Creating the System Import Map

For outbound translation, you must set up a system import map and an import map. Generally, you create one system import map for each document type, and set up an import map for each partner you are sending documents to.

A system import map is used by the system to find the partner relationship for a document (flat file definition), to determine which import map is used to translate the data. The system import map builds the key that the translator uses to find the partner relationship. The sole function of the system import map is to identify the appropriate partner relationship; the system import map does not map any data.

Use this procedure to create the system import map.

  1. Select File > New.

    The system displays the New Map Wizard.

  2. From the "What of map" list, select System Import Header.
  3. In the "What is the name of the form" box, enter one of the following:
    • HEADER (for ANSI X12)
    • HEADER (for EDIFACT)
    • HEADER_T (for TRADACOMS

    The system adds the .MAP extension.

  4. Verify that your name appears correctly in the "What is your name" box. and click Next.

    The system displays the New Map Wizard - Input Format dialog box.

    Note: You need to complete the format of the Input side of the map. This is the format of the data that is translated by the Sterling Gentran:Server® system.
  5. To create a new data format (for the input side) using this syntax list, select Positional and click Next.

    The system displays the New Map Wizard - Output Format dialog box.

  6. To create a new data format (for the output side) using this syntax list, select Positional and click Next.
  7. Click Finish to create the new map (this may take a few seconds).

    The system displays the new map in the Application Integration Window.

  8. Select Edit > Details.

    The system displays the Translation Object Details dialog box.

  9. In the Description field, type System Import HDR. We recommend that you use the format System Import*, where * is the identifier for this system import map. The Imports tab of the System Configuration program describes which system import translation object will be used to begin translation during the import process.
  10. Complete the Major and Minor fields to designate a version number for this translation object. Type 1 as the version number in the Major field and accept the 0 as the release number in the Minor field.
    Note: Whenever any major changes are made to your map, increase the version to the next real number (for example, 2.0, 3.0). If you make a minor change to the map, increase the version by a decimal (for example, 2.1, 2.2).
  11. Click OK to save the translation object details.
  12. Select File > Save.
  13. Verify that the File name box contains Header.map (for ANSI X12 and EDIFACT) or Header_t.map (for TRADACOMS).
  14. Click Save to save the map.
    Note: After you complete each section of this tutorial or when you make any changes to the map, you should save the map.