Informatica PowerCenter 9.6.1 Workflow Basics Guide (English) PC 961 En

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Informatica PowerCenter (Version 9.6.1)

Workflow Basics Guide

Informatica PowerCenter Workflow Basics Guide
Version 9.6.1
June 2014
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Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica My Support Portal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica Web Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica How-To Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Informatica Knowledge Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Informatica Support YouTube Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Informatica Marketplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Informatica Velocity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Informatica Global Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Workflow Manager Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Workflow Manager Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Workflow Manager Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Workflow Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Workflow Manager Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Setting the Date/Time Display Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Removing an Integration Service from the Workflow Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Workflow Manager Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Format Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Miscellaneous Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Enhanced Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Page Setup Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Navigating the Workspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Customizing Workflow Manager Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using Toolbars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Searching for Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Arranging Objects in the Workspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Zooming the Workspace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Working with Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Viewing Object Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Entering Descriptions for Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Renaming Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Checking In and Out Versioned Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Checking In Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Viewing and Comparing Versioned Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Searching for Versioned Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Table of Contents

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Copying Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Copying Sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Copying Workflow Segments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Comparing Repository Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Comparing Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Metadata Extensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Creating a Metadata Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Editing a Metadata Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Deleting a Metadata Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Expression Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Validating Expressions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Expression Editor Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Keyboard Shortcuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Workflows Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Creating a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Creating a Workflow Manually. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Creating a Workflow Automatically. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adding Tasks to Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Deleting a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the Workflow Wizard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Step 1. Assign a Name and Integration Service to the Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Step 2. Create a Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Step 3. Schedule a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Assigning an Integration Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Assigning a Service from the Workflow Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Assigning a Service from the Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Workflow Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Viewing a Workflow Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Working with Worklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Suspending Worklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Developing a Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating a Reusable Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating a Non-Reusable Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Configuring Worklet Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Adding Tasks in Worklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Nesting Worklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Workflow Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Linking Two Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Linking Tasks Concurrently. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Linking Tasks Sequentially. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Creating Link Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Viewing Links in a Workflow or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Deleting Links in a Workflow or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter 3: Sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Sessions Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Session Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Creating a Session Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Editing a Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Applying Attributes to All Instances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Performance Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Configuring Performance Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Pre- and Post-Session Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Pre- and Post-Session SQL Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using Pre- and Post-Session Shell Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chapter 4: Session Configuration Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Session Configuration Object Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Configuration Object and Config Object Tab Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Advanced Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Log Options Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Error Handling Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Partitioning Options Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Session on Grid Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Creating a Session Configuration Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Configuring a Session to Use a Session Configuration Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Chapter 5: Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Tasks Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Creating a Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Creating a Task in the Task Developer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Creating a Task in the Workflow or Worklet Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Configuring Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Reusable Workflow Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
AND or OR Input Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Disabling Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Failing Parent Workflow or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Working with the Assignment Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Command Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Using Parameters and Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Assigning Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Creating a Command Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Executing Commands in the Command Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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iii

Log Files and Command Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Control Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Creating a Control Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Working with the Decision Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Working with the Event Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Example of User-Defined Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Event-Raise Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Event-Wait Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Timer Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Creating a Timer Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Chapter 6: Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Sources Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Globalization Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Source Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Allocating Buffer Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Partitioning Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Configuring Sources in a Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Configuring Readers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Configuring Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Configuring Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Working with Relational Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Selecting the Source Database Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Defining the Treat Source Rows As Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
SQL Query Override. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Configuring the Table Owner Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Overriding the Source Table Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Working with File Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Configuring Source Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Configuring Commands for File Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Configuring Fixed-Width File Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Configuring Delimited File Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Configuring Line Sequential Buffer Length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Integration Service Handling for File Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Character Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Multibyte Character Error Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Null Character Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Row Length Handling for Fixed-Width Flat Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Numeric Data Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Working with XML Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Server Handling for XML Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Using a File List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Creating the File List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

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Configuring a Session to Use a File List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 7: Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Targets Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Globalization Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Target Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Partitioning Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Configuring Targets in a Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Configuring Writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Configuring Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Configuring Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Performing a Test Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Configuring a Test Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Working with Relational Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Target Database Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Target Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Target Table Truncation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Truncating a Target Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Deadlock Retry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Dropping and Recreating Indexes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Constraint-Based Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Bulk Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Table Name Prefix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Target Table Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Reserved Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Working with Target Connection Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Working with Active Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Working with File Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Configuring Target Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Configuring Commands for File Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Configuring Fixed-Width Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Configuring Delimited Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Integration Service Handling for File Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Writing to Fixed-Width Flat Files with Relational Target Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Writing to Fixed-Width Files with Flat File Target Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Generating Flat File Targets By Transaction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Writing Empty Fields for Unconnected Ports in Fixed-Width File Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Writing Multibyte Data to Fixed-Width Flat Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Null Characters in Fixed-Width Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Character Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Writing Metadata to Flat File Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Working with XML Targets in a Session. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Integration Service Handling for XML Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

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Character Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Special Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Null and Empty Strings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Handling Duplicate Group Rows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
DTD and Schema Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Flushing XML on Commits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
XML Caching Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Session Logs for XML Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Multiple XML Document Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Working with Heterogeneous Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Reject Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Locating Reject Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Reading Reject Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Chapter 8: Connection Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Connection Objects Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Connection Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Database User Names and Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Native Connect Strings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Connection Variable Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Connection Attribute Overrides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Connection Object Code Pages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
SSL Authentication Certificate Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Generate Client Certificate and Private Key Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Converting Certificate Files from Other Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Adding Certificates to the Trust Certificates File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Connection Object Permissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Environment SQL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Connection Environment SQL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Transaction Environment SQL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Guidelines for Configuring Environment SQL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Database Connection Resilience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Relational Database Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Copying a Relational Database Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Relational Database Connection Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
FTP Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
External Loader Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
HTTP Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
PowerChannel Relational Database Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
PowerExchange for Hadoop Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Hadoop HDFS Connection Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
PowerExchange for JMS Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
JNDI Application Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

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JMS Application Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
PowerExchange for MSMQ Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
PowerExchange for Netezza Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
PowerExchange for PeopleSoft Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
PowerExchange for Salesforce Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
SAP R/3 Application Connection for ABAP Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Application Connections for ALE Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Application Connection for BAPI/RFC Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver BI Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
SAP BW OHS Application Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
SAP BW Application Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
PowerExchange for TIBCO Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Connection Properties for TIB/Rendezvous Application Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Connection Properties for TIB/Adapter SDK Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
PowerExchange for Web Services Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
PowerExchange for webMethods Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
webMethods Broker Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
webMethods Integration Server Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
PowerExchange for WebSphere MQ Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Testing a Queue Connection on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Testing a Queue Connection on UNIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Connection Object Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Creating a Connection Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Editing a Connection Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Deleting a Connection Object. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Chapter 9: Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Workflow Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Validating Multiple Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Worklet Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Task Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Session Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Validating Multiple Sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Expression Validation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Chapter 10: Scheduling and Running Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Workflow Schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Scheduling a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Unscheduling a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Creating a Reusable Scheduler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Configuring Scheduler Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

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Editing Scheduler Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Disabling Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Scheduling Workflows During Daylight Savings Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Manually Starting a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Running a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Running a Workflow with Advanced Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Running Part of a Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Running a Task in the Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Chapter 11: Sending Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Sending Email Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Configuring Email on UNIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Verifying rmail on UNIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Verifying rmail on AIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Verifying sendmail on Linux. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Configuring MAPI on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Step 1. Configure a Microsoft Outlook User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Step 2. Configure Logon Network Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Step 3. Create Distribution Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Step 4. Verify the Integration Service Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Configuring SMTP on Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Working with Email Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Using Email Tasks in a Workflow or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Email Address Tips and Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Creating an Email Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Working with Post-Session Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Email Variables and Format Tags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Post-Session Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Sample Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Suspension Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Configuring Suspension Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Using Service Variables to Address Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Tips for Sending Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Chapter 12: Workflow Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Workflow Monitor Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Using the Workflow Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Opening the Workflow Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Connecting to a Repository. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Connecting to an Integration Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Filtering Tasks and Integration Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Opening and Closing Folders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Viewing Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

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Viewing Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Customizing Workflow Monitor Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Configuring General Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Configuring Gantt Chart View Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Configuring Task View Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Configuring Advanced Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Using Workflow Monitor Toolbars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Working with Tasks and Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Opening Previous Workflow Runs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Displaying Previous Workflow Runs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Running a Task, Workflow, or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Recovering a Workflow or Worklet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Restarting a Task or Workflow Without Recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Stopping or Aborting Tasks and Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Scheduling Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Unscheduling Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Session and Workflow Logs in the Workflow Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Viewing History Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Workflow and Task Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Using the Gantt Chart View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Listing Tasks and Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Navigating the Time Window in Gantt Chart View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Zooming the Gantt Chart View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Performing a Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Opening All Folders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Using the Task View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Filtering in Task View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Opening All Folders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Tips for Monitoring Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Chapter 13: Workflow Monitor Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Workflow Monitor Details Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Repository Service Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Integration Service Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Integration Service Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Integration Service Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Repository Folder Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Workflow Run Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Workflow Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Task Progress Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Session Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Worklet Run Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Worklet Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

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Command Task Run Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Session Task Run Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Failure Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Session Task Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Source and Target Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Partition Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Performance Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Viewing Performance Details in the Workflow Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Understanding Performance Counters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Chapter 14: Session and Workflow Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Session and Workflow Logs Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Log Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Log Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Message Severity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Writing Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Passing Session Events to an External Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Log Events Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Searching for Log Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Working with Log Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Writing to Log Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Archiving Log Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Session Log Rollover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Configuring Workflow Log File Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Configuring Session Log File Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Workflow Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Workflow Log Events Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Workflow Log Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Session Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Log Events Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Session Log File Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Tracing Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Log Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Viewing the Log Events Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Viewing an Archived Binary Log File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Viewing a Text Log File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
General Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Properties Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
General Options Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Performance Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Mapping Tab (Transformations View). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

x

Table of Contents

Sources Node. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Targets Node. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Transformations Node. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Mapping Tab (Partitions View). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Components Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Metadata Extensions Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Appendix B: Workflow Properties Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
General Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Properties Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Scheduler Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Edit Scheduler Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Variables Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Events Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

Table of Contents

xi

Preface
The PowerCenter Workflow Basics Guide is written for developers and administrators who are responsible for
creating workflows and sessions, and running workflows. This guide assumes you have knowledge of your
operating systems, relational database concepts, and the database engines, flat files or mainframe system in
your environment. This guide also assumes you are familiar with the interface requirements for your
supporting applications.

