Defining an alias

About this task

You can use the Mapping area to define descriptive values for hard to remember index values or aliases for index values that you don't want to externalize. The descriptive values or aliases are called displayed values. The index values are called database values. Content Manager OnDemand extracts the index value from the source data and stores it in each row that is added to the database. By default, Content Manager OnDemand lists the displayed values in a search field. Users can select one of the displayed values to construct a query.

For example, suppose that the source data contains a field with values that represent standard industry classes. The list of values ranges from 1 to 20. Each row of index data stored in the database contains one of the twenty values. Rather than requiring users to remember the values, you can create an alias for each value.

Procedure

  1. In the Name list, select the field that contains the index values for which you want to create an alias.
  2. In the Database Value field, type the index value contained in the source data. For example, 1 (one). Content Manager OnDemand stores the value in each index record that is added to the database.
  3. In the Displayed Value field, type an alias for the index value. For example, Transportation. Content Manager OnDemand stores the alias with the application group. IBM recommends that you use an alias that is meaningful to your users.
  4. Click Add. Content Manager OnDemand places the values in the Displayed Value/Database Value list.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 to create additional index value aliases for the field.