When you import a record definition from an ODBC table, ECMAP uses an algorithm to find the closest match for the field being imported relative to the specific type of database used.
ECMap checks for the best match, but this is not always a straight one-to-one conversion.
Each vendor’s database is interpreted on a case-by-case basis and is not always interpreted the same way. After a database is converted into ECMap, you should analyze how the database was converted and make adjustments if needed. In some cases, there are some consistent interpretations. For example, an Oracle Date-Time field is converted to a DT field with a time stamp attribute and a TM field.
Importing record definitions from an ODBC database
Choose Application Files>Import Definitions>ODBC from the main menu.
The ODBC Record Definition Import window displays.
Enter the Data Source Name.
or
Select the up arrow and choose a Data Source from the Data Source Names window.
If you have not yet configured the DSN or to reconfigure a previously configured DSN, select Configure Data Source to access the ODBC Data Source Administrator window.
Modify the Driver Connect String, if necessary.
ECMap creates a connect string based on the Data Source Name. Depending upon the database you use, you may need to modify the driver connect string to include a username and password. If you add them, the format of the driver connect string becomes:
DSN=<data source name>;UID=<username>;PWD=<userpassword>.
Select Continue at the bottom of the window.
The Table Selection window displays.
Select a record definition import option:
Add Application Record Only – the imported record definitions are unassociated data objects and are not linked with a file or a directory.
Add Application Record and File Name – the imported record definitions are associated with the File Name on the same line in the bottom section of the window. The program prompts you to define the file before the record definitions are imported. You must:
Define the file type as SQL
Enter a DSN in the Data Source Name text box.
Add Application Record, File Name, and Location – the imported record definitions are associated with the File Name on the same line in the bottom section of the window, and the File Name is associated with the Application File Directory. You must
Enter the name of the application file directory associated with the file name and record definitions
Define the file type as Sequential (Fixed-Length) or Delimited
Enter a directory path in the Application File Directory text box.
On the top right section of the Table Selection window, the following information is entered:
The program automatically enters the Data Source Name, or DSN, of the ODBC database from which the record definitions are being imported. This name cannot be changed.
The Application File Directory specifies the location of the application data that is interpreted using the imported record definition. It is the name of the directory that is associated with the File Name and Record Name when you choose the option to perform this association.
Select each record (Table Name) that contains the definition you want to import.
When you have finished selecting the records, select OK to return to the main ECMap window. A message box appears, saying “Record Definition Imported”.
