DIM 4.0 Technical Discussion

Monday : 1:00pm – 2:30pm

A S U G 2010

Session – T3

A S U G 2010

Session – T3

• What is the Data Interface Module (DIM)?▫ exchange of data between ASI and other systems

• How does it interact with other systems?▫ web service API’s▫ exchange of files▫ direct exchange data with database tables and

views• What other campus systems?

▫ dining▫ maintenance▫ card access

• Why the change to Adobe Flex?

Introduction

A S U G 2010

Session – T3

•Current DIM is a Microsoft Windows app▫requires a Windows server and is always

running•Platform independent•Complete redesign into an open

architecture▫no “black box”

•Ability to add many new features•Power users can add virtually unlimited

functionality with customization

Switching to Adobe Flex

A S U G 2010

Session – T3

•Imports, exports, etc. are enacted by ColdFusion files that contain code to perform an action▫files run by CF Scheduler or launched by

an app•DIM is now a tool to create those files

(Actions)▫configure CF Scheduler settings within

DIM▫parameters used to build Action stored in

DIM database can therefore rebuild Action file any time

DIM Overview

Actions – cfc filesA S U G

2010Session – T3

•ColdFusion code is set of instructions for moving data and performing other tasks▫stored as a .cfc file on web server▫import/export based on any criteria and

any business logic▫send email notifications

mail merge▫email reports▫perform any function that CF can handle

•cfc file is available to your IT staff▫can be edited▫infinite possibilities

Import ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

• an xml file defines what data can be imported and how▫ name of table and primary keys▫ fields that can be imported into▫ table for importing data into custom fields▫ related tables for ID fields

• DIM screen for creating the Action▫ set external datasource▫ match external fields to internal fields▫ notify upon error or completion

• cfc file created by DIM▫ all ColdFusion code to run import▫ indents and comments included in generated file

Report ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

• Send an email based on a previously saved report

• Email data to a group of staff members or faculty▫ report data included in email body▫ report data attached as a file▫ schedule weekly reports

• Email a mail-merge letter to everyone listed in report▫ based on previously saved mail-merge template▫ specify the data field in the report holding the

email address▫ also copy the letter to a group of staff members

or faculty▫ filter criteria in report determines who is

included

Trigger ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

• An xml file defines what events can trigger an Action▫ list of parameters being passed into function▫ table and primary keys for affected data

• DIM screen for creating the Action▫ set conditions for running the Action

based on how data is being changed▫ send notification or update data when event is

triggered mail-merge letter to person involved

• cfc file created by DIM▫ all ColdFusion code to run notification or update▫ indents and comments included in generated file

Launcher ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

•One Action that launches multiple Actions

•Set the order of Actions to be run•Error management in case one Action in

list fails

Export ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

• Data to be exported is pre-configured in saved reports▫ reports can include sophisticated database functions

• Export Options▫ web services API’s▫ delimited or fixed-width text files▫ direct to database tables▫ scheduled, real-time, on-demand

• Examples▫ room and dining fees▫ prorated room change credits and fees▫ room assignments to card access system▫ damage billing fees▫ dining points total to dining system▫ work orders to external work order system▫ parking tickets

Update ActionA S U G

2010Session – T3

•Schedule the updating of data based on criteria▫use a previously saved report

•Examples▫1st year students who have selected

rooms but no dining plan at a set time, automatically assign a dining

plan to them▫automatically flag a Probation sanction

as complete once the sanction due date has been reached

Questions & AnswersA S U G

2010Session – T3

Now’s your

chance!