Informatica Resources
Informatica My Support Portal
As an Informatica customer, you can access the Informatica My Support Portal at
http://mysupport.informatica.com.
The site contains product information, user group information, newsletters, access to the Informatica
customer support case management system (ATLAS), the Informatica How-To Library, the Informatica
Knowledge Base, Informatica Product Documentation, and access to the Informatica user community.

Informatica Documentation
The Informatica Documentation team takes every effort to create accurate, usable documentation. If you
have questions, comments, or ideas about this documentation, contact the Informatica Documentation team
through email at infa_documentation@informatica.com. We will use your feedback to improve our
documentation. Let us know if we can contact you regarding your comments.
The Documentation team updates documentation as needed. To get the latest documentation for your
product, navigate to Product Documentation from http://mysupport.informatica.com.

Informatica Web Site
You can access the Informatica corporate web site at http://www.informatica.com. The site contains
information about Informatica, its background, upcoming events, and sales offices. You will also find product
and partner information. The services area of the site includes important information about technical support,
training and education, and implementation services.

Informatica How-To Library
As an Informatica customer, you can access the Informatica How-To Library at
http://mysupport.informatica.com. The How-To Library is a collection of resources to help you learn more

xii

about Informatica products and features. It includes articles and interactive demonstrations that provide
solutions to common problems, compare features and behaviors, and guide you through performing specific
real-world tasks.

Informatica Knowledge Base
As an Informatica customer, you can access the Informatica Knowledge Base at
http://mysupport.informatica.com. Use the Knowledge Base to search for documented solutions to known
technical issues about Informatica products. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions,
technical white papers, and technical tips. If you have questions, comments, or ideas about the Knowledge
Base, contact the Informatica Knowledge Base team through email at KB_Feedback@informatica.com.

Informatica Support YouTube Channel
You can access the Informatica Support YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/INFASupport. The
Informatica Support YouTube channel includes videos about solutions that guide you through performing
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contact the Support YouTube team through email at supportvideos@informatica.com or send a tweet to
@INFASupport.

Informatica Marketplace
The Informatica Marketplace is a forum where developers and partners can share solutions that augment,
extend, or enhance data integration implementations. By leveraging any of the hundreds of solutions
available on the Marketplace, you can improve your productivity and speed up time to implementation on
your projects. You can access Informatica Marketplace at http://www.informaticamarketplace.com.

Informatica Velocity
You can access Informatica Velocity at http://mysupport.informatica.com. Developed from the real-world
experience of hundreds of data management projects, Informatica Velocity represents the collective
knowledge of our consultants who have worked with organizations from around the world to plan, develop,
deploy, and maintain successful data management solutions. If you have questions, comments, or ideas
about Informatica Velocity, contact Informatica Professional Services at ips@informatica.com.

Informatica Global Customer Support
You can contact a Customer Support Center by telephone or through the Online Support.
Online Support requires a user name and password. You can request a user name and password at
http://mysupport.informatica.com.
The telephone numbers for Informatica Global Customer Support are available from the Informatica web site
at http://www.informatica.com/us/services-and-training/support-services/global-support-centers/.

Preface

xiii

CHAPTER 1

Workflow Manager
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflow Manager Overview, 1

•

Workflow Manager Options, 3

•

Navigating the Workspace, 7

•

Working with Repository Objects, 10

•

Checking In and Out Versioned Repository Objects, 11

•

Searching for Versioned Objects, 12

•

Copying Repository Objects, 12

•

Comparing Repository Objects, 13

•

Metadata Extensions, 14

•

Expression Editor, 16

•

Keyboard Shortcuts, 17

Workflow Manager Overview
In the Workflow Manager, you define a set of instructions called a workflow to execute mappings you build in
the Designer. Generally, a workflow contains a session and any other task you may want to perform when
you run a session. Tasks can include a session, email notification, or scheduling information. You connect
each task with links in the workflow.
You can also create a worklet in the Workflow Manager. A worklet is an object that groups a set of tasks. A
worklet is similar to a workflow, but without scheduling information. You can run a batch of worklets inside a
workflow.
After you create a workflow, you run the workflow in the Workflow Manager and monitor it in the Workflow
Monitor.

Workflow Manager Options
You can customize the Workflow Manager default options to control the behavior and look of the Workflow
Manager tools. You can also configure options, such as grouping sessions or docking and undocking
windows.

1

Workflow Manager Tools
To create a workflow, you first create tasks such as a session, which contains the mapping you build in the
Designer. You then connect tasks with conditional links to specify the order of execution for the tasks you
created. The Workflow Manager consists of three tools to help you develop a workflow:
•

Task Developer. Use the Task Developer to create tasks you want to run in the workflow.

•

Workflow Designer. Use the Workflow Designer to create a workflow by connecting tasks with links. You
can also create tasks in the Workflow Designer as you develop the workflow.

•

Worklet Designer. Use the Worklet Designer to create a worklet.

Workflow Tasks
You can create the following types of tasks in the Workflow Manager:
•

Assignment. Assigns a value to a workflow variable.

•

Command. Specifies a shell command to run during the workflow.

•

Control. Stops or aborts the workflow.

•

Decision. Specifies a condition to evaluate.

•

Email. Sends email during the workflow.

•

Event-Raise. Notifies the Event-Wait task that an event has occurred.

•

Event-Wait. Waits for an event to occur before executing the next task.

•

Session. Runs a mapping you create in the Designer.

•

Timer. Waits for a timed event to trigger.

Workflow Manager Windows
The Workflow Manager displays the following windows to help you create and organize workflows:
•

Navigator. You can connect to and work in multiple repositories and folders. In the Navigator, the
Workflow Manager displays a red icon over invalid objects.

•

Workspace. You can create, edit, and view tasks, workflows, and worklets.

•

Output. Contains tabs to display different types of output messages. The Output window contains the
following tabs:
- Save. Displays messages when you save a workflow, worklet, or task. The Save tab displays a

validation summary when you save a workflow or a worklet.
- Fetch Log. Displays messages when the Workflow Manager fetches objects from the repository.
- Validate. Displays messages when you validate a workflow, worklet, or task.
- Copy. Displays messages when you copy repository objects.
- Server. Displays messages from the Integration Service.
- Notifications. Displays messages from the Repository Service.
•

Overview. An optional window that lets you easily view large workflows in the workspace. Outlines the
visible area in the workspace and highlights selected objects in color. Click View > Overview Window to
display this window.

You can view a list of open windows and switch from one window to another in the Workflow Manager. To
view the list of open windows, click Window > Windows.
The Workflow Manager also displays a status bar that shows the status of the operation you perform.

2

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

The following figure shows the Workflow Manager windows:

Setting the Date/Time Display Format
The Workflow Manager displays the date and time formats configured in the Windows Control Panel of the
PowerCenter Client machine. To modify the date and time formats, display the Control Panel and open
Regional Settings. Set the date and time formats on the Date and Time tabs.
Note: For the Timer task and schedule settings, the Workflow Manager displays date in short date format and
the time in 24-hour format (HH:mm).

Removing an Integration Service from the Workflow Manager
You can remove an Integration Service from the Navigator. Remove an Integration Service if the Integration
Service no longer exists or if you no longer use that Integration Service. When you remove an Integration
Service with associated workflows, assign another Integration Service to the workflows.
1.

In the Navigator, right-click on the Integration Service you want to remove.

2.

Click Delete.

Workflow Manager Options
You can customize the Workflow Manager default options to control the behavior and look of the Workflow
Manager tools. You can also configure the page setup for the Workflow Manager.
To configure Workflow Manager options, click Tools > Options. You can configure the following options:
•

General. You can configure workspace options, display options, and other general options on the General
tab.

•

Format. You can configure font, color, and other format options on the Format tab.

•

Miscellaneous. You can configure Copy Wizard and Versioning options on the Miscellaneous tab.

•

Advanced. You can configure enhanced security for connection objects in the Advanced tab.

Workflow Manager Options

3

You can also configure the workspace layout for printing.

General Options
General options control tool behavior, such as whether or not a tool retains its view when you close it, how
the Overview window behaves, and where the Workflow Manager stores workspace files.
The following table describes general options you can configure in the Workflow Manager:

4

Option

Description

Reload Tasks/Workflows
When Opening a Folder

Reloads the last view of a tool when you open it. For example, if you have a workflow
open when you disconnect from a repository, select this option so that the same
workflow appears the next time you open the folder and Workflow Designer. Default is
enabled.

Ask Whether to Reload
the Tasks/Workflows

Appears when you select Reload tasks/workflows when opening a folder. Select this
option if you want the Workflow Manager to prompt you to reload tasks, workflows,
and worklets each time you open a folder. Default is disabled.

Delay Overview Window
Pans

By default, when you drag the focus of the Overview window, the focus of the
workbook moves concurrently. When you select this option, the focus of the
workspace does not change until you release the mouse button. Default is disabled.

Arrange Workflows/
Worklets Vertically By
Default

Arranges tasks in workflows vertically by default. Default is disabled.

Allow Invoking In-Place
Editing Using the Mouse

By default, you can press F2 to edit objects directly in the workspace instead of
opening the Edit Task dialog box. Select this option so you can also click the object
name in the workspace to edit the object. Default is disabled.

Open Editor When a
Task Is Created

Opens the Edit Task dialog box when you create a task. By default, the Workflow
Manager creates the task in the workspace. If you do not enable this option, doubleclick the task to open the Edit Task dialog box. Default is disabled.

