Append tables

You can append two or more Analytics tables to create a new table that contains all the data from the source tables, or only the common fields from the source tables.

Based on the order in which you select tables in the Append dialog box, records from the tables are appended in vertical blocks in the new table.

Steps

1. From the Analytics main menu, select Data > Append.
2. In the Append dialog box, in the Available Tables list, double-click tables in the order that you want to append them in the new table.

   The tables are added to the Selected Tables area. A number before the table name indicates the order of the table in the Selected Tables area, which is also the order in which the tables are appended in the output table.

3. (Optional) Drag any of the selected tables to reorder them, and to change the order in which the tables are appended in the output table.

   Note

   Drag a table by its header, and drop it on top of another table.

4. (Optional) Click Hide table fields to collapse a table field list, or Delete selected table  to remove a table from the Selected Tables area.
5. (Optional) Select Common Fields Only if you want the output table to include only those fields that occur in every selected table.

   If you select this option, the tables being combined must have at least one field in common.

   Note

   To be considered "common", fields must have identical physical names and belong to the same data category, or be harmonized to belong to the same data category.

   You cannot append computed fields. For more information, see Computed fields are not supported.

6. (Optional) Select Add Table Name if you want the output table to include the Source Table field.

   For each record in the output table, the Source Table field identifies the table from which the record originated.

   Tip

   Including the names of the source tables you are appending may provide useful information when you analyze data in the output table.

7. (Optional) If you need to harmonize the data categories of identically named fields, select one of the following:
   • Use Character data type to harmonize common fields converts non-character fields to the character data category only when required for harmonization

     For example, two invoice date fields that use a numeric data type in one table, and a date data type in another table, would both be converted to the character data category.

   • Convert all fields to Character data type converts all non-character fields in all tables being appended to the character data category whether required for harmonization or not
8. (Optional) Select Use Output Table if you want the output table to open automatically.
9. In the To text box, specify the name of the new table, and click OK.

   You can also specify an absolute or relative file path, or click Browse to navigate to a different folder, to save the new table in a location other than the project location. For example: C:\Data\Annual_table.fil or Data\Annual_table.fil.

   If a notification about harmonizing fields appears, click Yes, unless you have a reason for not wanting to convert and harmonize fields. For more information, see Automatic harmonization.

   If the overwrite prompt appears, select the appropriate option.