Complex Data Types

Operators with the proper entitlements can create new complex and value group data types using the Data Dictionary Editor. When these data types are checked in, they are available from the Data Dictionary View in the XTRAC Process Designer so they can be used in process models and diagrams.

Party data is supported in XTRAC Process Management and can be mapped to party data in XTRAC Workflow. The party data is created by an XTRAC Administrator and cannot be created or modified by users who do not have administration privileges.

Create a New Complex Data Type

A complex data type is configured with multiple simple data or complex data types. For example, a complex data type called "EmployeeInfo" might include simple data types for first name, last name, employee number, and hire date. When you double-click a complex data type in data dictionary editor, it displays a list of the simple data types contained within the complex data type and opens a new tab in the left pane with configuration details.

1.

Click the New menu drop down and select Complex Type.

A data type with the default name, "NewData1", is displayed in the right pane. Each time you select New > Complex Type, the number in the default name is incremented by one (NewData2, NewData3, and so on).

2.

In the Name text box, enter a name for the new data type (up to 50 characters).

Note: Complex data types do not allow special characters in name except underscore to represent spaces. For purposes of matching, the system will match complex data object names with underscores to field names with spaces. Spaces and special characters are not allowed in the name. The name is updated in the left pane and in the tab label as you type in the text box.

3.

In the Description text box, enter a description up to 256 characters (such as the purpose of this data type).

Note: A carriage return counts as a character.

4.

In the Attributes field, add attributes to this complex data type container.

Attributes are existing simple and complex data types that reside in the Data Dictionary View. You can add these simple and complex data types to the new complex data type you are creating.

5.

In the Attributes field, click New.

An asterisk appears in the Attributes grid to indicated that changes have not been saved, and the Attribute Details field appears.

6.

In the Attribute Details field, select Simple or Complex to add that type of attribute to the new complex data type you are creating.

A drop-down list labeled Simple Type or Complex Type appears, depending on the attribute type you selected. The drop-down list displays the simple or complex data types available in the Data Dictionary View.

7.

From the drop-down list, select the data attribute you want to add.

8.

From the Name drop-down list, select an existing simple data type from the Data Dictionary.

The Name, Data Type, and Description fields appear. The name of the data type you selected is displayed in the Name field and in the Attributes grid to the left. The Data Type field displays the type of data you selected. The Data Type field cannot be edited. The Description field displays any description that may have been saved with the selected data type. The Description field cannot be edited.

9.

Click Save.

Note: Saving does not make the new complex data type available in the Data Dictionary View. The new complex data type will not be available until you check it in.

10.

Repeat these steps to add more attributes as needed.

11.

Click Check In to add the new complex data type to the Data Dictionary View.

Note: If the data object name matches the name of a field from an associated master work item, it will automatically map an association between the data object and the field.