Workspace File
Directory

Directory for workspace files created by the Workflow Manager. Workspace files
maintain the last task or workflow you saved. This directory should be local to the
PowerCenter Client to prevent file corruption or overwrites by multiple users. By
default, the Workflow Manager creates files in the PowerCenter Client installation
directory.

Display Tool Names on
Views

Displays the name of the tool in the upper left corner of the workspace or workbook.
Default is enabled.

Always Show the Full
Name of Tasks

Shows the full name of a task when you select it. By default, the Workflow Manager
abbreviates the task name in the workspace. Default is disabled.

Show the Expression on
a Link

Shows the link condition in the workspace. If you do not enable this option, the
Workflow Manager abbreviates the link condition in the workspace. Default is
enabled.

Show Background in
Partition Editor and
Pushdown Optimization

Displays background color for objects in iconic view. Disable this option to remove
background color from objects in iconic view. Default is disabled.

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

Option

Description

Launch Workflow
Monitor when Workflow
Is Started

Launches Workflow Monitor when you start a workflow or a task. Default is enabled.

Receive Notifications
from Repository Service

You can receive notification messages in the Workflow Manager and view them in the
Output window. Notification messages include information about objects that another
user creates, modifies, or deletes. You receive notifications about sessions, tasks,
workflows, and worklets. The Repository Service notifies you of the changes so you
know objects you are working with may be out of date. For the Workflow Manager to
receive a notification, the folder containing the object must be open in the Navigator,
and the object must be open in the workspace. You also receive user-created
notifications posted by the user who manages the Repository Service. Default is
enabled.

Reset All

Reset all format options to the default values.

Format Options
Format options control workspace colors and fonts. You can configure format options for each Workflow
Manager tool.
The following table describes the format options for the Workflow Manager:
Option

Description

Current Theme

Currently selected color theme for the Workflow Manager tools. This field is displayonly.

Select Theme

Apply a color theme to the Workflow Manager tools.

Tools

Workflow Manager tool that you want to configure. When you select a tool, the
configurable workspace elements appear in the list below Tools menu.

Color

Color of the selected workspace element.

Orthogonal Links

Link lines run horizontally and vertically but not diagonally in the workspace.

Solid Lines for Links

Links appear as solid lines. By default, the Workflow Manager displays orthogonal
links as dotted lines.

Categories

Component of the Workflow Manager that you want to customize.

Change

Change the display font and language script for the selected category.

Current Font

Font of the Workflow Manager component that is currently selected in the Categories
menu. This field is display-only.

Reset All

Reset all format options to the default values.

Workflow Manager Options

5

Selecting a Color Theme
Use color themes to quickly select the colors of the workspace elements in all the Workflow Manager tools.
When you select a color theme, you can choose from Informatica Classic, High Contrast Black, and Color
Backgrounds.
After you select a color theme for the Workflow Manager tools, you can modify the color of individual
workspace elements.
To select a color theme for a Workflow Manager tool:
1.

In the Workflow Manager, click Tools > Options.

2.

Click the Format tab.

3.

In the Color Themes section of the Format tab, click Select Theme.
The Theme Selector dialog box appears.

4.

Select a theme from the Theme menu.

5.

Click the tabs in the Preview section to see how the workspace elements appear in each of the Workflow
Manager tools.

6.

Click OK to apply the color theme.

Miscellaneous Options
Miscellaneous options control the display settings and available functions of the Copy Wizard, versioning,
and target load options. Target options control how the Integration Service loads targets. To configure the
Copy Wizard, Versioning, and Target Load Type options, click Tools > Options and select the Miscellaneous
tab.
The following table describes the miscellaneous options:

6

Option

Description

Validate Copied Objects

Validates the copied object. Enabled by default.

Generate Unique Name When
Resolved to “Rename”

Generates unique names for copied objects if you select the Rename
option. For example, if the workflow wf_Sales has the same name as a
workflow in the destination folder, the Rename option generates the unique
name wf_Sales1. Default is enabled.

Get Default Object When Resolved
to “Choose”

Uses the object with the same name in the destination folder if you select
the Choose option. Default is disabled.

Show Check Out Image in
Navigator

Displays the Check Out icon when an object has been checked out. Default
is enabled.

Allow Delete Without Checkout

You can delete versioned repository objects without first checking them out.
You cannot, however, delete an object that another user has checked out.
When you select this option, the Repository Service checks out an object to
you when you delete it. Default is disabled.

Check In Deleted Objects
Automatically After They Are
Saved

Checks in deleted objects after you save the changes to the repository.
When you clear this option, the deleted object remains checked out and you
must check it in from the results view. Default is disabled.

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

Option

Description

Target Load Type

Sets default load type for sessions. You can choose normal or bulk loading.
Any change you make takes effect after you restart the Workflow Manager.
You can override this setting in the session properties. Default is Bulk.

Reset All

Resets all Miscellaneous options to the default values.

Enhanced Security
The Workflow Manager has an enhanced security option to specify a default set of permissions for
connection objects. When you enable enhanced security, the Workflow Manager assigns default permissions
on connection objects for users, groups, and others.
When you disable enable enhanced security, the Workflow Manager assigns read, write, and execute
permissions to all users that would otherwise receive permissions of the default group. If you delete the
owner from the repository, the Workflow Manager assigns ownership of the object to the administrator.
To enable enhanced security for connection objects:
1.

Click Tools > Options.

2.

Click the Advanced Tab.

3.

Select Enable Enhanced Security.

4.

Click OK.

Page Setup Options
Page Setup options allow you to control the layout of the workspace you are printing. You can configure
headers, footers, and frame of the Workflow Manager in the Page Setup dialog box.
The following table describes the page setup options:
Option

Description

Header and Footer

Displays the window title, page number, number of pages, current date and current time in
the printout of the workspace. You can also indicate the alignment of the header and
footer.

Options

Adds a frame or corner to the page, shows full name of the tasks and options. You can also
choose to print in color or black and white.

Navigating the Workspace
Perform the following operations to navigate the Workflow Manager workspace:
•

Customize windows.

•

Customize toolbars.

•

Search for tasks, links, events and variables.

Navigating the Workspace

7

•

Arrange objects in the workspace.

•

Zoom and pan the workspace.

Customizing Workflow Manager Windows
You can customize the following options for the Workflow Manager windows:
•

Display a window. From the menu, select View. Then select the window you want to open.

•

Close a window. Click the small x in the upper right corner of the window.

•

Dock or undock a window. Double-click the title bar or drag the title bar toward or away from the
workspace.

Using Toolbars
The Workflow Manager can display the following toolbars to help you select tools and perform operations
quickly:
•

Standard. Contains buttons to connect to and disconnect from repositories and folders, toggle windows,
zoom in and out, pan the workspace, and find objects.

•

Connections. Contains buttons to create and edit connections, and assign Integration Services.

•

Repository. Contains buttons to connect to and disconnect from repositories and folders, export and
import objects, save changes, and print the workspace.

•

View. Contains buttons to customize toolbars, toggle the status bar and windows, toggle full-screen view,
create a new workbook, and view the properties of objects.

•

Layout. Contains buttons to arrange and restore objects in the workspace, find objects, zoom in and out,
and pan the workspace.

•

Tasks. Contains buttons to create tasks.

•

Workflow. Contains buttons to edit workflow properties.

•

Run. Contains buttons to schedule the workflow, start the workflow, or start a task.

•

Versioning. Contains buttons to check in objects, undo checkouts, compare versions, list checked-out
objects, and list repository queries.

•

Tools. Contains buttons to connect to the other PowerCenter Client applications. When you use a Tools
button to open another PowerCenter Client application, PowerCenter uses the same repository connection
to connect to the repository and opens the same folders.

You can perform the following operations with toolbars:
•

Display or hide a toolbar.

•

Create a new toolbar.

•

Add or remove buttons.

Searching for Items
The Workflow Manager includes search features to help you find tasks, links, variables, events in the
workspace, and text in the Output window. You can search for items in any Workflow Manager tool or Output
window.
There are two ways to search for items in the workspace:
•

8

Find in Workspace.

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

•

Find Next.

Searching Objects Simultaneously
You can search multiple items at once and return a list of all task names, link conditions, event names, or
variable names that contain the search string.
1.

In any Workflow Manager tool, click the Find in Workspace toolbar button or click Edit > Find in
Workspace.
The Find in Workspace dialog box appears.

2.

Choose search for tasks, links, variables, or events.

3.

Enter a search string, or select a string from the list.
The Workflow Manager saves the last 10 search strings in the list.

4.

Specify whether or not to match whole words and whether or not to perform a case-sensitive search.

5.

Click Find Now.
The Workflow Manager lists task names, link conditions, event names, or variable names that match the
search string at the bottom of the dialog box.

6.

Click Close.

Searching Objects Individually
When you search through items one at a time, the Workflow Manager highlights the first task, link, event,
variable, or text string that contains the search string. If you repeat the search, the Workflow Manager
highlights the next item that contains the search string.
To find a single object:
1.

To search for a task, link, event, or variable, open the appropriate Workflow Manager tool and click a
task, link, or event. To search for text in the Output window, click the appropriate tab in the Output
window.

2.

Enter a search string in the Find field on the standard toolbar.
The search is not case sensitive.

3.

Click Edit > Find Next, click the Find Next button on the toolbar, or press Enter or F3 to search for the
string.
The Workflow Manager highlights the first task name, link condition, event name, or variable name that
contains the search string, or the first string in the Output window that matches the search string.

4.

To search for the next item, press Enter or F3 again.
The Workflow Manager alerts you when you have searched through all items in the workspace or Output
window before it highlights the same objects a second time.

