There may be several solutions depending on your open mindedness and skill:
1)Use datalink as describe above and then use fields to access the cells within those tables. The datalink tables could be on a layer that is non-plottable and off. This requires the least expertise.
2)Create fields that access dwgprops. Create an AutoLISP program to be invoked on open via startup suite and perhaps during a plot event that would access specific cell values from the Excel and that would set the dwgprops (standard or custom). Requires immense expertise and ability to program with an understanding of LISP and VBA.
-The program would need to 1)determine if the excel workbook exists, 2)create and excel object, 3)open the workbook, 4)use the application and workbook object properties to get the values from specific cells, 5)update or create values in the SummaryInfo of the activedocument, and 6)release all the activeX objects created.
As for me, I can't see the advantage of using Excel to maintain items that can easily be maintained with dwgprops or by using attedit. Such a program as above could be easily broken by someone editing a spreadsheet that adds a row or column unless the program was made even more complex.
Architect, Registered NC, VA, SC, & GA.
