DataAssist - Not just for websites

I have a vendor that supplies product info in an Excel spreadsheet (never in the same way). The layout never fits the the way the store is organized and I had to scroll and compress columns just to see everything when it came time to update the DB.

Solution:

1. Create a database on the local testing server named after the vendor.
   
2. Import Excel spreadsheet into database.
   
3. Create a simple one column template using CSS Sculptor.
   
4. Use the DataAssist wizard to create pages that contain just the columns you need in the order you want to see them.
   
5. Use the detail pages to hold all of the info you need to add an item.

In about 5 minutes I had a very easy to use search page that kept track of where I was, enabled me to quickly check prices of old items, and find the ones that needed to be added. When I find a new item, I just click the detail button and all the info is right there on one page. The vendor DB isn't connected to the store DB, I just use it to find the information I need in the format I want. I update through the store Admin pages. It is far easier to copy and paste from, than a spreadsheet.

If I want to change the order or columns shown, I just delete all the pages and run the wizard again. You end up with your own custom database tool for whatever you want in a matter of minutes.

Not only does it speed the update process, it looks a lot better than most quick-and-dirty solutions. That becomes important when going through hundreds of items. :)

That sounds like a good use of the product. Glad the product has helped you with that as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences for other users.