AX2229

Define the filename for file processing

When you use file processing to create an output file (either a snapshot or an export file), you must specify how the filename is determined. This setting is called Output File Name in the File Processing pane.

The filename setting cannot be left blank. You must use file processing variables to dynamically generate filenames or type a "hardcoded" filename.

How you define the filename primarily depends on whether you plan to use multipass processing on the file and whether the multipass output is to a single file or multiple files.

NOTE: This description does not apply to file collect processing because the output file settings for file collect are defined on the special File Collect Configuration sheet. For more information, see File Collect Configuration sheet.

Filenames for standard processing

If the file will be primarily processed using standard (non-multipass) processing, you can enter the preferred filename without using any file processing variables. When you process the file, the output file will use the specified filename. Formulas can also be used to create filenames.

By default, the filename is set to [Current_Value]_Report. If you never plan to process this file using multipass processing, you can delete the default text and enter the preferred filename, such as: Income_Statement.

If you leave the [Current_Value] variable in the filename, it will return nothing during standard processing unless you have:

  • Configured multipass settings for the file and

  • Defined a default current value for the source column

on the File Processing Control Sheet.

Filenames for multipass processing

If the file will be primarily processed using multipass processing, how you define the filename depends on whether you are outputting to a single file or multiple files (the File Generation setting).

  • If you are outputting to a single file, you can use the [Current_Value] variable or you can enter the preferred filename, such as Income_Statement_by_VP. Formulas can also be used to create filenames.

    If you use the [Current_Value] variable, make sure to define a default current value for the multipass source column on the File Processing Control Sheet. In this context, the [Current_Value] variable returns the default value. If no default value is defined, the variable will return nothing.

  • If you are outputting to multiple files, the filename for each pass must be unique so that you can tell which file is associated with each pass. You can use the [Current_Value] variable or you can use formulas and the GetCurrentValue function to create a filename.

    For example, if the filename is set to Income_Statement_[Current_Value] each pass will create filenames such as Income_Statement_Jones.xlsx, Income_Statement_Smith.xlsx, and so on.

See also