Live data feeds

The majority of documents comprise a combination of text, tables and graphics created from a number of sources. ucreate allows multiple authors to assemble this information simultaneously in a media-independent manner with one-click publishing to PDF, HTML, Adobe® InDesign® and XML.

Many documents however include large quantities of statistical or financial data that is constantly updated and may be changed right up to the publishing deadline. This is a challenge for many organisations as much of this numerical data is calculated based on database reports or spreadsheet formulas and a change to one core value can result in a ripple effect where many other numbers are recalculated. If during the document production process the results of these calculations have been converted into static tables and charts, the charts and tables will have to be recreated and reinserted in the document resulting in a laborious, time-consuming reworking of the data - and the potential for error where some items are not manually updated. Alternatively, if this live data is held back until the final stages of publication, organisations risk missing deadlines and omitting data due to the effort required to insert this vital information. Furthermore those who need to review the document prior to the final stage have no view of the final content or appearance of the document.

Relying on word processor and spreadsheet interaction alone can result in poor quality published material that does not meet corporate branding guidelines. It may also fail to address the common scenario where the statistical or financial data comes from a number of sources, including internal or external Web Services, relational databases, and database-driven software solutions such as financial systems or performance management systems.

ucreate now offers a unique alternative with its Microsoft Excel and Live data feed integrations.

Live data feed diagram

Microsoft® Excel®

By integrating with the latest Microsoft® technology, it is now possible to directly upload your Excel workbooks into ucreate.

How the integration works:

  • ucreate automatically identifies information that will be converted into tables for presentation in your documents and will create charts according to the specified Excel design but in a format suitable for both high-end publishing and web delivery.
  • The Excel workbook is workflowed through the system using the standard ucreate features or can be processed external to the application then updated when the system will create and manage versions automatically.
  • When an author inserts a table or chart from the workbook held in the system they can format the table/chart image in the normal way providing styling, alignment and sizing information.
  • If the Excel workbook is changed and re-uploaded, all charts and tables are updated automatically throughout the document and in multiple documents whilst any manually applied formatting is maintained.

    • Live data feeds

    Many organisations have systems that gather and publish statistics that are core to the running of their business, from enterprise systems like Oracle Financials, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions and banking/investment systems, to in-house solutions built around Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server®,and Microsoft Access™ databases. Increasingly these systems are also supplemented by data from multiple other systems held externally or through a trusted partner. It is vital that data from these systems can be published as easily as data provided to ucreate as an Excel workbook.

    ucreate now supports the automatic generation and update of tables and charts from these systems.

    How the integration works:

  • A third-party XML data feed is provided via Web Services/REST interfaces (over the Internet or Intranet) or from an XML file export.
  • All XML formats are supported including XBRL for financial integration.
  • Web data can be updated automatically over a given time period or, as with XML data file, updated at your request at the touch of a button.
  • This guarantees the publication of the latest approved figures to professional print and web formats.

    To find out more about the Excel and live data integrations email integrations@limehousesoftware.co.uk.


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