A data element combines a data definition with a field label to become what users see on forms in Primavera Unifier. A data element (field) can be a text box, where the user types in information; a pull-down menu of choices, such as dates or names; radio buttons, where the user must select one of the options presented; or a check box, where the user has the option of choosing something or not. Data elements can also be read-only fields containing auto-populated or default data.
When creating a data element, you are defining the name and form label only—the element is essentially a container that will not contain values until they are entered by users in Primavera Unifier.
Using Primavera uDesigner, you can create a “dictionary” of elements that can be re-used on multiple forms for different purposes.
Note: Be sure you plan your form design in detail before creating the elements. Once you have used a data element on a form, we recommend you do not change the data definition for the element.
Tip: Keep in mind that the purpose of the data structure
you are creating is to re-use
data elements throughout the life of many business processes, managers,
shells, or other components of Primavera Unifier. A piece of data (a field) from
one form can be presented in many different places in the Primavera Unifier interface—for
example, on multiple business process forms, on a report, or on a cost,
scheduling, or planning sheet.
Be conservative about the number of data elements
you need, and be as generic as possible about naming them. Too many elements
can be confusing to users and can decrease your efficiency in designing
business processes. If you need a data element for a unique purpose, identify
that purpose in the name you give the element. This will make it easily
recognizable and distinguish it from other, similar data elements.
Oracle Primavera has provided a number of data elements for
your use in designing forms. You can add other data elements of your own
if you need them. For a list of the data elements provided by Oracle Primavera, see
the chapter on data elements in the Primavera Unifier
and Primavera uDesigner Reference Guide. Before you begin creating data elements,
review this list of elements that already accompany the product; it will
help you understand their function, and it may save you the effort of
creating new elements you might not need.
Oracle Corporation
Primavera Unifier 9.10 • Copyright © 1998, 2012, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.