Arranging Objects in the Workspace
The Workflow Manager can arrange objects in the workspace horizontally or vertically. In the Task Manager,
you can also arrange tasks evenly in the workspace by choosing Tile. To arrange objects in the workspace,
click Layout > Arrange and choose Horizontal, Vertical, or Tile. To display the links as horizontal and vertical
lines, click Layout > Orthogonal Links.

Navigating the Workspace

9

Zooming the Workspace
You can zoom and pan the workspace to adjust the view. Use the toolbar or Layout menu options to set
zoom levels. To maximize the size of the workspace window, click View > Full Screen. To go back to normal
view, click the Close Full Screen button or press Esc.
To pan the workspace, click Layout > Pan or click the Pan button on the toolbar. Drag the focus of the
workspace window and release the mouse button when it is in the appropriate position. Double-click the
workspace to stop panning.

Working with Repository Objects
Use the Workflow Manager to perform the following general operations with repository objects:
•

View properties for each object.

•

Enter descriptions for each object.

•

Rename an object.

To edit any repository object, you must first add a repository in the Navigator so you can access the
repository object. To add a repository in the Navigator, click Repository > Add. Use the Add Repositories
dialog box to add the repository.

Viewing Object Properties
To view properties of a repository object, first select the repository object in the Navigator. Click View >
Properties to view object properties. Or, right-click the repository object and choose Properties.
You can view properties of a folder, task, worklet, or workflow. For folders, the Workflow Manager displays
folder name and whether the folder is shared. Object properties are read-only.
You can also view dependencies for repository objects.

Entering Descriptions for Repository Objects
When you edit an object in the Workflow Manager, you can enter descriptions and comments for that object.
The maximum number of characters you can enter is 2,000 bytes/K, where K is the maximum number of
bytes a character contains in the selected repository code page. For example, if the repository code page is a
Japanese code page where each character can contain up to two bytes (K=2), each description and comment
field can contain up to 1,000 characters.

Renaming Repository Objects
You can rename repository objects by clicking the Rename button in the Edit Tasks dialog box or the Edit
Workflow dialog box. You can also rename repository objects by clicking the object name in the workspace
and typing in the new name.

10

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

Checking In and Out Versioned Repository Objects
When you work with versioned objects, you must check out an object if you want to change it, and save it
when you want to commit the changes to the repository. You must check in the object to allow other users to
make changes to it. Checking in an object adds a new numbered version to the object history.

Checking In Objects
You commit changes to the repository by checking in objects. When you check in an object, the repository
creates a new version of the object and assigns it a version number. The repository increments the version
number by one each time it creates a new version.
To check in an object from the Workflow Manager workspace, select the object or objects and click
Versioning > Check in. If you are checking in multiple objects, you can choose to apply comment to all
objects.
If you want to check out or check in scheduler objects in the Workflow Manager, you can run an object query
to search for them. You can also check out a scheduler object in the Scheduler Browser window when you
edit the object. However, you must run an object query to check in the object.
If you want to check out or check in session configuration objects in the Workflow Manager, you can run an
object query to search for them. You can also check out objects from the Session Config Browser window
when you edit them.
You also can check out and check in session configuration and scheduler objects from the Repository
Manager.

Viewing and Comparing Versioned Repository Objects
You can view and compare versions of objects in the Workflow Manager. If an object has multiple versions,
you can find the versions of the object in the View History window. In addition to comparing versions of an
object in a window, you can view the various versions of an object in the workspace to graphically compare
them.
Use the following rules and guidelines when you view older versions of objects in the workspace:
•

You cannot simultaneously view multiple versions of composite objects, such as workflows and worklets.

•

Older versions of a composite object might not include the child objects that were used when the
composite object was checked in. If you open a composite object that includes a child object version that
is purged from the repository, the preceding version of the child object appears in the workspace as part
of the composite object. For example, you might want to view version 5 of a workflow that originally
included version 3 of a session, but version 3 of the session is purged from the repository. When you view
version 5 of the workflow, version 2 of the session appears as part of the workflow.

•

You cannot view older versions of sessions if they reference deleted or invalid mappings, or if they do not
have a session configuration.

Opening an Older Version of an Object
When you view an older version, the version number appears as a prefix before the object name. You can
simultaneously view multiple versions of a non-composite object in the workspace.
1.

In the workspace or Navigator, select the object and click Versioning > View History.

2.

Select the version you want to view in the workspace and click Tools > Open in Workspace.

Checking In and Out Versioned Repository Objects

11

Comparing Two Versions of an Object
You can compare two versions of an object through the workspace, Navigator, or the View History window.
1.

In the workspace or Navigator, select an object and click Versioning > View History.

2.

Select the versions you want to compare and click Compare > Selected Versions.
-orSelect a version and click Compare > Previous Version to compare a version of the object with the
previous version.
The Diff Tool appears.

Searching for Versioned Objects
Use an object query to search for versioned objects in the repository that meet specified conditions. When
you run a query, the repository returns results based on those conditions. You may want to create an object
query to perform the following tasks:
•

Track repository objects during development. You can add Label, User, Last saved, or Comments
parameters to queries to track objects during development.

•

Associate a query with a deployment group. When you create a dynamic deployment group, you can
associate an object query with it.

To create an object query, click Tools > Queries to open the Query Browser.
From the Query Browser, you can create, edit, and delete queries. You can also configure permissions for
each query from the Query Browser. You can run any queries for which you have read permissions from the
Query Browser.

Copying Repository Objects
You can copy repository objects, such as workflows, worklets, or tasks within the same folder, to a different
folder, or to a different repository. If you want to copy the object to another folder, you must open the
destination folder before you copy the object into the folder.
Use the Copy Wizard in the Workflow Manager to copy objects. When you copy a workflow or a worklet, the
Copy Wizard copies all of the worklets, sessions, and tasks in the workflow. You must resolve all conflicts
that occur. Conflicts occur when the Copy Wizard finds a workflow or worklet with the same name in the
target folder or when the connection object does not exist in the target repository. If a connection object does
not exist, you can skip the conflict and choose a connection object after you copy the workflow. You cannot
copy connection objects. Conflicts may also occur when you copy Session tasks.
You can configure display settings and functions of the Copy Wizard by choosing Tools > Options.
Note: Use the Import Wizard in the Workflow Manager to import objects from an XML file. The Import Wizard
provides the same options to resolve conflicts as the Copy Wizard.

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Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

Copying Sessions
When you copy a Session task, the Copy Wizard looks for the database connection and associated mapping
in the destination folder. If the mapping or connection does not exist in the destination folder, you can select
a new mapping or connection. If the destination folder does not contain any mapping, you must first copy a
mapping to the destination folder in the Designer before you can copy the session.
When you copy a session that has mapping variable values saved in the repository, the Workflow Manager
either copies or retains the saved variable values.

Copying Workflow Segments
You can copy segments of workflows and worklets when you want to reuse a portion of workflow or worklet
logic. A segment consists of one or more tasks, the links between the tasks, and any condition in the links.
You can copy reusable and non-reusable objects when copying and pasting segments. You can copy
segments of workflows or worklets into workflows and worklets within the same folder, within another folder,
or within a folder in a different repository. You can also paste segments of workflows or worklets into an
empty Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer workspace.
To copy a segment from a workflow or worklet:
1.

Open the workflow or worklet.

2.

To select a segment, highlight each task you want to copy. You can select multiple reusable or nonreusable objects. You can also select segments by dragging the pointer in a rectangle around objects in
the workspace.

3.

Click Edit > Copy.

4.

Open the workflow or worklet into which you want to paste the segment. You can also copy the object
into the Workflow or Worklet Designer workspace.

5.

Click Edit > Paste.

The Copy Wizard opens, and notifies you if it finds copy conflicts.

Comparing Repository Objects
Use the Workflow Manager to compare two repository objects of the same type to identify differences
between the objects. For example, if you have two similar Email tasks in a folder, you can compare them to
see which one contains the attributes you need. When you compare two objects, the Workflow Manager
displays their attributes in detail.
You can compare objects across folders and repositories. You must open both folders to compare the
objects. You can compare a reusable object with a non-reusable object. You can also compare two versions
of the same object.
You can compare the following types of objects:
•

Tasks

•

Sessions

•

Worklets

•

Workflows

Comparing Repository Objects

13

You can also compare instances of the same type. For example, if the workflows you compare contain
worklet instances with the same name, you can compare the instances to see if they differ. Use the Workflow
Manager to compare the following instances and attributes:
•

Instances of sessions and tasks in a workflow or worklet comparison. For example, when you
compare workflows, you can compare task instances that have the same name.

•

Instances of mappings and transformations in a session comparison. For example, when you
compare sessions, you can compare mapping instances.

•

The attributes of instances of the same type within a mapping comparison. For example, when you
compare flat file sources, you can compare attributes, such as file type (delimited or fixed), delimiters,
escape characters, and optional quotes.

You can compare schedulers and session configuration objects in the Repository Manager. You cannot
compare objects of different types. For example, you cannot compare an Email task with a Session task.
When you compare objects, the Workflow Manager displays the results in the Diff Tool window. The Diff Tool
output contains different nodes for different types of objects.
When you import Workflow Manager objects, you can compare object conflicts.

Comparing Objects
Use the following procedure to compare objects.
1.

Open the folders that contain the objects you want to compare.

2.

Open the appropriate Workflow Manager tool.

3.

Click Tasks > Compare.
-orClick Worklets > Compare.
-orClick Workflow > Compare.

4.

In the dialog box that appears, select the objects that you want to compare.

5.

