Is there a way to reference one single Excel cell in another FM file and to update it?

[amelieg6457283]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a solution for the following problem:

I need a smart table that calculates certain values. The result value is supposed to get referenced in several  FM files. When the values in the native smart table get modified the referenced value is supposed to change automatically to the new value.

I tried to insert an Excel table to FM but I have problems referencing one single cell as well as to keep it updated. in specific I managed to reference one cell, but it doesn't look very nice plus the value of the cell always stays the same, no matter how many modification are done in the native Excel table.

I'm interested in a solution for both DITA and unstructured FM. Since in DITA the same problem occurs because I'm not able to reference one single cell with conref. Is there maybe another way to make this working? Also Smart Paste is not working well in this situation.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Kind regards,

Amy

[Stefan-Gentz]

Hi Amy,

you might want to contact Jang Graat: 4everJang. He had done things like this.

[4everJang]

Hello Amy,

As Stefan has already revealed, I have created scripts that pull data into FrameMaker (and writing it back) in both structured and unstructured documents. I have used CSV files and SQL databases in the past. Making the same method work with Excel should be doable but it will not be trivial. If you are interested in getting a solution created and have a budget for this we can discuss the requirements and possibilities. Contact me via jang at jang dot nl

Kind regards from Amsterdam

4everJang

[Lothar_Voigt · Accepted solution]

Unstructured FM:

1. In the Excel table, add a new tab.
2. Link the result value to A1 in the new tab.
3. Save the table (only the new tab) as CSV file.
4. Import the CSV file in FM (as text inset).

Now the result value is updated in FM every time you open the FM file.

Is this what you are looking for?

[amelieg6457283]

Works well. Thanks a million, Lothar!

[Stefan-Gentz]

amelieg6457283, if it works, would you mind marking Lothar's answer as "Helpful" and as "Correct Answer"?

Thanks 🙂

[Albentug]

Hello there
Can you share a video about it? thanks.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Really? A video? Those instructions of @Lothar_Voigt seem pretty straightforward. What's the issue @Albentug ?

[Albentug]

thank you
I don't understand what FM is.
Thank you again for your concern.

[Creamer Training]

FM=FrameMaker