7, 2024 - 12:00 a.m. PT on July 8, 2024 – 11:59 p.m. PT on July 14, 2024   Entries will be eligible for the Entry Period in which they are received and will not carryover to subsequent weekly entry periods.  You must enter into each weekly Entry Period separately.   How to Enter: We invite you to participate in a quest to provide "Accepted Solutions" to as many questions as you can. Answers can be provided in all the communities. Users must provide a solution which can be an “Accepted Solution” in the Forums in all of the communities and there are no limits to the number of “Accepted Solutions” that a member can provide for entries in this challenge, but each entry must be substantially unique and different.    Winner Selection and Prizes: At the end of each week, we will list the top ten (10) Community users which will consist of: 5 Community Members & 5 Super Users and they will advance to the final drawing. We will post each week in the News & Announcements the top 10 Solution providers.  At the end of the challenge, we will add all of the top 10 weekly names and enter them into a random drawing.  Then we will randomly select ten (10) winners (5 Community Members & 5 Super Users) from among all eligible entrants received across all weekly Entry Periods to receive the prize listed below. If a winner declines, we will draw again at random for the next winner.  A user will only be able to win once overall. If they are drawn multiple times, another user will be drawn at random.  Individuals will be contacted before the announcement with the opportunity to claim or deny the prize.  Once all of the winners have been notified, we will post in the News & Announcements of each community with the list of winners.   Each winner will receive one (1) Pass to the Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas, Sep. 18-20, 2024 ($1800 value). NOTE: Prize is for conference attendance only and any other costs such as airfare, lodging, transportation, and food are the sole responsibility of the winner. Tickets are not transferable to any other party or to next year’s event.   ** PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED RULES for this CHALLENGE**   Week 1 Results: Congratulations to the Week 1 qualifiers, you are being entered in the random drawing that will take place at the end of the challenge. Community MembersNumber of SolutionsSuper UsersNumber of Solutions @anandm08  23 @WarrenBelz  31 @DBO_DV  10 @Amik  19 AmínAA 6 @mmbr1606  12 @rzuber  4 @happyume  7 @Giraldoj  3@ANB 6 (tie)   @SpongYe  6 (tie)     Week 2 Results: Congratulations to the Week 2 qualifiers, you are being entered in the random drawing that will take place at the end of the challenge. Community MembersSolutionsSuper UsersSolutions @anandm08  10@WarrenBelz 25 @DBO_DV  6@mmbr1606 14 @AmínAA 4 @Amik  12 @royg  3 @ANB  10 @AllanDeCastro  2 @SunilPashikanti  5 @Michaelfp  2 @FLMike  5 @eduardo_izzo  2   Meekou 2   @rzuber  2   @Velegandla  2     @PowerPlatform-P  2   @Micaiah  2     Week 3 Results: Congratulations to the Week 3 qualifiers, you are being entered in the random drawing that will take place at the end of the challenge.   Week 3:Community MembersSolutionsSuper UsersSolutionsPower Apps anandm0861WarrenBelz86DBO_DV25Amik66Michaelfp13mmbr160647Giraldoj13FLMike31AmínAA13SpongYe27     Week 4 Results: Congratulations to the Week 4 qualifiers, you are being entered in the random drawing that will take place at the end of the challenge.   Week 4:Community MembersSolutionsSuper UsersSolutionsPower Apps DBO-DV21WarranBelz26Giraldoj7mmbr160618Muzammmil_0695067Amik14samfawzi_acml6FLMike12tzuber6ANB8   SunilPashikanti8

Check Out | 2024 Release Wave 2 Plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform

On July 16, 2024, we published the 2024 release wave 2 plans for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform. These plans are a compilation of the new capabilities planned to be released between October 2024 to March 2025. This release introduces a wealth of new features designed to enhance customer understanding and improve overall user experience, showcasing our dedication to driving digital transformation for our customers and partners.    The upcoming wave is centered around utilizing advanced AI and Microsoft Copilot technologies to enhance user productivity and streamline operations across diverse business applications. These enhancements include intelligent automation, AI-powered insights, and immersive user experiences that are designed to break down barriers between data, insights, and individuals. Watch a summary of the release highlights.    Discover the latest features that empower organizations to operate more efficiently and adaptively. From AI-driven sales insights and customer service enhancements to predictive analytics in supply chain management and autonomous financial processes, the new capabilities enable businesses to proactively address challenges and capitalize on opportunities.    

Updates to Transitions in the Power Platform Communities

We're embarking on a journey to enhance your experience by transitioning to a new community platform. Our team has been diligently working to create a fresh community site, leveraging the very Dynamics 365 and Power Platform tools our community advocates for.  We started this journey with transitioning Copilot Studio forums and blogs in June. The move marks the beginning of a new chapter, and we're eager for you to be a part of it. The rest of the Power Platform product sites will be moving over this summer.   Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch. We can't wait to welcome you to our new community space, designed with you in mind. Let's connect, learn, and grow together.   Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities!   If you have any questions, observations or concerns throughout this process please go to https://aka.ms/PPCommSupport.   To stay up to date on the latest details of this migration and other important Community updates subscribe to our News and Announcements forums: Copilot Studio, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages

Users online (861)