integrating excel chang-yang lin eastern kentucky university

INTEGRATING EXCEL

Chang-Yang LinEastern Kentucky University

Methods of Integration

Excel is part of a suite of programs called Microsoft Office. These Office programs (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) and some auxiliary programs (e.g., WordArt) can share information.Three methods to copy data between Windows programs:

PastingLinkingEmbedding

Linking and embedding use Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology, enabling copy and paste in a way that the data is associated with its source, involves the exchange of information between two programs.

Source (server) program that creates the dataDestination (client) program that receives the data

Pasting

Using copy-and-past operations, you can paste an object from one program to another.Once you paste an object from one program into another, that data is now part of the new document, and can only be altered in that document’s program. The pasted data has no connection to the source document.Pasting is used when you need to perform a one-time exchange of information between programs.An Example

Linking

Use OLE technology to create a link between filesDisplays an object in the destination document but doesn’t store it there, only the location of the source document is stored in the destination document.Any changes you made to the source document will be reflected in the destination document.

source destination

copy special paste to create a link

Embedding

Using OLE technology, embedding stores data from multiple programs directly in the destination document.To make changes to the embedded object, you edit the embedded object directly from within the destination document.The embedded object has no link to the original source document.source destination

copy special paste to create an embedded object

Planning Analysis for Integration:Country Gardens

My GoalTo display a flyer announcing new products to the customers

What Output? The flyer: new products being offered; company logo; a visually pleasing titleThe customer letter: the body in Word; table to show the latest prices; pie chart to show Country Gardens as the leading area grower

What Input Data?Products and prices from an Excel file, an Excel chart from NEGHALetter in Word

What Calculations?None; formulas have already been entered

Customize the Form Letterusing an Excel List

Planning the Form LetterMerge

Specify the main document and the data sourceInsert the Merge FieldsPerform the Mail Merge

Planning the Form Letter:Country Gardens

My GoalTo send a customized form letter to each customer in Vermont

What Output? The form letterThe merged letter

What Input Data?A customized flyerAn Excel CUSTOMER table

What Calculations or Programs?Mail Merge