Re: Reference data manitenance tool?

Tautology wrote:
> I hope you will forgive me the crosspost, I was not sure where to
> better post this request!
>
> I am in need of a tool, preferably spreadsheet-like, in which others
> can maintain reference data and from which still others can easily
> generate Insert statements. Any pointers to such tool would be much
> appreciated!
>
> For example, if I have a table with columns
> RegionID NUMBER NOT NULL
> RegionName VARCHAR2(30) NOT NULL
> MajorCity VARCHAR2(30) NULL
>
> I want to be able to give this "tool" to a "territory designer," have
> him or her enter the data he would need, then get the file/tool back
> and generate a bunch of insert statements that I can use in SQL*Plus or
> TOAD to push the data into a number of environments where the table
> exists. I am not looking for whiz-bang tool, $$$ to spend, etc. I am
> looking for cheap/free, simple, robust and clear to non-technical
> users. I have put together an Excel spreadsheet that kind of does it,
> but I'd rather not reinvent this if it already exists.

Excel sounds like an ok tool to put in front of a user for your description. ( Of course there are other spreadsheet tools and choices ).

You can put in some automation in excel to do error checking and initial validation.

You have some choices once the data is in excel.

1. Use excel or some other tool to produce a csv or "unload file".
2. Use automation in excel to insert from excel directly into oracle via odbc. Many of us don't like odbc connections a whole lot for various reasons but they are something to consider at times.
3. Use something like HTML DB to get the spreadsheet into oracle then use plsql to further process the data.