90-853: Healthcare Information Systems

Microsoft Office Suite Integration Tutorial

Wednesday, March 1, 2000

 

Download the tutorial database here

 

 

Basic definitions/concepts

 

Integration Technique

Operation

When to use

Example

Export or Import

Converting a file created in one program into a format acceptable by the other program

If one needs to duplicate the entire content of a file

Include text file or html file (from Web) in your Word report

Embed

Copying an object from a source document into a destination document; the copy retains no link to the original document it was created in

If one does not want any changes in the source object to be reflected in the destination object; or one wants to edit the information without affecting the source; when size is not a concern

Chart produced in Excel embedded into Word report

Link

Copying an object from a source into a destination document; the copy retains a direct link to the source document.  A linked object is automatically updated.

Note: use Paste Special command and select Paste Link option.

If one wants changes made in the source to be reflected in the destination object.  If one needs a live link to information stored in other files; doesn’t want to increase the size of the destination file; and if the source file frequently updated.

Excel spreadsheet links to Access database to get latest updates

 

 

Hyperlinking Within and Between Office Documents

 

Program

Hyperlink Method

Specifying Location within a document

Access

Add HyperlinkAddress Property

Insert Hyperlink button

Use Database Object

Excel

Insert Hyperlink button

Use Cell or Range name

PowerPoint

Insert Hyperlink button

Use Action Setting

Use Slide Number

Word

Automatic formatting

Drag and Drop

Insert Hyperlink button

Use Bookmark

Internet Hyperlinks

 

Hyperlinks can also be used to provide links to the Web within Office Documents.  Many of you probably routinely insert web links into Word, PowerPoint, and even Excel documents, such as this one to the course website.  You can simply enter the URL and the Office program will automatically recognize and highlight the address, or you can specifically click the Insert Hyperlink toolbar button and enter the URL. 

 

Internet hyperlinks can also be used in a Microsoft Access database.  In fact, a Hyperlink is a valid data type, such that a table can contain Hyperlink fields.  Below is an example of a simple database created to track web sites and associated user comments.

 

Table Design View: