RE: How to retain a place holder for missing data

I would say to explain to them that fixed length means that each element
must take up exactly the amount of space you defined. If they don't have
a value for a particular element, they still need to send something in
that element's place. It amazes me how many times so called programmers
are thrown but this simple task. If they are too lazy to fix the program
generating this file, the next best but is to get a CSV file. Using CSV,
each field is defined by a comma.

Matt

-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of DLee@xxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 4:29 PM
To: rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: How to retain a place holder for missing data

Here is my problem.

We receive a data.txt  file from one of our new clients via email, which

contains a pc file of names, addresses, city, zip, current balances,
etc.
We require them to send the file in fixed format, fixed length file, as 
the only requirement for a file we will receive.

It looks like they initially created the file using as400 query, based
on 
a file layout they sent me.

My problem is if any of the data is left out, or zero, the data all
slides 
to the left, and destroys the fixed format of the file.

How can I correct this problem of a missing place holder.  I know there 
must be a normal way of sending or receiving this file, (not excel) to 
solve the problem.

 Hope this is clear.

Appreciate any help.

Darrell Lee
Information Technology
Extension 7127