4 Introduction to Batch Import and Export Programs

This chapter includes this topic:

Section 4.1, "Batch Import and Export Programs Overview"

4.1 Batch Import and Export Programs Overview

You use batch import and export programs to facilitate the sharing of data between JD Edwards EnterpriseOne systems and external software systems. There are several different kinds of batch processes used by the EnterpriseOne system to import and export data. These include:

Electronic Data Interface (EDI) programs
Interoperability programs
Temporary table batch programs

4.1.1 EDI Programs

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the paperless, computer to computer exchange of business transactions, such as purchase orders and invoices, in a standard format with standard content. As such, it is an important part of an electronic commerce strategy.

Electronic commerce is a means to extend business processes to include suppliers, customers, and employees in a fully integrated supply chain. It can yield shorter cycle times, more efficient inventory management, and better knowledge sharing throughout the extended enterprise. To see these benefits, you need an integrated enterprise application system that you can extend and customize for the supply chain, while still maintaining enterprise information integrity.

EDI is a crucial part of business to business commerce. When computers exchange data using EDI, the data is transmitted in EDI Standard format so that it is recognizable by other systems using the same EDI Standard format. Companies who use EDI have their own translator software package to convert the data from the EDI Standard format to their computer system's format. Companies that exchange EDI data are called trading partners.

4.1.2 Interoperability Programs

To fully cover the information requirements of an enterprise, companies sometimes use products from different software and hardware providers. Interoperability among different products is important to successfully implementing the enterprise solution. Full interoperability among different systems results in a flow of data that is seamless to the user. The interoperability function provides an interface that facilitates exchanging transactions, both inbound and outbound, with external systems.

Interoperability for inbound transactions consists of these processes:

External systems send information to the interface tables using either an external program or flat files and the Inbound Flat File Conversion program. The party sending the information is responsible for conforming to format and other requirements for the interface tables.
You run a transaction process (a batch program) that validates the data, updates valid data to the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne application tables, and sends action messages about incorrect data to the Work Center.
You use an inquiry function to interactively review and revise the incorrect data, and then run the transaction process again. You repeat this step as often as needed to correct errors.

Interoperability for outbound transactions loads data into tables for third-party consumption. The data is loaded into the tables by applications and processes that add or modify data within EnterpriseOne. Interoperability for outbound transactions requires that you set a processing option specifying a transaction type. Additionally, some entry programs enable you to specify a version of the Master Business Function Processing Options program that, in turn, enables you to specify a version of the Interoperability Processing Options program. This is useful if you need to create a personal version of the Interoperability Processing Options program to designate different transaction types.

4.1.3 Temporary Table Batch Processing

Many product areas in the EnterpriseOne software system use batch programs to import data into, or export data from, the EnterpriseOne database. These programs either write data into, or retrieve data from temporary tables, which are often referred to as Z tables because the table IDs end with Z. These Z tables store the imported or exported data so it can be reviewed, and if necessary, manipulated, before being used by the target system.

The temporary table batch import and export programs function like any other EnterpriseOne batch program, with regard to copying, versioning, processing options, data selection, and processing.