Join Num with Char, is it possible? Any way to work around that?

Question

Hi there
Is it possible to join a column (in one folder) that defined as NUM with a column (in another folder) that defined as Char? Is any way that I can convert Char to NUM (because information stores in there are number - but show as text number)?
Here is the example, we have Order Lines Folder that has column HeaderID (NUM) and we want to join Order Lines Folder with Materials Transaction Folders on Transaction Reference column (as Char). Is it possible at all?
Thanks!
Nawawan

Answer 1

Hello
This is possible and done all the time. You can convert either way.
To convert from a number to a string use the function TO_CHAR.
To convert from a string to a number use the function TO_NUMBER.
So in your example you could use:
OE_ORDER_LINES_ALL.LINE_ID = TO_NUM(MTL_TRANSACTIONS_REFERENCEx) where MTL_TRANSACTIONS_REFERENCEx is the transaction reference field.
Be careful to join at the right level. To work at the Header level use the HEADER_ID, whereas from the line you should use the LINE_ID, unless the table you are joining to is a header level table.
Hope this helps
Michael