Take Data From Other Files

[John Persico]

How do I take data from other files?
I believe that somehow I would use the VLOOKUP function.
Say I have a source file I'm grabing from. I want an entire column from my
source file to be sucked in a particular file (working file), minus the
first row (I have two files with different column names). The source file
changes occasionally (numbers of rows, data, etc.). I want the information
to be updated every time I open my working file. How would I do this?

How would I do this if I have multiple source files?
Basically, this is the situation.

I have many suppliers. Each has their own data file (names of products,
descriptions, prices, etc.). Then I have a working file (the one that I
upload to my store front, with specific column names specified by the store
front supplier). What I want to be able to do is link to each of the
supplier files inside of the working file, so that when I open my working
file the data is dynamically updated. Make sense?

The thing is is that the number of rows in each of the supplier files will
constantly change (depending on what products are in stock).

--

 

[Jordon]

The way I'd do it, but I'm in no way as elegant as others
in here...

Start by opening both your file and one of the vendor files.
Start in the vendor file and copy the first cell at the top
of the row. Switch to your spreadsheet and paste using "Paste
Special Link". Edit the cell and remove the dollar sign that
precedes the row number. Copy that and paste down as many rows
as the maximum amount of rows you'll ever need. You'll end up
with zeros at the bottom where there is no data in the vendor
file but you can hide those in Tools Option View.

Jordon

 

[charles arnett]

This is an example for a case where both files are in the same workbook ---
='3708EVAN'!E72 This places the value that is in E72 of File 3708EVAN in
where that equation appears. I have 6 rental units and each unit is a
separate files in the workbook. At the end of each files is a data base
that keeps track of different items, ie. rent, car expense, labor, material,
taxes etc. Then I have one files that consolidates all of that and the
above formula is what I use.
charles arnett
(e-mail address removed)