The Create Flow function works very well when the input is a sequential file and the record types match the EDI sequence. ECMap automatically creates and assigns rules and defines level numbers based on the map segment information and the element field mapping. Based on the type of outbound flow entry being added (Child/Sibling), ECMap automatically populates the information used for switching levels and most of the information about the Parent record. However, you must populate the match field if you checked the Multiple Files option.
Outbound flow basically gives the looping structure of the data. When you generate this structure automatically, ECMap uses the looping structure in the Standard for the basic definition of the flow. However, this basic definition does not necessarily reflect the looping structure in the application data for this particular map.
Since ECMap does not inherently know information such as which records are the parents of which other record or which records repeat, you may need to make some adjustments to the flow after it is created. In particular, you may need to change the depth of the first segments in loops. The first segment of any loop has a non-zero depth. Unless the application data dictates that a level change should take place at this segment (such as when you change from a header segment to a detail segment that starts a loop), you need to change the depth to zero. Level transitions can be points at which data must be written, but they can also be points to which the program must return but where data is not written.
Automatically creating
outbound map flow
Choose Build>Map Flow from the main menu.
The Outbound Map Flow window displays.
Choose File>Create Flow.
ECMap creates the basic map flow. It enters information in the five text boxes at the bottom of the window and displays the map flow (in outline form) on the window.
The automatic outbound option creates flow, records,
and read rules according to the levels in the Segment Table. Occasionally,
there may be problems with loops such as “LS” and “LE” segments
where manual adjustments need to be made to the outbound generated
flow. The Outbound Flow should be considered as a tool to give you
a head start when working with reading sequential files. Note that
the automatic outbound flow is not to be used when reading XML or
ODBC files.
