Update Raw XML with Formula -- Use Cases

Question

Hi All --

I come here to you -- the smartest people in the room with a question about the topic listed in my subject. I am trying to figure out how Updating Raw XML with Formula could be useful.

What I am hoping it can do is dynamically update the formula. So here is a typical scenario. Each quarter, we might receive new financial information.

In Jan, Feb, March

2021 Q1 Balances

In Apr, May, Jun

2021 Q2 Balances

As you well know, if you write a formula like: 2021 Q1 Balances * .25 in Q2 that formual will break. However, if I can automate and update the filed dynamically, then the fomula will always be right.

Any thoughts on this or other use cases would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Seth

bkclaw113 · Answer

I know this is a little late to the party, but a different approach be to just use REGEX to match the expected field name in a dynamic rename tool. So your expression in the dynamic rename would be:

If regex_match([_CurrentField_],"\d{4}\sQ\d\sBalance")
Then "Balance"
Else [_CurrentField_]
Endif

If you wanted to retain the original field name you could always use the same regex in a multi field formula to create a new_ field with the same data and then look for the new_ with regex in dynamic rename to keep the original field and have a copy in a generically named "balance" field

smoskowitz · Answer

@OllieClarke Thank you! I will take a look.

Seth

OllieClarke · Answer

Hi @smoskowitz

I've used the Update Raw XML via formula before when I wanted to reorder/remove output fields based on a drop down connected to a sort. The chosen field would always be placed first in the output, which requires rewriting the xml of a select tool.

I've attached a macro which takes this approach.

Hope that helps 🙂

Twb+explorer.yxzp