Callouts from a database on a sheet?

[Brooklyn]

I would like to systematize the callouts on my construction drawings. A friend using AutoCAD set up such a system and I'l like to adopt something like it.

Instead of the descriptive callout, I want to use a number, like "01.2.5", which is the first column on a DB on the sheet. The second column will have the descriptions of the materials, etc. corresponding to each numerical entry. That way the callouts are short, and are keyed back to the DB for elaboration.

How can I do this? I've read my Architect Training Handbook and the help files and can't seem to find a way to specifically do this. Perhaps I'm overlooking something; it often happens!

Using VW 2008 SP3 for Mac.

Thanks.