The Export Process

The export process is initiated once the Export Data Button has been pressed or the Export Data Menu Item has been selected.   As soon as the process begins you will be presented with the Progress Screen.

The export process is made up of two phases:  an analysis phase and a processing phase.

Analysis Phase:   The analysis phase checks the integrity of each record included in the input file.  If the input file fails any of the integrity checks the export process will end immediately and you will be told the reason why.

Processing Phase:  This phase of the export process is responsible for looping through the records in the input file and writing the necessary fields to the export file.   There are two parts to this phase.   First, a copy of the current record is made and all of the fields that weren't selected for retention have their data blanked out.   Second, the calculated fields are added to the record.   What this means is that if there exists some overlap in terms of field positions between a retained field and a calculated field, such as in the case of the Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, the calculated value will take precedence even if you have opted to retain the original value.   Pay attention to the column numbers of the fields you wish to retain and the fields you wish to calculate to avoid such conflicts or you may have an unintended result.