Click Compare.
Tip: You can also compare objects from the Navigator or workspace. In the Navigator, select the objects,
right-click and select Compare Objects. In the workspace, select the objects, right-click and select
Compare Objects.

6.

To view more differences between object properties, click the Compare Further icon or right-click the
differences.

7.

If you want to save the comparison as a text or HTML file, click File > Save to File.

Metadata Extensions
You can extend the metadata stored in the repository by associating information with individual repository
objects. For example, you may want to store your name with the worklets you create. If you create a session,
you can store your telephone extension with that session. You associate information with repository objects
using metadata extensions. You can create and promote metadata extensions on the Metadata Extensions
tab.

14

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

The following table describes the configuration options for the Metadata Extensions tab:
Metadata
Extensions Tab
Options

Description

Extension Name

Name of the metadata extension. Metadata extension names must be unique for each
type of object in a domain. Metadata extension names cannot contain any special
characters except underscores and cannot begin with numbers.

Datatype

Datatype: numeric (integer), string, boolean, or XML.

Value

For a numeric metadata extension, the value must be an integer.
For a boolean metadata extension, choose true or false.
For a string or XML metadata extension, click the Edit button on the right side of the Value
field to enter a value of more than one line. The Workflow Manager does not validate XML
syntax.

Precision

Maximum length for string or XML metadata extensions.

Reusable

Makes the metadata extension reusable or non-reusable. Check to apply the metadata
extension to all objects of this type (reusable). Clear to make the metadata extension
apply to this object only (non-reusable).
Note: If you make a metadata extension reusable, you cannot change it back to nonreusable. The Workflow Manager makes the extension reusable as soon as you confirm
the action.

UnOverride

This column appears only if the value of one of the metadata extensions was changed. To
restore the default value, click Revert.

Description

Description of the metadata extension.

Creating a Metadata Extension
You can create user-defined, reusable, and non-reusable metadata extensions for repository objects using
the Workflow Manager. To create a metadata extension, you edit the object for which you want to create the
metadata extension and then add the metadata extension to the Metadata Extensions tab.
Tip: To create multiple reusable metadata extensions, use the Repository Manager.
To create a metadata extension:
1.

Open the appropriate Workflow Manager tool.

2.

Drag the appropriate object into the workspace.

3.

Double-click the title bar of the object to edit it.

4.

Click the Metadata Extensions tab.
This tab lists the existing user-defined and vendor-defined metadata extensions. User-defined metadata
extensions appear in the User Defined Metadata Domain. If they exist, vendor-defined metadata
extensions appear in their own domains.

5.

Click the Add button.
A new row appears in the User Defined Metadata Extension Domain.

6.

Configure the metadata extension.

7.

Click OK.

Metadata Extensions

15

Editing a Metadata Extension
You can edit user-defined, reusable, and non-reusable metadata extensions for repository objects using the
Workflow Manager. To edit a metadata extension, you edit the repository object, and then make changes to
the Metadata Extensions tab.
What you can edit depends on whether the metadata extension is reusable or non-reusable. You can
promote a non-reusable metadata extension to reusable, but you cannot change a reusable metadata
extension to non-reusable.

Editing Reusable Metadata Extensions
If the metadata extension you want to edit is reusable and editable, you can change the value of the
metadata extension, but not any of its properties. However, if the vendor or user who created the metadata
extension did not make it editable, you cannot edit the metadata extension or its value.
To edit the value of a reusable metadata extension, click the Metadata Extensions tab and modify the Value
field. To restore the default value for a metadata extension, click Revert in the UnOverride column.

Editing Non-Reusable Metadata Extensions
If the metadata extension you want to edit is non-reusable, you can change the value of the metadata
extension and its properties. You can also promote the metadata extension to a reusable metadata
extension.
To edit a non-reusable metadata extension, click the Metadata Extensions tab. You can update the Datatype,
Value, Precision, and Description fields.
To make the metadata extension reusable, select Reusable. If you make a metadata extension reusable, you
cannot change it back to non-reusable. The Workflow Manager makes the extension reusable as soon as you
confirm the action.
To restore the default value for a metadata extension, click Revert in the UnOverride column.

Deleting a Metadata Extension
You can delete metadata extensions for repository objects. You delete reusable metadata extensions using
the Repository Manager. Use the Workflow Manager to delete non-reusable metadata extensions. Edit the
repository object and then delete the metadata extension from the Metadata Extensions tab.

Expression Editor
The Workflow Manager provides an Expression Editor for any expression in the workflow. You can enter
expressions using the Expression Editor for Link conditions, Decision tasks, and Assignment tasks.
The Expression Editor displays built-in variables, user-defined workflow variables, and predefined workflow
variables such as $Session.status.
The Expression Editor also displays the following functions:

16

•

Transformation language functions. SQL-like functions designed to handle common expressions.

•

User-defined functions. Functions you create in PowerCenter based on transformation language
functions.

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

•

Custom functions. Functions you create with the Custom Function API.

Adding Comments
You can add comments using -- or // comment indicators with the Expression Editor. Use comments to give
descriptive information about the expression, or you can specify a valid URL to access business
documentation about the expression.

Validating Expressions
Use the Validate button to validate an expression. If you do not validate an expression, the Workflow
Manager validates it when you close the Expression Editor. You cannot run a workflow with invalid
expressions.
Expressions in link conditions and Decision task conditions must evaluate to a numeric value. Workflow
variables used in expressions must exist in the workflow.

Expression Editor Display
The Expression Editor can display syntax expressions in different colors for better readability. If you have the
latest Rich Edit control, riched20.dll, installed on the system, the Expression Editor displays expression
functions in blue, comments in grey, and quoted strings in green.
You can resize the Expression Editor. Expand the dialog box by dragging from the borders. The Workflow
Manager saves the new size for the dialog box as a client setting.

Keyboard Shortcuts
When editing a repository object or maneuvering around the Workflow Manager, use the following Keyboard
shortcuts to help you complete different operations quickly.
The following table lists the Workflow Manager keyboard shortcuts for editing a repository object:
Task

Shortcut

Cancel editing in a cell.

Esc

Select and clear a check box.

Space Bar

Copy text from a cell onto the clipboard.

Ctrl+C

Cut text from a cell onto the clipboard.

Ctrl+X

Edit the text of a cell.

F2

Find all combination and list boxes.

Type the first letter on the list.

Find tables or fields in the workspace.

Ctrl+F

Move around cells in a dialog box.

Ctrl+directional arrows

Keyboard Shortcuts

17

Task

Shortcut

Paste copied or cut text from the clipboard into a cell.

Ctrl+V

Select the text of a cell.

F2

The following table lists the Workflow Manager keyboard shortcuts for navigating in the workspace:

18

Task

Shortcut

Create links.

Ctrl+F2. Press Ctrl+F2 to select first task you want to
link. Press Tab to select the rest of the tasks you
want to link. Press Ctrl+F2 again to link all the tasks
you selected.

Edit task name in the workspace.

F2

Expand selected node and all its children.

SHIFT + * (use asterisk on numeric keypad )

Move across Select tasks in the workspace.

Tab

Select multiple tasks.

Ctrl+mouse click

Chapter 1: Workflow Manager

CHAPTER 2

Workflows and Worklets
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflows Overview, 19

•

Creating a Workflow, 20

•

Using the Workflow Wizard, 21

•

Assigning an Integration Service, 23

•

Workflow Reports, 24

•

Working with Worklets, 24

•

Workflow Links, 27

Workflows Overview
A workflow is a set of instructions that tells the Integration Service how to run tasks such as sessions, email
notifications, and shell commands. After you create tasks in the Task Developer and Workflow Designer, you
connect the tasks with links to create a workflow.
In the Workflow Designer, you can specify conditional links and use workflow variables to create branches in
the workflow. The Workflow Manager also provides Event-Wait and Event-Raise tasks to control the
sequence of task execution in the workflow. You can also create worklets and nest them inside the workflow.
Every workflow contains a Start task, which represents the beginning of the workflow.
The following figure shows a sample workflow:

You can create workflows with branches to run tasks concurrently.
When you create a workflow, select an Integration Service to run the workflow. You can start the workflow
using the Workflow Manager, Workflow Monitor, or pmcmd.
Use the Workflow Monitor to see the progress of a workflow during its run. The Workflow Monitor can also
show the history of a workflow.
Use the following guidelines when you develop a workflow:
1.

Create a workflow. Create a workflow in the Workflow Designer or by using the Workflow Generation
Wizard in the PowerCenter Designer.

19

2.

Add tasks to the workflow. You might have already created tasks in the Task Developer. Or, you can
add tasks to the workflow as you develop the workflow in the Workflow Designer.

3.

Connect tasks with links. After you add tasks to the workflow, connect them with links to specify the
order of execution in the workflow.

4.

Specify conditions for each link. You can specify conditions on the links to create branches and
dependencies.

5.

Validate workflow. Validate the workflow in the Workflow Designer to identify errors.

6.

Save workflow. When you save the workflow, the Workflow Manager validates the workflow and
updates the repository.

7.

Run workflow. In the workflow properties, select an Integration Service to run the workflow. Run the
workflow from the Workflow Manager, Workflow Monitor, or pmcmd. You can monitor the workflow in the
Workflow Monitor.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Manually Starting a Workflow” on page 158

•

“Workflow Monitor” on page 171

•

“Workflow Properties Reference” on page 225

Creating a Workflow
A workflow must contain a Start task. The Start task represents the beginning of a workflow. When you create
a workflow, the Workflow Designer creates a Start task and adds it to the workflow. You cannot delete the
Start task.
After you create a workflow, you can add tasks to the workflow. The Workflow Manager includes tasks such
as the Session, Command, and Email tasks.
Finally, you connect workflow tasks with links to specify the order of execution in the workflow. You can add
conditions to links.
When you edit a workflow, the Repository Service updates the workflow information when you save the
workflow. If a workflow is running when you make edits, the Integration Service uses the updated information
the next time you run the workflow.
You can also create a workflow through the Workflow Wizard in the Workflow Manager or the Workflow
Generation Wizard in the PowerCenter Designer.

