Is this possible in excel?

[PATSYS]

Is it possible to, say, maintain a database in separate workbook. Then create a UDF that will just pick data from that database based on certain parameters defined in the UDF like YEAR, Account, Entity?

For example, I have all financial data in the database from year 2000-2006. If I use the UDF, say =specialfunction(2005,110000,Company1), then it will just return the corresponding value from the database?

I am just asking if this is possible in excel and if so, just a broad idea of how difficult is it to set up.

Thanks.

 

[BJungheim]

Take a look at the DGET, DSUM, DAVERAGE functions. They should give you what you need....although unless it's going to be a pretty small data set you'd probably be better off going with Access.

 

[PATSYS]

Thanks but I was actually thinking of a way to get rid of having to link to an external workbook because this will surely slow the system. I was thinking of hardcoing the values somewhere where I can just type a special UDF in all my files then the values will be there.

 

[Oaktree]

Have a look at data --> import external data --> new database query.

 

[PATSYS]

Have a look at data --> import external data --> new database query.

I will look at it, seems I need to install MS Query first.

 

[Oaktree]

Perhaps, though I believe it's included with the Office CDs if it's not already installed on your PC.