IMPEX Clarion Software

IMPEX allows easy, user-controlled, "drag-and-drop" import and export of data using templates which automatically read file format information (such as Field Names, Field Types etc) from the Data Dictionary (export) or from the file header (import). Even the file structures are constructed automatically. The demo will import any dBase or ASCII file so you can test it on your own data files.

FEATURES LIST:

IMPORT

dBASE 3 and 4, Delimited (comma,tab,pipe,semicolon)ASCII, Flat ASCII and EXCEL*** supported
One-click importing - where all parameters are setup in advance by the developer
Update (replace) an existing record - as part of the de-dupe routines
Wizard type steps makes importing interface more up-to-date
dBASE key/index files are not used, just the .DBF and .DBT data files - so avoiding problems with non-standard formats.
File information such as field names,types,sizes is read straight from the DBF header record and displayed in a browse so the format of incoming files does not need to be known in advance (ie at compile time).
The user can then match up fields by a Map by Name button (for similar labels) and then drag and drop. These Map Structures can be saved for future use.
Duplicate checking can be enabled by both the developer and the end-user, with the option of adding, replacing or skipping duplicates and saving them to a text file for later viewing/printing.
At runtime the user can "override" incoming text for a particular field with their own choice of text (or date).
For testing purposes a set number of records can be imported.
End user can set delimiter for ASCII import (defaults to comma)
Unattended and batch imports - using command line parameters
Records are added to your existing data file and if there is an Auto Number key the autonumber field will be incremented automatically.
Checks can be made by means of an EMBED point just before a record is added. For example you could check if a required field is blank.
For ASCII files there is the option to skip the header record (useful if this record contains just field names) and allow double quote marks.

EXPORT

Export to HTML, Delimited(comma,tab,pipe,semicolon)ASCII,Flat ASCII , Dbase 3/4 and EXCEL***
The developer can set Field Order for any export format and with Flat ASCII can also override the dictionary field length
HTML options: end user control over page and table attributes (font,color,width, cellspacing etc.), inclusion of user header/footer HTML (for example standard navigation bars) so the look and feel of their website can be maintained, table fields can be given a URL link, data can be output to one page or multiple pages. In the latter case Next/Previous links and page numbers are placed on each page generated.
The user can define which fields are included in the export file. So for example, the user could exclude confidential data fields from being exported. These selections can be saved for future use.
For ASCII files there are options for header record, double quotes and date format. Date fields are automatically detected by the templates.
Full integration with Sterling Data's SearchFlash and NTS Query Wizard templates (but neither is needed in order to use IMPEX, they are just extra options)
Exclude fields from export - by both developer and end user
Create a new field on export - such as FirstName + MiddleName + LastName
IMPEX links up with other 3rd party query packages by means of an EMBED which allows testing against a Query or Tagfile produced by one of these packages.

***Native Excel (XLS files) import/export requires the ExcelBond addon which is available from this website for just $79

Comments from Clarion Developers using IMPEX

"I have just completed a project where I am exporting CSV files and I have got to say I am delighted with Impex , fantastic product !!! - Simon Newell, Shackerly Group, Euxton, UK

"Great job with Impex import/export templates. This must be one of the easiest templates I ever implemented. Good instructions and straightforward. You give one of the most responsive and thorough support services available today. Quite a refreshing experience to work with Sterling Data" - Normand J.Charette, Positive Changes

"I think your products that I have are outstanding. Keep up the great work" - Faron Dunn, Diamond Software Systems, Griffin, GA

"Over the years I have found your templates to be one of 3 indespensibles in my development bag..." - Tom Durso, Crescent Systems

"Got the New Impex 4.0 installed and it works great. I tackled a 34 MB Flat ascii file and imported it into a .TPS file with no problems". Gary Stanley CCP, Rocky Face, GA

"I like the product. It works cleanly and simply. Other than one problem that was mine, it works as advertised. On import, I liked the drag and drop implementation that allowed me to say what inputting field should be associated with what field in my data file. Good job Mike!" - Clarion Online (Feb 1998)

"Your interface is one of the best I've seen. I think end users will really appreciate it." - Larry Andrew, EPES Software, Cedar Hills, UT

Major benefits of using IMPEX

PRODUCTIVITY: Complete module ready to slot in with no coding on your part. Uses TXA and TXD files for speed.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: Customers will appreciate not being "locked in" to your application.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: IMPEX is very user-friendly - no confusing menu options - onscreen instructions in 3 easy steps.
PERFORMANCE: High speed batch operations possible using STREAM/FLUSH
EASY CUSTOMIZATION: All source code is supplied so you can customize the look and feel to fit in with your apps.

Questions and Answers

Can I import into/export from more than one file?

Yes- IMPEX procedures are in template form and unlimited instances of them can be added.

Are there any royalties or extra payments to be made?

No - the one off purchase price allows you to use the product in as many of your .apps as you like. From time to time there will be upgrades to IMPEX with extra features for which there will be a small upgrade charge.

Can I change IMPEX easily to fit in with my main app's look-and-feel?

Yes - all source code is supplied. No DLLs or "black boxes"

How long has IMPEX been available?