1. You can use CDXZipStream through the toolbar, by right-clicking on any cell, or embedding formulas in Excel directly. To get started, position the cellpointer on a list of Zip Codes. Then click the CDXZipStream™ button located on the toolbar which displays the following interface:
   
   
   
   Just input your requirements - data feed selection, the starting cell address of your index list (such as five digit zip codes) and data variables to import - then click on “Get Data”. CDXZipStream™ does the rest. You can select data items using the buttons or by dragging and dropping field names between each list. Any changes made to CDXZipStream™ settings are saved for future use.
   
   The CDXZipStream™ toolbar loads automatically in Excel so you can continue to easily access the interface and other functions directly from your spreadsheet. In Excel 2007, the CDXZipStream toolbar is located under the "Add-ins" menu, with earlier versions of Excel it loads directly.

Q. What do you mean by the term "index"?

1. CDXZipStream™ uses a single unique identifier to refer to a specific data item. Using the Zip code feeds, enter the 5 digit zip code. For state data use the two character abbreviation and for area codes using the 3 digit numerical value. In the case of CBSA data use the 5 digit numeric code. Enter all the indices you wish to retrieve in either rows or columns in your spreadsheet and then run CDXZipStream to retrieve the associated data. If your zip code starts with a zero enter start your entry in Excel with an apostrophe "'" to treat the value as a string.

Q. How does CDXZipStream™ link directly to a data source?

1. CDXZipStream™ links directly to the data by inserting “User Defined Functions” in Microsoft Excel wherever you need data. User Defined functions work like Excel formulas and provide a dynamic link to the source of data so that data is automatically refreshed whenever the application is opened. They eliminate the need to repeatedly run CDXZipStream™ settings or manually refresh the data. Just change a zip code or other index manually and the function will update automatically. Should your spreadsheet not update immediately, force a global recalculation in Excel by pressing CTL-ALT-F9.

Q. Can I create a map of an entire Zip Code?

1. Simply right click on a cell and then choose the "Insert CDXZipCode Data" function". Enter the Zip Code you wish to map and then click on either the "Map-Google" or "Map-MapQuest" data items in the list. This will insert a hyperlink in the selected cell to generate a map of this zip code in your default browser. You can quickly generate URLs by creating a Zip Code list, using the CDXZipStream button in the toolbar and specifying map items as part of your data request. You can see an example of an embedded URL for Google in the first graphic on our home page.

Q. How does the CDXDistance function which calculates the distance between two zip codes work?

1. You can enter a formula directy in an Excel worksheet using the format CDXDistance(ZipCode1, ZipCode2) to calculate the straight-line distance between two zip codes. Enter the actual zip codes or a reference to the cell where the zipcode is located. If you use a cell reference you can then copy this formula to an entire list of requests. Zip codes with leading zeroes should be entered with quotes marks, such as "07869". An easier way is to simply right click on a cell and select the "CDXZipStream option followed by "Insert CDXDistance Function". Then simply enter the required data in the dialog shown below and the formula will automatically be inserted in the selected cell.

Q. What data does CDXZipStream™ provide?

1. For a listing of the data items CDXZipStream can provide please see the following article: CDXZipStream Data Fields and Definitions. You can also download a spreadsheet named DataExamples.xls which illustrates the data feeds and functions available.

Q. I'd like to verify the zip codes for a mailing list of cities and states in Excel. How does CDXZipStream™ perform reverse Zip Code look-up.

1. Simply use the CDXFindZip function. In an adjacent column to the first item in your list enter the formula CDXFindZip(City, State) where both city and state reference the cells where the data resides. Then copy this formula down the rest of your list. For a quick tutorial on this feature, please check out our video Excel Zip Code Finder on Youtube.
   
   You can also use the right click function if you are trying to determine a single zip code as shown below:
   
   
   
   

Q. What is the CDXZipList function and how does it work?

1. The CDXZipList function allows you to return lists of zip codes for states, counties or cities directly into your Excel spreadsheet. You simply right click on a spreadsheet cell, select the "Insert CDXZipList Function" and then specify the parameters for your list. Start with the State you are interested in and then select a county or city if you need to narrow your list. CDXZipStream will then create an Excel array formula which display zip codes matching your query along with the city, state and county for the zip code. You can also enter the CDXZipList function manually in your spreadsheet if you wish. For further information on this feature, please see our video Zip Code Lists in Microsoft Excel
   
   
   
   

Q. What is the CDXRadius function and how does it work?

1. The CDXRadius function is used to return a list of all Zip Codes within a specified distance of a central Zip Code. The results display in your Excel worksheet as a formula array sorted in ascending order by distance. You can optionally display all the results in a single cell if you wish. To use CDXRadius simply right click on a spreadsheet cell, select the "Insert CDXRadius Function" and then specify the center zip code and distance in miles or kilometers. As with our other functions you can also enter this function manually.
   
