Data Extraction to an existing table

[dans557JT]

Hello everyone,

I just learned how to extract data from blocks and have it generate a table. Let me first explain what I am trying to accomplish:

I need the table to look a certain way for Fire Alarm programming purposes. Each device or module has an address which is listed in alphanumerical order. We are currently showing a table with each address associated to each device. We intentionally leave spaces between devices in case we forget a device and need a place to put it.

So far, everything is working great, but we are use to showing the spaces between addresses. So far it does not let me do this. Attached is a pdf showing more clarity. 

Obviously we can still come back and place devices later because to table will auto populate these values. However, it is easier to persuade management if the aesthetics are the same or similar (its all about how it looks once printed).

Does anyone know if this is possible? Maybe there is some one to simply place the exacted data into an existing table that I already have?

[john.vellek]

Hi @dans557JT,

I am happy to see that you are exploring this feature. In the past, when I have wanted to create spare lines in my table I simply insert my same block as placeholders but put them on their own layer so I can turn off the blocks by freezing the layer or setting it to non-plot.

You can also add more later to your drawing and then select your table, rt-click and select Update to get the newest information into your table.

I suggest also that you create a table style so you can easily apply it to this table and others in the future to format it quickly and uniformly.

Please let me know if this helps or if you have additional questions.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[dans557JT]

Thank you for your reply! Is there any way you could clarify?

It sounds like you are placing a table on top of a table and adjusting the layers but I am a little confused. Thanks again for your time.

Edited by request
Discussion_Admin

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @dans557JT,

I played with this issue a bit this morning.I found the easiest method for me was to place a block with all the attributes defined into a base drawing.

I assigned values to the blocks and left the place holder blocks with empty values except the Address place holders.

Now, if I do a data extract, I would see the placeholders in my table. So, I simply cut and pasted those place holders into another drawing. I referenced this new drawing into my base so I could still see the unoccupied tags. When I run a data extraction the empty lines do not show up.

When I want to place values in those blocks from the xref, I simply cut and paste them into the base drawing and update my table.

Perhaps this isn't as automatic as it should be but it seems to work ok and reduces the complications of my previous suggestions. 

Per my previous suggestion, putting the blocks on different layers lets you filter your table by layer but then you would still need to delete the ones on the "Unassigned" layer and then delete the row. Much more work than it is worth.

I have attached a Screencast  that demonstrates my workflow.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[dans557JT]

This is genius! A perfect solution, I think many people will benefit from this. Thank you so much!

[john.vellek]

HI @dans557JT,

I am never that optimistic but I am glad it works for you and maybe one or two others. Thanks for your contribution.