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

  1. In the Rule Explorer, right-click the rule project, and click Testing and simulation > Generate Excel Scenario File Template.
  2. Make sure the rule project or decision operation selected is the one you intend to use for the tests, and then click Next.
  3. Select the version of Excel.
  4. Use the default tabbed format: Default Excel Tabbed Format. It is the only available format when you work with decision services and decision operations.
  5. 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.
  6. On the Expected Results page, select the tests and operators to include in the Expected Results sheet, and then click Next or Finish.
  7. Optional: On the Expected Execution Details page, click Add and select which expected execution details to include and the operator to use.
  8. 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.