ICN question - we convert to CMOD in 2 weeks

[Rod Scott]

We are moving fast toward a conversion in 13 days.  One of our tests was to view data in ICN and convert (or load) data into Excel.  We have not found the trick. Any assistance will be appreciated.   
Thanks,
Rod

[Justin Derrick]

Hey Rod.

The snag is...  What type of data are you viewing?  If it's a CSV file, then yes, you should be able to open it in your spreadsheet tool of choice.  If you're viewing a line data report, and looking to convert that into something that will work in a spreadsheet, you need an analytics tool that will do that for you -- to find an interpret the data it finds in columns, guess at the headings, and format the data appropriately -- or to allow you to build a template for specific reports, so that it can extract (and optionally present through a chart or graph) the data in the way you want to see it.

-JD.

[Rod Scott]

Hi Justin,
Good question.  The existing files are mainframe "text" files that have no imbedded AFP, just columns of numbers in some cases.  The InfoPac product, Document Direct for the Internet (DDRINT) had a one click conversion to CSV. We are wondering if we need a plug in for ICN to have the same functionality since there is no option on the ICN icon task bar.
Thanks,
Rod

[Justin Derrick]

Yeah, you'll need a bolt-on product to provide that functionality as far as I know.  Check to see if you already have licenses for Monarch or Crystal Reports in house.

-JD.

[bgroff]

Rod,
I would give Logical Views a shot. It helps define how to delimit the report so that you can export to a CSV file.
found a great whitepaper created by one of our developers
https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/data/library/techarticle/dm-0607wagner/index.html

[Greg Ira]

We've handled converting column data to a spreadsheet by letting Excel do the work.  In general:
-Save a sample file from ICN with standard name eg. rpt123.txt
-Open Excel and start a macro recording session.
-Step through importing data from text ensuring columns and data type are set correctly using sample file
-Stop recording, delete the imported data, and save the workbook as read only

As long as you save to the same file name you simply need to open the workbook, run the macro, and do a "save as..."
We sometimes set the macro to run on open so opening the particular workbook automatically imports the report.  If you use bgroff's suggestion for logical views that can help as well.
Not exactly one click conversion but it is close and quicker than most other methods.

[Rod Scott]

Thanks for all of the answers.... plenty of food for thought!