Creating a Workflow Manually
Use the following procedure to create a workflow manually.
1.

Open the Workflow Designer.

2.

Click Workflows > Create.

3.

Enter a name for the new workflow.

4.

Click OK.
The Workflow Designer creates a Start task in the workflow.

20

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets

Creating a Workflow Automatically
Use the following procedure to create a workflow automatically.
1.

Open the Workflow Designer. Close any open workflow.

2.

Click the session button on the Tasks toolbar.

3.

Click in the Workflow Designer workspace.
The Mappings dialog box appears.

4.

Select a mapping to associate with the session and click OK.
The Create Workflow dialog box appears. The Workflow Designer names the workflow wf_SessionName
by default. You can rename the workflow or change other workflow properties.

5.

Click OK.
The Workflow Designer creates a workflow for the session.

Adding Tasks to Workflows
After you create a workflow, you add tasks you want to run in the workflow. You may already have created
tasks in the Task Developer. Or, you may want to create tasks in the Workflow Designer as you develop the
workflow.
If you have already created tasks in the Task Developer, add them to the workflow by dragging the tasks from
the Navigator to the Workflow Designer workspace.
To create and add tasks as you develop the workflow, click Tasks > Create in the Workflow Designer. Or, use
the Tasks toolbar to create and add tasks to the workflow. Click the button on the Tasks toolbar for the task
you want to create. Click again in the Workflow Designer workspace to create and add the task.
Tasks you create in the Workflow Designer are non-reusable. Tasks you create in the Task Developer are
reusable.

Deleting a Workflow
You may decide to delete a workflow that you no longer use. When you delete a workflow, you delete all nonreusable tasks and reusable task instances associated with the workflow. Reusable tasks used in the
workflow remain in the folder when you delete the workflow.
If you delete a workflow that is running, the Integration Service aborts the workflow. If you delete a workflow
that is scheduled to run, the Integration Service removes the workflow from the schedule.
You can delete a workflow in the Navigator window, or you can delete the workflow currently displayed in the
Workflow Designer workspace:
•

To delete a workflow from the Navigator window, open the folder, select the workflow and press the
Delete key.

•

To delete a workflow currently displayed in the Workflow Designer workspace, click Workflows > Delete.

Using the Workflow Wizard
Use the Workflow Wizard to automate the process of creating sessions, adding sessions to a workflow, and
linking sessions to create a workflow. The Workflow Wizard creates sessions from mappings and adds them
to the workflow. It also creates a Start task and lets you schedule the workflow. You can add tasks and edit

Using the Workflow Wizard

21

other workflow properties after the Workflow Wizard completes. If you want to create concurrent sessions,
use the Workflow Designer to manually build a workflow.
Before you create a workflow, verify that the folder contains a valid mapping for the Session task.
Complete the following steps to build a workflow using the Workflow Wizard:
1.

Assign a name and Integration Service to the workflow.

2.

Create a session.

3.

Schedule the workflow.

You can also use the Workflow Generation Wizard in the PowerCenter Designer to generate sessions and
workflows.

Step 1. Assign a Name and Integration Service to the Workflow
In the first step of the Workflow Wizard, you add the name and description of the workflow and choose the
Integration Service to run the workflow.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the folder containing the mapping you want to use in the workflow.

2.

Open the Workflow Designer.

3.

Click Workflows > Wizard.
The Workflow Wizard appears.

4.

Enter a name for the workflow.
The convention for naming workflows is wf_WorkflowName.

5.

Enter a description for the workflow.

6.

Select the Integration Service to run the workflow and click Next.

Step 2. Create a Session
In the second step of the Workflow Wizard, you create a session based on a mapping. You can add tasks
later in the Workflow Designer workspace.
1.

In the second step of the Workflow Wizard, select a valid mapping and click the right arrow button.
The Workflow Wizard creates a Session task in the right pane using the selected mapping and names it
s_MappingName by default.

2.

You can select additional mappings to create more Session tasks in the workflow.
When you add multiple mappings to the list, the Workflow Wizard creates sequential sessions in the
order you add them.

3.

Use the arrow buttons to change the session order.

4.

Specify whether the session should be reusable.
When you create a reusable session, use the session in other workflows.

5.

Specify how you want the Integration Service to run the workflow.
You can specify that the Integration Service runs sessions only if previous sessions complete, or you can
specify that the Integration Service always runs each session. When you select this option, it applies to
all sessions you create using the Workflow Wizard.

22

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets

Step 3. Schedule a Workflow
In the third step of the Workflow Wizard, you can schedule a workflow to run continuously, repeat at a
specified time or interval, or start manually. The Integration Service runs a workflow unless the prior workflow
run fails.
When you configure a task, you can configure the workflow to fail if the task fails. If you configure the
workflow to fail when a task fails, the Integration Service removes the workflow from the schedule, and you
must reschedule it. You can reschedule the workflow through the Workflow Manager or through pmcmd. If
you do not configure the workflow to fail when a task fails, the Integration Service reschedules the workflow.
1.

In the third step of the Workflow Wizard, configure the scheduling and run options.

2.

Click Next.
The Workflow Wizard displays the settings for the workflow.

3.

Verify the workflow settings, then click Finish. To edit settings, click Back.
The completed workflow opens in the Workflow Designer workspace. From the workspace, you can add
tasks, create concurrent sessions, add conditions to links, or change properties.

Assigning an Integration Service
Before you can run a workflow, you must assign an Integration Service to run it. You can choose an
Integration Service to run a workflow by editing the workflow properties. You can also assign an Integration
Service from the menu. When you assign a service from the menu, you can assign multiple workflows without
editing each workflow.

Assigning a Service from the Workflow Properties
Use the following procedure to assign a service within the workflow properties.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, open the Workflow.

2.

Click Workflows > Edit.
The Edit Workflow dialog box appears.

3.

On the General tab, click the Browse Integration Services button.
A list of Integration Services appears.

4.

Select the Integration Service that you want to run the workflow.

5.

Click OK twice to select the Integration Service for the workflow.

Assigning a Service from the Menu
When you assign an Integration Service to a workflow you overwrite the service selected in the workflow
properties.
1.

Close all folders in the repository.

2.

Click Service > Assign Integration Service.
The Assign Integration Service dialog box appears.

3.

From the Choose Integration Service list, select the service you want to assign.

Assigning an Integration Service

23

4.

From the Show Folder list, select the folder you want to view. Or, click All to view workflows in all folders
in the repository.

5.

Click the Selected check box for each workflow you want the Integration Service to run.

6.

Click Assign.

Workflow Reports
You can view PowerCenter Repository Reports for workflows in the Workflow Manager. When you view the
report, the Workflow Manager launches JasperReports Server in a browser window and displays the report.
An administrator uses the Administrator tool to create a Reporting and Dashboards Service and adds a
reporting source for the service. The reporting source must be the PowerCenter repository that contains the
workflows that you want to report on.
The Workflow Composite Report includes information about the following components in a workflow:
•

Tasks. Tasks contained in the workflow.

•

Events. User-defined and built-in events in the workflow.

•

Variables. User-defined and built-in variables in the workflow.

Viewing a Workflow Report
View the Workflow Composite Report to get more information about the workflow tasks, events, and variables
in a workflow.
To view a Workflow Composite Report:
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open a workflow.

2.

Right-click in the workspace and choose View Workflow Report.

The Workflow Manager launches JasperReports Server in the default browser for the client machine and runs
the Workflow Composite Report.

Working with Worklets
A worklet is an object representing a set of tasks created to reuse a set of workflow logic in multiple
workflows. You can create a worklet in the Worklet Designer.
To run a worklet, include the worklet in a workflow. The workflow that contains the worklet is called the parent
workflow. When the Integration Service runs a worklet, it expands the worklet to run tasks and evaluate links
within the worklet. It writes information about worklet execution in the workflow log.

Suspending Worklets
When you choose Suspend on Error for the parent workflow, the Integration Service also suspends the
worklet if a task in the worklet fails. When a task in the worklet fails, the Integration Service stops executing
the failed task and other tasks in its path. If no other task is running in the worklet, the worklet status is
“Suspended.” If one or more tasks are still running in the worklet, the worklet status is “Suspending.” The

24

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets

Integration Service suspends the parent workflow when the status of the worklet is “Suspended” or
“Suspending.”

Developing a Worklet
To develop a worklet, you must first create a worklet. After you create a worklet, configure worklet properties
and add tasks to the worklet. You can create reusable worklets in the Worklet Designer. You can also create
non-reusable worklets in the Workflow Designer as you develop the workflow.

Creating a Reusable Worklet
Create reusable worklets in the Worklet Designer. You can view a list of reusable worklets in the Navigator
Worklets node.
1.

In the Worklet Designer, click Worklet > Create.
The Create Worklet dialog box appears.

2.

Enter a name for the worklet.

3.

If you are adding the worklet to a workflow that is enabled for concurrent execution, enable the worklet
for concurrent execution.

4.

Click OK.
The Worklet Designer creates a Start task in the worklet.

Creating a Non-Reusable Worklet
You can create a non-reusable worklet in the Workflow Designer as you develop the workflow. Non-reusable
worklets only exist in the workflow. You cannot use a non-reusable worklet in another workflow. After you
create the worklet in the Workflow Designer, open the worklet to edit it in the Worklet Designer.
You can promote non-reusable worklets to reusable worklets by selecting the Make Reusable option in the
worklet properties. To rename a non-reusable worklet, open the worklet properties in the Workflow Designer.
To create a non-reusable worklet:
1.

