Getting case data from an external data source

For example, you might have a database that contains detailed customer records. When a case worker enters a customer’s serial number, the external data service can get the name and address of the customer from that database. These values are then incorporated into the case data and stored in Content Platform Engine.

In addition to getting property values, you can use an external data source to modify property attributes such as minimum value or maximum value. The external data service must work within any constraints placed on the property attributes in Content Platform Engine. For example, if a minimum value is specified for the property in Content Platform Engine, the external data service cannot make the setting less restrictive. That is, the service can set the minimum only to a larger value. It cannot decrease the minimum value.

You can also use the external data service to define dependencies between properties. By using this feature, you can implement dynamic behavior in your solution. For example, you might specify a dependency between a state property and a city property. When a case worker selects a state, the choice list that is associated with the city property contains only cities that are in that state.