Understanding Data Generation

In BI Publisher, the data extraction is separate for the data presentation. Sample data can be used to design your RTF template and map your PDF templates. The data schema file is an XML Schema Definition (XSD) file that defines the structure and elements in the extracted XML. Data schema was used in previous releases for the bursting feature and is still available for backwards compatibility and bursting. If PeopleSoft queries are used for data extraction, the system will generate the schema; for all other data sources, you must create the data schema using tools outside of the PeopleSoft system. Schemas are also used for data transformation.

See Using Data Transform.

BI Publisher can register PS/Query, Connected Query, XML, and Composite Query files as a data source, but you can generate XML data using any means including PS/Query, SQR, Application Engine, PeopleCode, File Layout, and so forth.

For RTF template-based reports, design your data source XML structure using groupings that resemble the groupings needed for the output report. This improves runtime performance by preventing unnecessary grouping by the formatting engine.