TOC and index details into a different format

[Kerry]

Word 2003.

I am creating a massive stock/parts document that will require a condensed
listing (an extract from each page) of each data name / item number / code
number for each part, showing which page it is on. Each stock part/item will
be on its on page with various details. Very much like a catalogue, but I
need to have the TOC spread into rows and columns with headings, and basic
data extracted to form a table - like a summary of data using a set of
pre-defined categories/column titles..

Question 1: I need to know how I can extract 4 separate criteria wording,
and then bring that into a TOC under column headings with a page number
setout like a TOC.
Example:

Item Name Item No. Description Stock ID#
Page No.

Many thanks in advance.
Kerry

 

[macropod]

Hi Kerry,

Your description sounds like you're trying to maintain a database. Products like Access are much better suited to this than is Word.

Cheers

 

[DeanH]

I have done a little test and have a certain level of success, but with two
"problems".

Create a Style for each of your criteria (ie Item Name, Item No.,
Description, Stock ID#). Apply these styles respectively to the data on each
page for each of these criteria. I did these four in a table at the top of
each of my Item Page and copied them down, you can include a "Page Break
Before" to the first cell style, then each entry will always be on its own
page.
In the area for the TOC, create a four column table, in each column insert a
Table of Figures, changing the Options to the respective Style, turn of page
numbers except for the last column (StockID).
Here comes "problem" number 1: the tab for the page numbers needs to be
adjusted and "saved" to the style of the Table of Figures. As long as you
have no borders on the TOC-table you can fudge the "Page" Descriptor to be
above the page numbers so it look OK.
Problem Number two if any of these "rows" in the TOC increase to more than
one row, alignment is lost, as the TOCs are not connected.
As macropod has suggested, a database could be the best solution, Word can
cope with hundreds (if not thousands) of pages, but it does have its working
limits.
Come back with your solution, as this is of interest.
Hope this helps.
DeanH