Parse text file into multiple text files based on field value

[bgfh]

Hopefully someone will be able to help me out here. I am using Monarch V7 (Standard Edition). I have a text file (report from a Unix based system) that lists invoice information for all of our customers. Some invoices will span more than one page; however, most are only one page in length. Each page has a heading section that lists the customer number, a page number, etc. What I need to do in export each customer's invoice into its own file. For example, if the invoice file contains invoices for 10 customers, the end result would be 10 files. I also want the output files to have the same format as the input file.

Is this possible?

Is there a way to attach files? If so, I can attach a sample data file.

[Grant Perkins]

Hi,

This requirement sound like something that would be best done on a Unix system using a unix scripting program such as sed. If you have people with such skills around I would approach them. Since you wish to keep the format the same as the invoice my inclination is to say this is not really a Monarch function. (And I don't think the utilities - PREP and MSRP - would offer much for this purpose.

There is a standard 'split' instruction in unix but it expects to create files of a certain nmber of lines. OK if an invoice is a page, not so good if it is a variable length. 'csplit' takes it a bit closer but I guess you would alos like to have control over the names of the files produced.

As a user I know of these things but don't have the knowledge to code with them. :(

Various people have written utility programs for Windows machines, some of which are shareware. Their functions may not always give the flexibility you require. A quick search on the web turned up quite a few places to check out.

Alternatively you might be able to get what you want using a macro through MS Word for example.

Sorry not to be of more help but I hope these suggestions will give you some options to consider.

Best regards,

Grant


Originally posted by bgfh:
Hopefully someone will be able to help me out here. I am using Monarch V7 (Standard Edition). I have a text file (report from a Unix based system) that lists invoice information for all of our customers. Some invoices will span more than one page; however, most are only one page in length. Each page has a heading section that lists the customer number, a page number, etc. What I need to do in export each customer's invoice into its own file. For example, if the invoice file contains invoices for 10 customers, the end result would be 10 files. I also want the output files to have the same format as the input file.

Is this possible?

Is there a way to attach files? If so, I can attach a sample data file.

[Steve Caiels]

Hi,

I agree that this doesn't look like a job for Monarch - However, if this is a core function of your organisation, it would be worth looking at Monarch/ES. This does exactly what you are looking for.

Regards
Steve