Find a particular column and select all columns before it

[Mtvbqb]

Hello,

I have a data set where the number of columns will shift. I know that I want to keep column "GROSS" and all of the columns before it.

I'm looking into the Dynamic Select tool, and have been able to select the "GROSS" column.

FINDSTRING([Name], "GROSS")>-1

I'm at a loss on how to select the columns before it as well. Could I somehow determine the FieldNumber of the "GROSS" column and then do a select FieldNumber

[goatley1]

I'm assuming you won't have to clean up the data as much as I did so the first filter will have to be customized. Essentially you need to ensure that Set B is the first record. Sample the first record. Then we transpose the fields and test for the Set B in the value field.  Use a multi row formula to find Set B and flag every record from set B while the field name is <= F33 using if then (I use 1 and 0).  Drop all the records that don't pass the multi-row formula with a 1.  Cross tab your field names back to columns.  Then drop all records with the sampling tool.  Union with the original filtered data set and keep only common fields.  This should work for your situations.  

Now I followed your instructions to a T this will always return the first field Fn (where n = any number form 1-33) through F33.  If you meant to grab the next n fields, the you will have to tweak the multi-row formula to accumulate instead of flag.  Subsequently filter for binary_test <= n.  Hope this Helps