SIMS: Template - The column cannot be deleted as it is used in a formula

[JoeS]

SIMS:

 

I've inherited some insanely complex Templates which I am trying to tidy up.

 

Several columns give this error when I try to delete them: "The column cannot be deleted as it is used in a formula".

 

The problem is I have no idea where the formula is, and there are hundreds of other columns in the template.

 

Is there any way to find out where the formula that is stopping a specific column being deleted is located on the template?

 

Knowing SIMS I bet I know the answer already though...

 

Many thanks.

[bobsmith]

do you really need the templates?

 

would it be easier to delete them and start again?

 

Deleting templates doesn't delete the data.

[JoeS]

I didn't think it would be possible. Re-creating the templates would be a fairly hefty amount of work as there are many many calculations within them. I'll just keep searching for the relevant formulas...

[SouthCoastSaint]

Click on each of the columns with the formula f in the header, view the folrmulas and get familiar with what columns are being used in each one - you will find it eventually!

[krtek]

Just a tip

 

Formulas can only work on columns to the left of them - so start on the right

 

Dave

[JoeS]

Many thanks, I did find it in the end!

[Esteban_Child_of_the_Sun]

A fast way to find it, is to select the column you wish to delete then click the "Down 5 button" until you get an error saying you can't move the column past a formula it is referenced in, then use the down 1 until you get the same message. This will make the next column the one with a formula referencing it. Once you've amended that formula to not use that column anymore try deleting the column you wish removed and ifg it still has the same error then repeat the process until you found all the formulas.

[JoeS]

A fast way to find it, is to select the column you wish to delete then click the "Down 5 button" until you get an error saying you can't move the column past a formula it is referenced in, then use the down 1 until you get the same message. This will make the next column the one with a formula referencing it. Once you've amended that formula to not use that column anymore try deleting the column you wish removed and ifg it still has the same error then repeat the process until you found all the formulas.

That's an even better method - many thanks!