Flat file formatting

[Guest_imported]

Looking for examples/hints for the following:
I have a flat file and an SQR program that reads data from a flat file in order to insert data into Peoplesoft fields/tables. But the fields need to be formatted to be accepted by this SQR. Is this the easiest way - to open the file from within a custom SQR and make changes to the formatting and write all of this back to a flat file so the other program can accept it?

 

[rekclaw]

If you are looking at a one time load of data, I would consider a customer SQR or maybe even something like Access or Excel. If you are looking at an on-going solution, I would consider modifying the delivered SQR.

By convention at my office, we tend to modify the delivered SQR Program. Yes, I know that PeopleSoft warns you against doing that. Let's assume that you decide to write a custom program to reformat the file to the format expected by the delivered program. Months/Years later PeopleSoft decides to change the expected format on their delivered program. When you run compare reports you will have no reason for concern because it is a delivered program that you have not touched. If you're lucky you'll remember that you have a customized program that also needs to be changed (but odds are not in your favor). We've decided that it is better to apply our customizations in their delivered programs so that we can identify when their changes will affect our customizations.

Rekclaw