Generating an Excel scenario file

You generate an Excel scenario file for use in Rule Designer and in Decision Center.

About this task

To use the Excel format for your scenario files, you must first generate a template file that contains the correct columns with no data. Having the correct columns ensures that the modifications you make in the BOM to validate the project or decision operation (see Validating the project) display correctly in the Excel scenario file, for use in Rule Designer and in Decision Center.

An Excel scenario file contains different sheets:

The input data required in the Scenarios sheet and any data entry sheets.
Any tests you want to include in the Expected Results sheet.
Any tests you want to include in the Expected Execution Details sheet.

When you specify which tests to include as Expected Results and Expected Execution Details, you select the element and the operator, for example the age of the customer and is greater than. You can add another test on the same element by clicking the plus sign on the corresponding row.

If you do not select any tests, your scenario file only contains the sheets required to complete the scenarios, which is the case when running simulations.

After validating your rule project or decision operation, generate an Excel scenario file as follows:

Procedure

In the Rule Explorer, right-click the rule project, and click Decision Validation Services > Generate Excel Scenario File Template.
Make sure the rule project or decision operation selected is the one you intend to use for the tests, and then click Next.
Select the version of Excel, 2003 or 2007–2010 for rule projects, and 2007-2010 for decision operations.
Select the format:
- Default Excel Format: The default flat format.
- Default Excel Tabbed Format: The default tabbed format.
- Custom Excel Format: A format that uses the Excel scenario provider class or that inherits from it.
Note: Only the Tabbed format is available for decision operations. If you choose a custom format, you must specify the DVS Project (DVS Projects) and the DVS format (DVS formats) used to create the custom format.
In the Excel Scenario File Name field, click Browse to select the project where you want to save the Excel scenario file, enter a name in the File name field, and then click Next.
On the Expected Results page, select the tests and operator to include in the Expected Results sheet, and then click Next or Finish.
Optional: On the Expected Execution Details page, click Add and select which expected execution details to include and the operator to use.
Note:
The format determines the list of available execution details. For more information, see DVS formats.
Click Finish.

Results

The process generates the Excel scenario file in the project that you selected. You can now populate your Excel scenario file with scenario data, and then use the Excel scenario file in Rule Designer or in Decision Center.

Note:

If the Excel scenario file does not show in the project, right-click the project, and click Refresh.