Re: How to retain a place holder for missing data

You need to give the client specific instructions.  For example:

data.txt is a 117 char file

Positions             Title
1-25                  First Name
26-50                 Last Name
51-90                 Address 
91-110                City
111-112               State
113-117               Zip Code

etc, etc.  Let them know you expect blanks, (or 9's for numeric), if they 
have no data for the field but that each char position is filled with 
something and the file has a fixed width of whatever, (in this case it's 
117).

 
-----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