26 Integration

Overview

Use the Unifier integration feature to import data from an external data source, such as a business management system or text file, into Unifier. You can also export information from Unifier to an external data source, such as an accounting system database.

Bulk Edit Requirements

You must create an integration interface for the bulk edit feature.

Bulk edit works only on fields in the action form, also known as the upper form, for the current workflow step.

You cannot use bulk edit for the following items:

  • Auto-populated fields
  • Fields in a dynamic data set
  • Read-only fields
  • Fields from line items
  • System-defined fields, such as record number, status, or due date

Supported Components

The integration feature supports the following components:

  • Cost BPs
  • Line item BPs
  • Simple BPs
  • Text BPs
  • Document BPs and documents
  • Code- and Records-based configurable manager classes
  • Planning Manager planning items
  • Shell Manager shells
  • User Administration

Integration Methods

Unifier supports two integration methods:
  • CSV or Microsoft Excel files
  • Oracle Primavera Web Services

CSV or Excel Files

Use CSV or Excel files from the Unifier interface for bulk loading data into the application. This method creates business process (BP) records and line items. It also helps you convert legacy data into forms.

Web Services

Use Web Services outside of Unifier to exchange information with other applications, such as a third-party accounting system that exchanges cost information with Unifier on a regular basis.

To use Web Services, customers must know XML and the GET, CREATE, and UPDATE calls. These XML calls can do the following:

  • Create records and line items by using data from an external database.
  • Update upper form information on demand.
  • Retrieve information for use in an external application.

For more information about Web Services integration, see the Unifier Integration Interface Guide. Coordinate XML integration through Web Services with Oracle Support.

Integration Interface

To use either integration method, create an integration interface in uDesigner. The interface defines the fields in the Unifier forms that you want to create and populate.

For CSV or Excel, the interface becomes a template that users can use to enter data. After users enter data into the template, they must import the template back into Unifier to create and populate specific upper or detail forms.

For Web Services, the interface validates the data that is imported into Unifier. For example, the interface verifies that all required fields are present and that the pull-down lists contain the correct information.

In uDesigner, the interface design includes upper and detail forms, like BP design. The upper form of an integration interface collects upper form information for a BP or attribute form. The detail form collects line item information.

In uDesigner, you can create the integration interface for a BP or another component, such as a planning item, when you create the component itself.