In the Workflow Designer, open a workflow.

2.

Click Tasks > Create.

3.

For the Task type, select Worklet.

4.

Enter a name for the task.

5.

Click Create.
The Workflow Designer creates the worklet and adds it to the workspace.

6.

Click Done.

Configuring Worklet Properties
When you use a worklet in a workflow, you can configure the same set of general task settings on the
General tab as any other task. For example, you can make a worklet reusable, disable a worklet, configure
the input link to the worklet, or fail the parent workflow based on the worklet.

Working with Worklets

25

In addition to general task settings, you can configure the following worklet properties:
•

Worklet variables. Use worklet variables to reference values and record information. You use worklet
variables the same way you use workflow variables. You can assign a workflow variable to a worklet
variable to override its initial value.

•

Events. To use the Event-Wait and Event-Raise tasks in the worklet, you must first declare an event in
the worklet properties.

•

Metadata extension. Extend the metadata stored in the repository by associating information with
repository objects.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Metadata Extensions” on page 14

•

“Working with the Event Task” on page 53

Adding Tasks in Worklets
After you create a worklet, add tasks by opening the worklet in the Worklet Designer. A worklet must contain
a Start task. The Start task represents the beginning of a worklet. When you create a worklet, the Worklet
Designer creates a Start task for you.
1.

Create a non-reusable worklet in the Workflow Designer workspace.

2.

Right-click the worklet and choose Open Worklet.
The Worklet Designer opens so you can add tasks in the worklet.

3.

Add tasks in the worklet by using the Tasks toolbar or click Tasks > Create in the Worklet Designer.

4.

Connect tasks with links.

Declaring Events in Worklets
Use Event-Wait and Event-Raise tasks in a worklet like you would use workflows. To use the Event-Raise
task, you first declare a user-defined event in the worklet. Events in one instance of a worklet do not affect
events in other instances of the worklet. You cannot specify worklet events in the Event tasks in the parent
workflow.

Viewing Links in a Worklet
When you edit a workflow or worklet, you can view the forward or backward link paths to other tasks. You can
highlight paths to see links in the workflow branch from the Start task to the last task in the branch.

Nesting Worklets
You can nest a worklet within another worklet. When you run a workflow containing nested worklets, the
Integration Service runs the nested worklet from within the parent worklet. You can group several worklets
together by function or simplify the design of a complex workflow when you nest worklets.
You might choose to nest worklets to load data to fact and dimension tables. Create a nested worklet to load
fact and dimension data into a staging area. Then, create a nested worklet to load the fact and dimension
data from the staging area to the data warehouse.
You might choose to nest worklets to simplify the design of a complex workflow. Nest worklets that can be
grouped together within one worklet. To nest an existing reusable worklet, click Tasks > Insert Worklet. To
create a non-reusable nested worklet, click Tasks > Create, and select worklet.

26

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets

Workflow Links
Use links to connect each task in a workflow or worklet. You can specify conditions with links to create
branches. The Workflow Manager does not allow you to use links to create loops. Each link in the workflow or
worklet can run only once.
After you create links between tasks, you can create conditions for each link to determine the order of
operation in the workflow. If you do not specify conditions for each link, the Integration Service runs the next
task in the workflow or worklet by default.
Use predefined or user-defined workflow and worklet variables in the link condition. If the link condition
evaluates to True, the Integration Service runs the next task in the workflow or worklet. If the link condition
evaluates to False, the Integration Service does not run the next task.
You can view results of link evaluation during workflow runs in the workflow log file.

Linking Two Tasks
Link tasks manually when you do not want to link multiple tasks.
1.

In the Tasks toolbar, click the Link Tasks button.

2.

In the workspace, click the first task you want to connect and drag it to the second task.

3.

A link appears between the two tasks.

Linking Tasks Concurrently
Link tasks concurrently when you want to link one task to multiple tasks.
1.

In the workspace, click the first task you want to connect.

2.

Ctrl-click all other tasks you want to connect.
Note: Do not use Ctrl+A or Edit > Select All to choose tasks.

3.

Click Tasks > Link Concurrent.
A link appears between the first task you selected and each task you added. The first task you selected
links to each task concurrently.

Linking Tasks Sequentially
Link tasks sequentially when you want to link tasks in order between one task and each subsequent task you
add.
1.

In the workspace, click the first task you want to connect.

2.

Ctrl-click the next task you want to connect. Continue to add tasks in the order you want them to run.

3.

Click Tasks > Link Sequential.

Creating Link Conditions
Use link conditions to specify the order of execution or to create branches.
1.

In the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer workspace, double-click the link you want to specify.
The Expression Editor appears.

2.

In the Expression Editor, enter the link condition.

Workflow Links

27

The Expression Editor provides predefined workflow and worklet variables, user-defined workflow and
worklet variables, variable functions, and boolean and arithmetic operators.
3.

Validate the expression using the Validate button.
The Workflow Manager displays validation results in the Output window.
Tip: Drag the end point of a link to move it from one task to another without losing the link condition.

Example of Link Conditions
A workflow has two Session tasks, s_STORES_CA and s_STORES_AZ. You want the Integration Service to
run the second Session task only if the first Session task has no target failed rows.
To accomplish this, you can set the following link condition between the sessions so that the s_STORES_AZ
runs only if the number of failed target rows for S_STORES_CA is zero:
$s_STORES_CA.TgtFailedRows = 0
After you specify the link condition in the Expression Editor, the Workflow Manager validates the link
condition and displays it next to the link in the workflow or worklet.

Viewing Links in a Workflow or Worklet
When you edit a workflow or worklet, you can view the forward or backward link paths to other tasks. You can
highlight paths to see links in the workflow branch from the Start task to the last task in the branch.
1.

In the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer workspace, right-click a task and choose Highlight Path.

2.

Select Forward Path, Backward Path, or Both.
The Workflow Manager highlights all links in the branch you select.

Deleting Links in a Workflow or Worklet
When you edit a workflow or worklet, you can delete multiple links at once without deleting the connected
tasks.
1.

In the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer workspace, select all links you want to delete.
Tip: Use the mouse to drag the selection, or you can Ctrl-click the tasks and links.

2.

Click Edit > Delete Links.
The Workflow Manager removes all selected links.

28

Chapter 2: Workflows and Worklets

CHAPTER 3

Sessions
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Sessions Overview, 29

•

Session Task, 29

•

Editing a Session, 30

•

Performance Details, 32

•

Pre- and Post-Session Commands, 33

Sessions Overview
A session is a set of instructions that tells the Integration Service how and when to move data from sources
to targets. A session is a type of task, similar to other tasks available in the Workflow Manager. In the
Workflow Manager, you configure a session by creating a Session task. To run a session, you must first
create a workflow to contain the Session task.
When you create a Session task, enter general information such as the session name, session schedule, and
the Integration Service to run the session. You can select options to run pre-session shell commands, send
On-Success or On-Failure email, and use FTP to transfer source and target files.
Configure the session to override parameters established in the mapping, such as source and target location,
source and target type, error tracing levels, and transformation attributes. You can also configure the session
to collect performance details for the session and store them in the PowerCenter repository. You might view
performance details for a session to tune the session.
You can run as many sessions in a workflow as you need. You can run the Session tasks sequentially or
concurrently, depending on the requirement.
The Integration Service creates several files and in-memory caches depending on the transformations and
options used in the session.

Session Task
You create a Session task for each mapping that you want the Integration Service to run. The Integration
Service uses the instructions configured in the session to move data from sources to targets.

29

You can create a reusable Session task in the Task Developer. You can also create non-reusable Session
tasks in the Workflow Designer as you develop the workflow. After you create the session, you can edit the
session properties at any time.
Note: Before you create a Session task, you must configure the Workflow Manager to communicate with
databases and the Integration Service. You must assign appropriate permissions for any database, FTP, or
external loader connections you configure.

Creating a Session Task
Create the Session task in the Task Developer or the Workflow Designer. Session tasks created in the Task
Developer are reusable.
1.

In the Task Developer or Workflow Designer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select Session Task for the task type.

3.

Enter a name for the Session task. Do not use the period character (.) in Session task names.
PowerCenter does not allow a Session task name with the period character.

4.

Click Create.

5.

Select the mapping you want to use in the Session task and click OK.

6.

Click Done.

Editing a Session
After you create a session, you can edit it. For example, you might need to adjust the buffer and cache sizes,
modify the update strategy, or clear a variable value saved in the repository.
Double-click the Session task to open the session properties. The session has the following tabs, and each of
those tabs has multiple settings:
•

General tab. Enter session name, mapping name, and description for the Session task, assign resources,
and configure additional task options.

•

Properties tab. Enter session log information, test load settings, and performance configuration.

•

Config Object tab. Enter advanced settings, log options, and error handling configuration.

•

Mapping tab. Enter source and target information, override transformation properties, and configure the
session for partitioning.

•

Components tab. Configure pre- or post-session shell commands and emails.

•

Metadata Extension tab. Configure metadata extension options.

You can edit session properties at any time. The repository updates the session properties immediately.
If the session is running when you edit the session, the repository updates the session when the session
completes. If the mapping changes, the Workflow Manager might issue a warning that the session is invalid.
The Workflow Manager then lets you continue editing the session properties. After you edit the session
properties, the Integration Service validates the session and reschedules the session.

