Link existing data from drawing to database so it will refresh

[Ken N]

I want to link the data from a drawing to a database. My original data source
is the information on the shape of the drawing. If I extract this from my
drawing to a database and then link it back Visio wants to give me a new
datagraphic.
Example- (Room#) “XX†“G153†and (name) “Row_1†“Mail†are part of the
original shape. I build the table with this information, and then try to link
it. Visio insists on adding a new datagraphic, I end up with redundant
information. Is there a way to export the data from the shape as linked data
or to link it on the shape sheet manually?

 

[John Goldsmith_Visio_MVP]

Hello Ken,

What version of Visio are you using? In 2007 (Pro) there's the link to
external data functionality although this is really only intended as a
oneway street - in but not out. There's also the Database Wizard in 2007
and earlier (under Tools / Addons / Visio Extras) which allows two-way
interaction, although you it's not as easy to use as Link to External Data.

A final path, if you're happy with a little VBA, would be to hook things up
manually. You can easily give each shape a GUID (unique ID) which makes
syncing you data reasonably straight forward.

Best regards

John


John Goldsmith (Visio MVP)
www.visualSignals.typepad.co.uk
www.visualSignals.co.uk

 

[Ken N]

I use 2007, could I use the shape key from Visio? Where would I find more on
linking through code?

 

[Ken N]

Running XP Pro on a Network with Visio 2007:
Under tools I did use the “Database Wizardâ€
Following the wizard through-
Link shapes to database records
Shapes in drawing
Select shapes
Choose source
Table
Choose Prim-Key Field
Choose default key or click none
If I choose none it does nothing!! If I choose default it changes all to the
default. But neither give me a workable link. No linked table and a error
message when I try to refresh –

 

[John Goldsmith_Visio_MVP]

Hello Ken,

I see that you also talking to Al Edlund on in another thread. He's pointed
you to the correct info on the Database Wizard.

Best regards

John


John Goldsmith (Visio MVP)
www.visualSignals.typepad.co.uk
www.visualSignals.co.uk