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Use table variables

Load a whole table of values into one simulation variable and read or write its cells like a spreadsheet.

A table variable holds 1- or 2-dimensional data under a single name — task durations, decision percentages, or any values that would otherwise need dozens of separate variables. Expressions read one cell at a time, and assignments can write cells back, so a table can also collect model state during the run for reporting afterwards.

Prerequisites​

  • The External Data feature, enabled by a server administrator under Admin → Server Settings → Early Access (the External Data feature flag) — table data is imported through it.
  • Edit access to a simulation project — see Simulation.

Steps​

Define and fill the table​

  1. In Simulation Properties, open the Variables tab on its Model sub-tab — table variables are model-scoped.

  2. Add a variable and set its Type to Table.

    A model variable with its type set to Table.

  3. The Initial Value field changes into a table import. Click New and follow the import dialog to load the data.

Values that need interpretation don't survive the import as their type — a duration with a unit such as "10 seconds" arrives as text and has to be parsed before use in a duration expression.

Read cells in expressions​

In any expression box, address a cell as Variable[Row, Column]:

An expression reading one cell of a table variable.

Assign new values​

  1. Create a variable assignment as usual and select the table variable. Two extra fields appear: Row and Column.

    An assignment to a table variable with the Row and Column fields.

  2. The assignments list previews the target cell in the same Variable[Row, Column] syntax.

    The assignment preview showing the targeted cell.

Assignments must target an existing column — a missing column raises an error that stops the run. A missing row is created without warning, which is how a table can grow result rows during the run.

View the table after a run​

In the results window's Model tab, the table icon under the variable's name opens the table as it stood at the end of the run.

The results view opening a table variable's contents.