Is there an ArcGIS tool equivalent to “Dissolve” that can be used on tables?

Question

I have a data table that I need to trim down, merging records which have the same value in an ID field and performing a couple math operations on various other fields (summing, averaging). The Dissolve tool in ArcGIS does this for feature classes, but it doesn't work on tables. I realize there's probably a tool in ArcGIS that does this (it's basically a Dissolve with no geometry) but I haven't found it and am in a bit of a hurry. Is there one? I have an ArcInfo license available if necessary.

Answer 1

You can do this with the Summary Statistics (Analysis) tool. The case field parameter is what you use to "dissolve". From the above link:

case_field [case_field,...] (Optional) The fields in the Input Table used to calculate statistics separately for each unique attribute value (or combination of attribute values when multiple fields are specified).

Answer 2

This sounds like you need to look at the Summary Statistics tool which I find to be a bit of a Swiss Army Knife in that it comes with ArcView and can often be used in place of Frequency (that needs ArcInfo) and PULLITEMS (that needs ArcInfo Workstation:-) to reorder fields.

Answer 3

The Dissolve_management tool works on tables as well as feature classes.