jWorkBook:

The missing link between Spreadsheet and Database

Introducing jWorkBook: The missing link between Spreadsheets and the Database. (Free to all our subscribers)

In the last Snippet we (boldly) tackled one of the most controversial topics in our Process Control Industry. When to use Spreadsheets and when to avoid them! Inevitably however, no matter which strategy you adopt, you WILL end up with BOTH Spreadsheets AND Databases.

AND sooner or later, we all arrive at this point...... the information we need is stored in the Oracle, Access or SQL database and we need to look at it and do some calcs and write a quick report?

Hmmm....What are our options?

Either... Find a programmer, tear him or her away from the thousand other jobs on the go and try to explain what we want. Then try to justify why our need is important! They will put our request into a queue, and, (if it is approved) hey presto 3 months later we get the information we want...if we are lucky!

Or... Fire up Excel, click on jWorkBook, enter a simple SQL command....bang the information is there. Not quite what we want? No problem, refine the command and run it again. Or add another command and run them both. Format the output in our spreadsheet, add a chart and we have your data in the format we want in a couple of minutes. Really that simple? You bet!

Just what is jWorkBook

jWorkbook is an Excel Add-In that enables you to build powerful queries to access the information directly and see the information in your Excel Spreadsheet. You can build reports quickly and interactively using the power of single or multiple SQL statements and store the results directly in the spreadsheet.

Why SQL? (Let's demolish the SQL myth!)

SQL is by far the most popular database language available today. It is used as the main form of communication by every database of note. It is extraordinarily powerful. But best of all, to do the vast majority of tasks, it is extremely simple. Unlike languages like C or Basic, you can do most of your data retrieval commands in a single statement. A complete data retrieval program is just that...one statement.

It is a fact that if you understand the English-like Select statement, you are probably 99% of the way to being self sufficient in retrieving your data from the database. Granted, as you get proficient in SQL, you can naturally extend your skills to more exotic structures but from day one, you are productive. But don't take our word for it, get jWorkBook, run through the tutorial and give it a try.

Why Spreadsheets?

Do we even need to ask this question? There is really nothing to beat the spreadsheet for quick ad hoc or idea development work. Let's face it, everyone understands the spreadsheet and in a few minutes, we have the results we want in the form we want. Until now, the only problem has been getting the raw data into the spreadsheet. No longer a problem with jWorkBook. Getting the data is now as easy as manipulating the data.

What can we do with it?

Now you can get that information directly!

You can access any information that is in the database. Typical uses in the industrial environment include Process trends, Lab results, Production results, Batch data, Log information, Orders, Personnel information etc. And of course, you can combine information from various different sources. For example, you can combine the lab data with the process data in a single table and plot a chart with one pen for the lab data and one for the process data. Alternatively, just use the database that we provide with the download and create your own data structures.

Easy to get going: Easy to use

The jWorkBook comes with on-line help and a tutorial to help you get going. There is a sample database included with the system. jWorkBook is interactive so you can see the results as you type them in. Once you have the data, use the standard Excel facilities to format and present the information.

From simple queries to sophisticated reporting structures

You will be surprised at what you can do with a simple SQL query. (Instead of hundreds of lines of Visual Basic or C++ Programs) And, as you get familiar with the system, you will find that there are virtually no limits to what you can do with SQL. It is quite possible to create "slice and dice" type queries, to create new tables, to perform calculations and sorting functions etc. You can also put your variables inside the spreadsheet cells and these become the input parameters for your queries. Additionally, you can group multiple SQL statements and run them sequentially using jWorkBook's group facility.

Create a library of your most useful Queries

Once you have created your queries, jWorkBook stores them in a grid so that you can edit them or use them again or organize them into functional groups. Each query can have a target range in your spreadsheet where the results of the query are stored.

A great learning tool!

Because jWorkBook is interactive, (i.e. you can see the results of your SQL command immediately), you will find that you learn the capabilities very quickly. Not a bad idea as people who understand SQL are some of the most sort after professionals in the computer industry! Our on-line tutorial is a fun way to become fluent in this powerful and useful tool.

Best of all...jWorkBook is FREE!

There is no charge for jWorkBook. There is no expiry time on it and no limitation on the number of users that can use it. You may copy it as many times as you like and we encourage you to send it on to anyone you feel may find it useful. If you are a system integrator, we allow you to add your logo and address information to the product before sending it out to your customers. We do however ask you to register your copy with us

System Requirements

All you need to run jWorkBook is a computer with a working version of MS Excel. If you do not have a connection to a database, then you can always use a local Access database. (We provide one with the download.)

Click here to view our Price List.