AX1626
Utility files can be used for just about any purpose. Utility files are the same as report files, except that utility files are associated with a file group.
Utility files can use any Axiom file feature that reports can, as well as additional features that can only be used within file groups, such as file group variables and calc method libraries. Utility files can be designed for use as spreadsheet files or as web-enabled form files.
File group variables
You can use the GetFileGroupID / GetFileGroupProperty / GetFileGroupVariable functions within the utility to bring in the current file group ID, file group variables, and other file group properties. For example, you can use the GetFileGroupVariable function to bring in the appropriate tables to query data from and to save data to. This is very useful when cloning the file group for a rollover—the utilities can now be updated along with the other files in the file group, keeping all related files in sync.
Calc method libraries
You can use calc method libraries within the utility. For example, in an allocations utility, you might want to use different calc methods for different departments or accounts. This is a simple matter when using a calc method library.
All of the calc method features that are available in plan files and driver files are also available in utilities.
NOTE: When defining calc methods for a utility, be very careful not to duplicate any library names used in plan files. Remember, calc method libraries are defined by sheet name and are used by all sheets in the file group with the same name. Your utility files and plan files likely do not share the same column structure and therefore should not share the same calc method libraries.
