Process an Extract Request

An Extract Request is run in several steps. The steps differ slightly if you schedule the Extract to run later, rather than immediately, as explained in this topic.

Note: You might encounter a logon prompt during processing, depending on how Optim™ is configured at your site. For information about the DB Alias Connection Logon dialog and the Optim Directory Connection Logon dialog, see the Common Elements Manual.

Validate the Access Definition

Optim validates the specifications in the Access Definition. If the Access Definition is valid, processing continues. If the Access Definition is invalid, processing proceeds as follows:

  • If the Extract Process is scheduled, the Stop on Error parameter on the Steps tab of the Job Details dialog determines whether processing continues.
  • If the Extract Process is run immediately, Optim displays an error message and processing stops.

Locate the Extract file

Optim locates the Extract File. If the file does not exist, Optim creates it. If the Extract File does exist, processing proceeds as follows:

  • If the Extract Process is scheduled, processing continues. The file is overwritten.
  • If the Extract Process is run immediately, a dialog prompts you to confirm that the data in the file is to be overwritten. To disable this feature, use Personal Options.

Validate variable value

Optim checks whether variables are defined in the Access Definition and, if so, verifies that valid values are provided for each variable.

  • If valid values are provided, processing continues.
  • If invalid values are provided (for example, the data type, size, or resulting SQL syntax is invalid), processing stops and errors are recorded on the Process Report.
  • If values are missing or the check box that is labeled Always Prompt for Values at Run Time is selected on the Variables tab, processing proceeds as follows:
    • If the Extract Process is scheduled, processing stops and errors are recorded on the Process Report.
    • If the Extract Process is run immediately, the Extract File Variable Values dialog is displayed. Enter values for variables, as required, to continue processing.

Validate Point and Shoot

If a Point and Shoot list is specified, Optim verifies that the rows are valid.

  • If the rows in the Point and Shoot list are valid, processing continues.
  • If a Point and Shoot list file is specified and cannot be found, processing stops.
  • If the rows in a Point and Shoot list are invalid or missing, or primary key values in the file do not exist in the Start Table, processing proceeds as follows:
    • If the Extract Process is scheduled, the Stop on Error parameter you specified on the Steps tab of the Job Details dialog determines whether processing continues.
    • If the Extract Process is run immediately, you are prompted to specify how to proceed. You can select to continue processing the Extract without using the Point and Shoot list, or select to cancel the Extract.

Extract data and generate a process report

Optim performs the Extract for each table that is listed in the Access Definition and generates an Extract Process Report.

  • If the Extract Process is scheduled, the process proceeds when scheduled and the report is saved to a file. Open and print the process report from the Scheduler after the Extract completes.
  • If the Extract Process is run immediately, the Extract Request Progress dialog displays a status message as rows of data are extracted from each table. The process report displays automatically when the Extract completes. Review and print the report, as required.