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Running the /plugin=cldownload for ACS You can plugin most CL commands in to an SQL statement and have the output generated into a spreadsheet already today. AS ASC is now delivered via a PTF on IBM i ( shipped in the latest HTTP PTF Groups) this support is already available.
The CAAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority requirement that should be addressed. As new members enter the community, they are expecting languages to support a simple export to a current spreadsheet format.
Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CAAC has a key role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your RFE.
For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac
For more details about CAAC's role with RFEs, see http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/Blogs/i-Can/May-2017/COMMON-Americas-Advisory-Council-%28CAAC%29-and-RFEs/
Nancy Uthke-Schmucki - CAAC Program Manager
Yep, I agree there are many ways to do this already, including the excellent option in ACS but what's being asked for here is something that can be used by all in a simple script and without use of RPG, SQL or third party tool.
But I still think this is a nice idea, this could be a nice addition to the CPYTOIMPF command, offering an output option in a XML or perhaps JSON format. These export files could be consumed not only by Excel but by many others. The current CSV output on this command is very useful and makes the data easily available to third parties but it lacks the ability to encapsulate the data type information.
I'm not saying this is a high priority thing but it's definitely a nice to have and if IBM don't do it in IBM i, then this would make a great OpenSource project for someone to publish.
Harry if your current tool is not robust or future proof enough, my advice to you is that you should not wait for IBM to offer this functionality, there are other tools that can do this that are being actively maintained or with a little Google-Fu you could probably create your own utility.
If you hit a brick wall feel free to reach out to me and I'll put you in touch with a few people that can help.
Steve Bradshaw
Technical Director of the i-UG
(CommonUK)
Steve.Bradshaw@RowtonIT.com
OK so first off I'd be a little worried about why someone who is running an ERP needs so many Excel sheets. But, be that as it may I'm against this request. There is already multiple methods available to create Excel sheets. You can use the newer data transfer in ACS to create sheets, you can use utilities in your RPG programs to create Excel sheets, or you can even export to a CSV using CPYTOIMPF. With all these options that are more robust then could be built into CL or even RPG, I would recommend that no action be taken on this request.