Uses of Flat File Definition tool

The FFD tool provides flat file messaging support in Infor Enterprise Collaborator for receiving, processing, and sending flat file messages from both designtime and runtime perspective. EC manages both inbound and outbound flat file messages using flat file definitions created in Flat File Definition tool.

Here are two common scenarios:

Inbound messages (to M3):

  • M3 Business Engine receives a flat file message through EC runtime. Received message contains partner data.

  • The received message is processed and you can set to send a reply back to the sender. Sent replies are in XML or flat file format.

Outbound messages (from M3):

  • M3 Business Engine generates a flat file message and sends it to a partner through EC runtime.

  • The execution of programs in M3 results in the message being sent from EC.