I didn't read all of this but if your data has anything in common you could script it.
By "in common" I mean a set number of columns, or if the data is space-separated, etc. Many people on this list should be able to help you with scripting. On Tue, Jan 18, 2011 at 8:28 AM, Heidi Bailey <HBailey at plxtech.com> wrote: > Hi, > > Apologies for the length of my query: I don't know how to put it more > succinctly! > > I wonder if anyone has ideas on how to improve a process for taking > table-based information (from .reg files, saved to HTML then converted to > Word) into FrameMaker and finally made into PDF (as part of a large book). > > The source info is created by many people typing into mysterious files and > parsed by coding. I have no access to these tables or the coding and ?no > ability to maintain either. But they are very well looked after by an > intelligent and helpful techie. > The source info is highly structured and suitable for keeping in a database. > In the smallest instance, the source info translates to 250 A4 pages of > tables. In the largest instance (so far), the source info translates to 900 > A4 pages. > The source is used by many people and only specific parts of it are taken > into the book. It is in effect conditionalised so that the view of it I > convert only shows the parts I need. > > Currently I have to: > -open the .reg page in IE > -save as HTML > -open in Word and save as Word > -open the Word file in FM > -apply FM template > -run a (fabulously helpful) Framescript to tidy everything up > -create a LoP for various headings in the converted file > -create a few cross refs to places in the converted file > -do the book and PDF things you usually have to do. > > Specifically, I am looking for a swifter way to get from source info to > either FM or PDF. This means I would like suggestions on: > - formats the source info could be in, that quickly and accurately convert to > FM or PDF > - if going from source straight to PDF, suggestions on how to deal with the > LoP and cross refs plus formatting to match the FM template (tools or > automation routes) > > As I have to add navigation (such as cross refs and the LoP), I suspect that > there isn't a better way than using FM. Fine by me, but I'm open to ideas. > > No, I can't train the source inputters to use FM - it's hard enough training > them to spell... > > Please reply directly to me, as I'm on digest. > > Thanks, > > Heidi Bailey > Technical Author > > PLX Technology Ltd > 25 Milton Park > Abingdon > Oxfordshire > OX14 4SH > > Registered in England no 2733820 > Registered Address:? As Above > > Tel: +44 (0)1235 824958 > Email: hbailey at plxtech.com > Web: www.plxtech.com > > > _______________________________________________ > > > You are currently subscribed to framers as dr_gonzo at pobox.com. > > Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com > or visit > http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/dr_gonzo%40pobox.com > > Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit > http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. > -- ============ Steve Johnson, dr_gonzo at pobox.com
