Because Excel and other spreadsheet apps can save their data in CSV format that is much easier to parse and get info into SketchUp via the API.
CSV is Comma-Separated-Variables
One line for each data set and logically assigned columns, so for example:
`Component,X,Y,Z,RotX,RotY,RotZ,Material,Tag
The Component is the name of the SKP component saved with your code or project - it already loaded into the model - your Ruby will parse that out and load it into the model if needed or use the preexisting definition and insert an Instance.
That Instance can then be Transformed to the desired location [x,y,z] and rotated if desired, and even assigned a Material or Layer[Tag]. You can assign IFC attributes to the objects for use later…
The definitions can also have custom attributes attached to cover whatever you desire - cost, fuel_use, etc
These can be set and get in code…