Direct Excel/Database linking

With the SimaPro 7.1 Developer you can get your data directly from Excel spreadsheets and databases. Whenever a value changes, the corresponding value in SimaPro is automatically updated. This saves you a lot of time!    

Many SimaPro users prepare their modeling data in spreadsheets or databases. With the unique linking feature, you do not need to type or import the results into SimaPro anymore. Once a link is established, SimaPro will always use the latest value available in the spreadsheet or database. You can see the influence of changes in your spreadsheet or database immediately.

Please note that this way of linking is different from the COM interface!

How does it work?

Linking from SimaPro to a spreadsheet or database is simple. Suppose you have a spreadsheet where you prepare your data, such as below. You want to use the results in SimaPro.

In the field where you normally enter a value (for example the amount of carbon dioxide emission), you create an Excel link by using the right mouse button. You then select the spreadsheet or database and specify the cell to use.

Creating a link to a spreadsheet (click to enlarge)

The resulting link in the editor looks like this:

An option is available to show the values only, without the full path.

Linking to databases

To link to databases such as Access, SQL, Interbase or Oracle, you need to write an ASP query.

Update manager

Spreadsheets and databases can change name and location. This means the link in SimaPro is broken.

To facilitate data exchange and data management, you can use our External Link Manager to search and replace references to locations and file names in SimaPro.

The External Link Manager

Linking in non-Developer versions

If you exchange data with a SimaPro user that does not have a SimaPro Developer version, this user will be able to calculate results, provided the spreadsheets or databases are available. However, the user cannot make any changes in the links themselves.