Define Input External File Template

Explanation

Use this activity to define specific file template data for input files. A file template can be referred to when interpreting an input file only if data has been defined in the Input Files tab in the External File Template window.

The following input options are available:

• File Unpack Options
  These options defines how to handle read lines that are considered as invalid or as lines to be skipped.
• Processing Options
  Defines how to handle blanks during the processing.
• File Name-Path Options
  Defines default input file, input paths and backup options.
• Remove Transaction Options
  Defines how to handle automatic removal of stored external file transactions that are associated with the file template.
  The job that performs the removal must be started via the External File Assistant.
• Record Handling Options
  Defines handling of record sets in the input file.
• Input interface
  The is the name of the interface that is executed after the unpack step in order to transfer the read input file data to the dedicated external interface.

Prerequisites

A file template must exist to be able to supply input file options. It is possible to add or modify input file options also for system defined file templates.

System Effects

When the options for input files have been supplied then the template is defined as an input template. To be able to use the template please make sure to first handle the following:

• Define file template control instructions for input files if necessary.
• Make sure that the template definition is valid.
• Mark the file template as active.

Window

External File Template

Related Window Descriptions

External File Template
External File Template - Input Files

Procedure

1. Go to the Input Files tab in the External File Template window.
2. Click New.
3. Specify File Unpack Options if the default suggestion is not accurate.
4. Specify Processing Options if necessary.
5. Specify File Name-Path Options. These options are useful if e.g. the same file path and file name always should be suggested when using the file template.
6. Specify Remove Transaction Options if it is required to remove the stored input file transactions after a specific number of days.
7. Specify Record Handling Options if necessary.
8. If an input interface is defined for the file type that the file template is associated with then this interface will be suggested in the Api To Call field. This is the interface that should be called during the Process External Input File process.
9. Click Save to store that input file options.