CSV or Excel daily data (3 Viewers)

[access2010]

As of January we will be receiving daily data on about 100 items, which can be in a in a CSV or Excel format.

Our intention is to store this information for comparison purposes and historical comparison in a MsAccess database.

Should we receive the data in a CSV or Excel format?
If the data is received in an Excel format, should we do the comparison calculations in Excel or in MsAccess?

Your suggestions will be appreciated.

Nicole

 

[DHookom]

I would import the files (Excel preferred for me) into Access. What you do wit it after importing depends on what you mean by “comparison calculations“.

 

[CJ_London]

I on the other hand prefer csv - with excel, data types can be inconsistent, whereas csv tend to be more explicit

Agree need to clarify what ‘comparison calculations’ means

 

[DHookom]

I seem to get bitten by CSV with embedded quotes. Excel does not enforce data types in columns so importing into a template table may be required.

 

[Pat Hartman]

I really wish that every application used the consistent csv format used by Access. Sadly, nobody pays attention and so I'm with Duane. I can't begin to tell you the crap I get that people call csv.

 

[plog]

.csv - Less opportunity for crap. Weird headers, merged cells, data on multiple tabs, formulas. Ideally they'd send you a test file, you'd review and approve it and then they send you the same format thereafter.

I'd do the comparison in whatever software you are more comfortable. You're on an Access forum so it's going to skew for it. But if you're better versed in Excel, use that.