Define Import Specifications - the Operation Templates Tab

On this tab you can define new operation templates or edit existing templates.

You can also view a list of available operations that can be used to form operation templates. You can select an operation by double-clicking an operation from the available list. Many operations also require arguments. Depending on whether or not an operation requires arguments, a dialog box appears or the operation appears among the selected operations. You can sort the selected operations into the order in which you want them to be performed.

An operation template consists of one or more operations to be carried out one after the other. The operation template name must begin with an underscore (_). The initial value in the chain can be a value from the text file stored in a field, temporary field or variable. The result of the process, using an operation template, will be stored in the field, temporary field or variable, to which the operation template is connected.

Procedure

  1. On the Transfer menu, click External Data/Define Import Specification. The Define Import Specification window opens.
  2. In the Specification list box, select the specification you want to change, or click the New button and enter a new name and press Enter.
  3. On the Operation Templates tab, click the New Operation Template button to add a new operation template. In the dialog box that opens, enter the name of the new template starting with "_" and click OK. The new template is displayed in the Operation Templates list box.
  4. Enter a description of the operation template in the Description list box.
  5. In the Available Operations list box, double-click the operation you want to add to the template. Some operations are added directly to the list. Others open the Arguments dialog box, where you enter the relevant arguments for that operation and then click OK to add the operation to the list of selected operations. Add the relevant operations to the operation template.
  6. In the Selected Operations list box, use the drag and drop method to move the operations to the order you want them to be performed. Select the operation you want to move, put the cursor to the left of the name and drag it.
  7. Click Save and open the Variables tab.