Exporting large datasets from PDM Automotive can be challenging due to Excel’s row limitation. This article explains how to manage large exports effectively while ensuring no data loss.
Excel has a maximum limit of 1,048,576 rows per worksheet. When exporting large datasets from PDM Automotive, the exported data may exceed this limit and may not fit into a single Excel worksheet.
To avoid missing data or creating files that are too large to review in Excel, we recommend splitting large exports into smaller, more manageable files.
How to manage large exports
The best way to manage large exports is to divide the dataset into smaller exports before downloading the data.
You can do this by applying filters, using tags, or narrowing the dataset based on the information you need to review or update.
Split the Dataset into Smaller Exports
Before exporting, identify what specific data you need. Exporting the full dataset may not always be necessary, especially when you only need to review or update a specific group of products.
You can reduce the size of the export by filtering the data before generating the file.
Common ways to split large exports include:
Filtering by Part Type
Filtering using the Search bar
Filtering by Tags
Filtering by Analysis
Exporting only the records that require review or updates
For example, if one part number generates many rows in the export, exporting all products at once may quickly exceed Excel's row limit. Filtering the data into smaller groups can help keep each export within Excel’s supported row count.
Exporting large Application datasets
Application exports can become very large because each product may be linked to multiple vehicle applications. A single part number can appear across many rows depending on the application data associated with it.
If your Application export is too large, consider narrowing the export before downloading the file.
Recommended methods include:
Filter by Part Type
If you only need to review applications for a specific product group, filter by Part Type before exporting.
This is helpful when a brand contains several product lines and only one group needs to be reviewed or updated.
Filter by specific products or part numbers
If you are reviewing a smaller group of products, filter the dataset by the relevant part numbers instead of exporting the full application file.
This can help reduce the number of rows significantly.
Use tags to create smaller export groups
Tags can be used to organize products into smaller groups before exporting.
For example, you can tag a group of products that require review, updates, or validation, and then export only the tagged products. This is useful when the products are not easily grouped by Part Type or another standard filter. You can check the process in more detail here.
Filter by analysis results
If you are reviewing specific data conditions, such as products with missing, incomplete, or invalid application data, use analysis filters to narrow the dataset.
This allows you to export only the records that require attention instead of exporting all application records.
After saving the filter you can select it when you're in the Export segment
Best Practices
Plan the export: Before exporting, determine what data you actually need. Avoid exporting the full dataset if you only need a specific group of products or applications.
Apply filters before exporting the file. This helps reduce the export size and makes the file easier to review in Excel.
When standard filters do not provide the exact subset you need, use tags to create a custom group of products and export only those tagged records.
Test smaller exports: Conduct a smaller test export to evaluate the size and structure, ensuring it meets your needs.
By leveraging this strategy, you can ensure accurate and efficient data exports from PDM Automotive without encountering row limit issues.