   One example of using the CDXRadius feature can be found in our video Find Addresses within a Radius
   
   
   
   

Q. What is the CDXLocateMP function and how do I use it?

1. CDXLocateMP is a very powerful geocoding function that works with MapPoint. Use it for address verfication or to determine latitude, longitude, or a zip code for US or Canadian addresses. You can use it to quickly determine information for large lists of addresses. Options are available to specify a single address or multi-line address as well as direct cell references.
   
   For a tutorial on CDXLocateMP see the video Address Validation in Excel.
   
   
   
   

Q. I need to use your zip code distance formula to determine which of my stores is closest to each of my customers. How can I do this without writing a macro?

1. We developed CDXClosestZip for this very purpose. Simply specify a customer zip code and then the Excel range containing the zip codes for each of your stores. CDXClosestZip can then return the nearest store zip code as well as the distance. You can copy this formula down a long list of customer to determine the closest store for each.
   
   
   
   

Q. I need actual driving distance between addresses, not straight line distance. Can you help me?

1. When used with Microsoft MapPoint (2002, 2004, 2006, 2009), the CDXRouteMP function can calculate the actual driving distance and time. You can return data in miles or kilometers and different time periods (hours, minutes, days). A full address can be specified in the format (Address, City, State, Zip) or you can just use a partial address such as a zip code. If MapPoint can't find the address the function will return a message indicating which address can't be resolved. This capability is ideal for a large range of businesses such as delivery services, insurance companies or any situation where trip expenses need to be verified.
   
   For more information on this please see our video Driving Distance Calculator in Excel on Youtube
   
   

Q. The driving distance and zip code functions are great, but I need the actual straight-line distance between 2 street addresses.

1. The CDXDistance2WP function can calculate the straight line distance between waypoints. You can obtain the actual latitude and longitude for each waypoint by using the CDXLocateMP function.
   
   

1. Yes, we can produce custom reports with any or all demographic items for a list of zip codes. The report can consist of any data items or calculations CDXZipStream can produce. If you just need a single report and don't require custom programming or additional analysis the cost is $100. This is also an alternative if you need the data on other operating sytems such as Apple or Linux. Please call 1-877-239-8321 or email sales@CDXTech.com for details.

Q. How do I get started with CDXZipStream™?

1. Download a free 30-day trial of CDXZipStream™ now for instant access to basic Zip Code Data and demos of the premium feeds.
   
   Click here to try it now! Free 30-day No-Risk Trial

Q. What are the limitations of the demo?

1. The demo is a 30 day trial of CDXZipStream. It includes the CDXZipCode basic feed that contains data items such as city, state, latitude, longitude, county and region. You also have full access to all custom functions such as the CDXFindZip, CDXZipList and CDXDistance formulas. Example data is also included for all 6 premium demographic feeds. Zip Code data in the demo is usually at least 6 months old. The CDXRadius formula is limited to 20 miles in the demo.

Q. I'm ready to buy. What do I need to do to purchase CDXZipStream?

1. We recommend that you purchase the product through the demo in Excel. Press the "License" icon in the toolbar which is the third button. Then press the "Buy Now" button twice on the dialogs that appear. This will then take you to our ordering page and automatically enter your Computer ID which is a unique code representing your PC. Your registration code will be immediately provided both online and by email after you order. Please be sure to download and install the database upgrade that appears with your license key.
   
   If you are upgrading to the premium version you will not be able to use the additional demographic database feeds until you install the database upgrade. A link to download the premium database upgrade is also available on the "License" button dialog. Use the "Download Database" button that appears under the text noting the database is not the premium version.
   
   You can also download the current basic or premium database using your CDX online account log-in received with your purchase. To access this download, click on the link in the “My Account” section of the explorer bar on the left hand side of the screen. Then Scroll down and click on the the link "ZipStream Data Files". Our database is updated monthly and you can buy an update at any time by using this account log-in.

Q. What do I get when I purchase CDXZipStream™?

1. You will immediately receive a code that will register your program based on the hardware ID you supplied. Links to the latest versions of our basic or premium databases will also be provided.
   
   Additionally, you will receive a log-in to our website that will allow you to create additional codes if you've purchased multiples licenses or need to transfer the program to another machine or laptop for your personal use. You can also use the web site login to upgrade your program, download previously purchased databases or buy new databases.

   Please contact our technical support department for questions about all versions of CDXZipStream™:

   Phone:	(973) 895-5542
   Email:	support@CDXTech.com
   Website:	Technical Support