Patent ID: 7197696

Claim:
Computer implemented method to access data from a plurality of data sources and to populate said data into spreadsheets, and execute functions and programs in the same comprising: a) Providing a template spreadsheet file of which a copy is made called the report file prior to commencing the population of data, executing data retrieval and processing functions, which will: I) Contain all pertinent worksheets and cells for population of data; II) Contain definitions to all functions called; and III) Contain information for formatting the data; b) Providing a data base which: I) Stores a pointer to said template spreadsheet file; II) Stores information pertaining to input data used to filter data accessed from said data sources; III) Stores information pertaining to queries used in the access and capture of said data and the location of said data in said report file; and IV) Wherein said queries stored in said database modify data in said data sources; V) Stores references to said functions and sequence of execution of said functions; VI) Wherein said database contains information that causes said program to execute multiple queries and programs a multiple number of times using input data from multiple cells of said report file by traversing said report file across rows and columns; c) Providing a program which creates said report file, accesses said database and retrieves said data from said data sources and executes functions in the sequences stored in said database; and d) Providing a human interface for a user: I) Wherein the user populates information stored in said database; II) Wherein said human interface causes users to execute said functions in a pre-determined schedule.