Selecting items from the Data Dictionary
The Data Dictionary Lookup dialog is used to select a data item to be referenced on a business rule.
The dialog acts as a menu or selection system. It displays a list of valid options, based on the Event Profile and Rule Set details. When you select an option from the list, another list of more detailed options may appear. You must keep selecting options until you reach the bottom of the hierarchy and can choose the data item you require.
To select an item, or display the next level of options available, click on an option in the list and click .
Understanding the Data Dictionary
Business rules contain a series of condition and action statements. A statement contains some, or all of the following fields: Command, Value 1, Operator and Value 2.
For example:
| Command | Value 1 | Operator | Value 2 |
| IF | Function Code | = | Sales Order Entry |
| IF | Transaction Date | > | Due Date |
| SET | Description | Address Line 1 |
The contents of the Value 1 and Value 2 fields can be selected from lists provided by the data dictionary.
Value 2 can also be entered manually as a literal value. For example,
IF Account Code = 64000.
The data dictionary groups all of the possible field values into logical groups, for example by record type and system function. It lists the options that are available to you on a series of selection dialogs. These enable you to step down through the various levels in the dictionary hierarchy to find the item you require.
The selection lists are dynamic and reflect the statements and choices you have already made in the Event Profile or Rule Set. For example, if the Event Profile references the Ledger Entry function, then you are only able to define rules that reference data items that exist on a ledger entry transaction or related static data items. In addition, because a ledger entry transaction contains a very large amount of data, the data items are divided into logical selection groups, for example for journal header, journal line and journal control data items.
The data item hierarchy
The data dictionary groups the valid selection options into the following main categories:
- Rule Common Fields - this group lists data items that may be required regardless of the system function.
- Function Data Hierarchy - this group lists the data items available for the chosen system function, and any redefined data items.
- Rule Data Sets - this group lists any rule data sets that have been defined.
- Work Space Area - this group lists all of the work space data areas that are available, regardless of whether or not the work space area is used in the rule set.
You can then choose a group and step down through the various levels and options available within this.