# Blocks A  block is a contiguous area in an Excel workbook. A block contains data from a database retrieved by a query during the last synchronization and it contains the data that still needs to be written during the next synchronization. A block spans one of the dimensions: cell, column, row, or worksheet. The image shows the current blocks; in this example, these are the 'Organizations' and 'People' blocks.  In this window, you can add, modify, or delete a block.  The meaning of the input fields is: | Code | The unique name of this block. | | ---- | ------------------------------- | | Active | If checked, this block is active and you can synchronize this block with the fact database. | | Name data range | The data range as a unique name. This name is used as a named range in Excel to identify the data of the entire block, including borders. You can then use the name in an Excel formula. | | Name border range | The border of the named data range as a unique name. This name is used as a named range in Excel to identify the entire block, including the borders. You can then use the name in an Excel formula. | | Access Control | Add: If checked, you can add data and synchronize it with the fact database <br>Update: If checked, you can update data and synchronize it with the fact database <br>Delete: If checked, you can delete data and synchronize it with the fact database | | Comment | Enter a description of the block. | ### Orientation and Size - Columns: - Rows: In this window, you can enter the fact origin of the block.  The meaning of the input fields is: | Business Object | The name of the business object, as known in the fact database. This is often the name of a database view. | | ----------- | ---------------- | | Primary Key | The primary key of the business object. Optional when this block is read-only. | | Transaction Column | The transaction column of the business object. This field is optional when add, update, and delete access controls are turned off. | | Download order | The download order of the business object; this can be one or more numbers and/or letters. It indicates the download order of the blocks to the database. An example is that a001 comes before b001. | | Upload order | The upload order of the business object; this can be a combination of one or more numbers and/or letters. This indicates the upload order of blocks to the database. An example is that a001 comes before b001. | | Select | The columns of the business object. The columns must be separated by a comma. | | Filter | Define a filter to select a part of a block in SQL syntax. | | Order | The list of columns to determine the data order in SQL syntax. | This window displays the columns of the business object and is populated automatically.  The meaning of the fields is: | Name | The name of the column. | | ---------------- | ---------------------------- | | Data type | The data type of the column. | | Synchronize Back | If checked, changes in the column are tracked in the open changes. The changes are sent to the fact database during synchronization. | | Formula | If checked, the column can contain an Excel formula. In this case, only the result of the formula is sent back to the fact database during synchronization. Check this box if you want to use an Excel formula in this column. | | Read-only | If checked, the model user cannot modify the column values. The column value can, however, be modified by Invantive Control for Excel. | | Default value | The value is only populated after synchronization with the fact database. <br>- Constant value. <br>- Parameter $P{name of the parameter} <br>- Excel formula, for example: $E{formula} | | Position | This indicates the position of the column in the block in Excel. | | List source | The list containing the picklist for the list. | | List code field | DB value | | List description | Label | This window displays the columns of the business object In this window, you can set the display of the block.  The meaning of the input fields is: | Format range | Specify the range of the formatting worksheet; the formatting of these cells will be applied to the block. The range convention is 'worksheet!cell range', for example 'layout!A1:A4'. | | -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Singular Label | Enter a singular name for the formatting. | | Plural Label | Enter a plural name for the label. | Start position - Absolute: - Linked: Restrict Border width