Designing and Creating CSV Files

Creating CSV Files
Designing And Creating CSV Files
Report Writer Features:

First determine what package you want to work with. Next review the current Spreadsheets and Export reports to determine if there is one you can start with. Also determine what sequence / report number you want to assign for the new report. Look in the User Defined Report list to see what is available.
Select "Report Writer Features" and insert a new report using the "Insert" button. Default the new report from either the Standard or User Defined Reports

Output Type should be 2 or 3 to create or append to a file
The report can be assigned to a specific dataset or user. This works the same as reports. It will display the User Name and Date the report was created when you edit it next time.
You can set an Edit and Print password if you so desire. Note – Passwords are checked only if a User Id is assigned and security is enabled for the dataset.

You can either accept the Sequence Number or key in your new value.
Modify the Report Title so it is identifible as to it's function
Output Directory defaults to WORKPATH. This is the path defined in your AGRIS.INI file.You can also use a drive letter with a folder name or a unc path.
File Name is still limited to 8 characters. Extension must be CSV.You can use YYMMDD and add 2 characters at the front or the endYou can also use MMDD and add 4 characters If you use RANDOM – nothing else can be in the file name. It generates a name like: AB~20120227090000001000.CSV
Zero Fill Numeric Fields ? – A "Y" will take the extra character off from text fields that are numeric. An extra character is needed because Excel assumes numeric type on numbers and will remove leading zeros. ie. Location 001 would become 1

The above options are availble for file format. Disregard #2.0 – creates an ASCII flat file1 – always puts quotes around character data. Excel removes the quotes when you view it.3 – quotes around character data when needed. ie. – the data has a comma in it4 – Same as #3 but with headings. Agris ignores the headings when importing.
The Calculation Fields work the same as when you are creating a report
The Sort Levels work the same as when you are creating a report
The filters – Range Selection Criteria work the same as when you are creating a report
The Value Selection fields work the same as when you are creating a report
On the screen for Subtotal & Other Options - Normally you don't do subtotals on a spreadsheet.

On the screen where you select additional detail to print on the report Depending on the purpose of this spreadsheet, normally you do not print additional detail. 1 line spreadsheets are easier to work with.

Next you will get to the Detail Screens. This is where you define what prints and what columns. - You can "Insert" user defined text fields- You can use the "Clear" button to remove the column from all fields and then re-set them for testing. This is an easy way to get all the fields on a spreadsheet.- Starting positions for columns should vary by 100. This allows for inserting later and you don't have to figure out the spacing. Extra spaces between comma's are removed.- You should also allow 3 spaces after each field. This is for the addition of quotes and the pad character.

When you select a field to add to the report, you must key in a column that is not already used. It will not let you save the report until all conflicts are resolved.
Another tip for dates and fields where the output is the document number plus the line number.- If you change the Decimal Rounding Precision to "N", it will remove the slashes on dates and the dash between the document number and the line number.

When you click on the "Options" button on the first detail section, you will get the screen below.- You can select the Characters / Line. Leave this at 9999 as the extra does not matter on a spreadsheet.- Repeat All Detail Line #1 Values? – put in a "Y" if you are including other information like Payment or Invoice Line Items and want to have these lines duplicated.

If you are including other detail like Payments on this spreadsheet, the "Options" button will display the screen below.- If you want this detail appended to the first detail section, put in a "Y".- If you want to have the system automatically number the columns after selecting this option, click on "Clear", Remove All Fields and then Set Fields For Testing. It will set the columns based on the last one from the previous section.