RELATED TOPICS:

30

•

“Session Validation” on page 152

•

“Session Properties Reference” on page 214

Chapter 3: Sessions

Applying Attributes to All Instances
When you edit the session properties, you can apply source, target, and transformation settings to all
instances of the same type in the session. You can also apply settings to all partitions in a pipeline. You can
apply reader or writer settings, connection settings, and properties settings.
For example, you might need to change a relational connection from a test to a production database for all
the target instances in a session. On the Mapping tab, you can change the connection value for one target in
a session and apply the connection to the other relational target objects.
The following table shows the options you can use to apply attributes to objects in a session. You can apply
different options depending on whether the setting is a reader or writer, connection, or an object property.
Setting

Option

Description

Reader

Apply Type to All Instances

Applies a reader or writer type to all instances of the same
object type in the session. For example, you can apply a
relational reader type to all the other readers in the
session.

Apply Type to All Partitions

Applies a reader or writer type to all the partitions in a
pipeline. For example, if you have four partitions, you can
change the writer type in one partition for a target instance.
Use this option to apply the change to the other three
partitions.

Connections

Apply Connection Type

Applies the same type of connection to all instances.
Connection types are relational, FTP, queue, application,
or external loader.

Connections

Apply Connection Value

Apply a connection value to all instances or partitions. The
connection value defines a specific connection that you
can view in the connection browser. You can apply a
connection value that is valid for the existing connection
type.

Connections

Apply Connection Attributes

Apply only the connection attribute values to all instances
or partitions. Each type of connection has different
attributes. You can apply connection attributes separately
from connection values.

Connections

Apply Connection Data

Apply the connection value and its connection attributes to
all the other instances that have the same connection type.
This option combines the connection option and the
connection attribute option.

Connections

Apply All Connection
Information

Applies the connection value and its attributes to all the
other instances even if they do not have the same
connection type. This option is similar to Apply Connection
Data, but it lets you change the connection type.

Writer

Reader
Writer

Editing a Session

31

Setting

Option

Description

Properties

Apply Attribute to all
Instances

Applies an attribute value to all instances of the same
object type in the session. For example, if you have a
relational target you can choose to truncate a table before
you load data. You can apply the attribute value to all the
relational targets in the session.

Properties

Apply Attribute to all
Partitions

Applies an attribute value to all partitions in a pipeline. For
example, you can change the name of the reject file name
in one partition for a target instance, then apply the file
name change to the other partitions.

Applying Connection Settings
When you apply connection settings you can apply the connection type, connection value, and connection
attributes. You can only apply a connection value that is valid for a connection type unless you choose the
Apply All Connection Information option. For example, if a target instance uses an FTP connection, you can
only choose an FTP connection value to apply to it. The Apply All Connection Information option lets you
apply a new connection type, connection value, and connection attributes.

Applying Attributes to Partitions or Instances
When you apply attributes to all instances or partitions in a session, you must open the session and edit one
of the session objects. You apply attributes or properties to other instances by choosing an attribute in that
object and selecting to apply its value to the other instances or partitions.
To apply attributes to all instances or partitions:
1.

Open a session in the workspace.

2.

Click the Mappings tab.

3.

Choose a source, target, or transformation instance from the Navigator. Settings for properties,
connections, and readers or writers might display, depending on the object you choose.

4.

Right-click a reader, writer, property, or connection value.
A list of options appears.

5.

Select an option from the list and choose to apply it to all instances or all partitions.

6.

Click OK to apply the attribute or property.

Performance Details
You can configure a session to collect performance details and store them in the PowerCenter repository.
Collect performance data for a session to view performance details while the session runs. Write
performance data for a session in the PowerCenter repository to store and view performance details for
previous session runs.
If you want to write performance data to the repository you must perform the following tasks:

32

•

Configure the session to collect performance data.

•

Configure the session to write performance data to repository.

Chapter 3: Sessions

•

Configure Integration Service to persist run-time statistics to the repository at the verbose level.

The Workflow Monitor displays performance details for each session that is configured to collect or write
performance details.

Configuring Performance Details
You can collect performance details for a session to view while the session runs and to store in the repository
for future reference.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the session properties and select the Properties tab.

2.

Select Collect performance data to view performance details while the session runs.

3.

Select Write Performance Data to Repository to store and view performance details for previous session
runs.
You must also configure the Integration Service to store the run-time information at the verbose level.

4.

Click OK.

Pre- and Post-Session Commands
You can create pre- and post-session commands to perform tasks before and after a session. Use SQL
commands to perform database tasks. Use shell commands to perform operating system tasks.

Pre- and Post-Session SQL Commands
You can specify pre- and post-session SQL in the Source Qualifier transformation and the target instance
when you create a mapping. When you create a Session task in the Workflow Manager you can override the
SQL commands on the Mapping tab. You might want to use these commands to drop indexes on the target
before the session runs, and then recreate them when the session completes.
The Integration Service runs pre-session SQL commands before it reads the source. It runs post-session
SQL commands after it writes to the target.
You can use parameters and variables in SQL executed against the source and target. Use any parameter or
variable type that you can define in the parameter file. You can enter a parameter or variable within the SQL
statement, or you can use a parameter or variable as the command. For example, you can use a session
parameter, $ParamMyPreSQL, as the source pre-session SQL command, and set $ParamMyPreSQL to the
SQL statement in the parameter file.

Guidelines for Entering Pre- and Post-Session SQL Commands
Use the following guidelines when creating the SQL statements:
•

Use any command that is valid for the database type. However, the Integration Service does not allow
nested comments, even though the database might.

•

Use a semicolon (;) to separate multiple statements. The Integration Service issues a commit after each
statement.

•

The Integration Service ignores semicolons within /* ...*/.

•

If you need to use a semicolon outside of comments, you can escape it with a backslash (\).

•

The Workflow Manager does not validate the SQL.

Pre- and Post-Session Commands

33

Error Handling
You can configure error handling on the Config Object tab. You can choose to stop or continue the session if
the Integration Service encounters an error issuing the pre- or post- session SQL command.

Using Pre- and Post-Session Shell Commands
The Integration Service can perform shell commands at the beginning of the session or at the end of the
session. Shell commands are operating system commands. Use pre- or post-session shell commands, for
example, to delete a reject file or session log, or to archive target files before the session begins.
The Workflow Manager provides the following types of shell commands for each Session task:
•

Pre-session command. The Integration Service performs pre-session shell commands at the beginning
of a session. You can configure a session to stop or continue if a pre-session shell command fails.

•

Post-session success command. The Integration Service performs post-session success commands
only if the session completed successfully.

•

Post-session failure command. The Integration Service performs post-session failure commands only if
the session failed to complete.

Use the following guidelines to call a shell command:
•

Use any valid UNIX command or shell script for UNIX nodes, or any valid DOS or batch file for Windows
nodes.

•

Configure the session to run the pre- or post-session shell commands.

The Workflow Manager provides a task called the Command task that lets you configure shell commands
anywhere in the workflow. You can choose a reusable Command task for the pre- or post-session shell
command. Or, you can create non-reusable shell commands for the pre- or post-session shell commands.
If you create a non-reusable pre- or post-session shell command, you can make it into a reusable Command
task.
The Workflow Manager lets you choose from the following options when you configure shell commands:
•

Create non-reusable shell commands. Create a non-reusable set of shell commands for the session.
Other sessions in the folder cannot use this set of shell commands.

•

Use an existing reusable Command task. Select an existing Command task to run as the pre- or postsession shell command.

Configure pre- and post-session shell commands in the Components tab of the session properties.

Using Parameters and Variables
You can use parameters and variables in pre- and post-session commands. Use any parameter or variable
type that you can define in the parameter file. You can enter a parameter or variable within the command, or
you can use a parameter or variable as the command. For example, you can include service process variable
$PMTargetFileDir in the command text in pre- and post-session commands. When you use a service process
variable instead of entering a specific directory, you can run the same workflow on different Integration
Services without changing session properties. You can also use a session parameter, $ParamMyCommand,
as the pre- or post-session shell command, and set $ParamMyCommand to the command in a parameter file.

Configuring Non-Reusable Shell Commands
When you create non-reusable pre- or post-session shell commands, the commands are only visible in the
session properties. The Workflow Manager does not create Command tasks from these non-reusable
commands. You can convert a non-reusable shell command to a reusable Command task.

34

Chapter 3: Sessions

To create non-reusable pre- or post-session shell commands:
1.

In the Components tab of the session properties, select Non-reusable for pre- or post-session shell
command.

2.

Click the Edit button in the Value field to open the Edit Pre- or Post-Session Command dialog box.

3.

Enter a name for the command in the General tab.

4.

If you want the Integration Service to perform the next command only if the previous command
completed successfully, select Fail Task if Any Command Fails in the Properties tab.

5.

In the Commands tab, click the Add button to add shell commands.
Enter one command for each line.

6.

Click OK.

Creating a Reusable Command Task from Pre- or Post-Session Commands
If you create non-reusable pre- or post-session shell commands, you can make them into a reusable
Command task. After you make the pre- or post-session shell commands into a reusable Command task, you
cannot revert back.
To create a Command Task from non-reusable pre- or post-session shell commands, click the Edit button to
open the Edit dialog box for the shell commands. In the General tab, select the Make Reusable check box.
After you select the Make Reusable check box and click OK, a new Command task appears in the Tasks
folder in the Navigator window. Use this Command task in other workflows, just as you do with any other
reusable workflow tasks.

Configuring Reusable Shell Commands
Use the following procedure to call an existing reusable Command task as the pre- or post-session shell
command for the Session task:
1.

In the Components tab of the session properties, click Reusable for the pre- or post-session shell
command.

2.

Click the Edit button in the Value field to open the Task Browser dialog box.

3.

Select the Command task you want to run as the pre- or post-session shell command.

4.

Click the Override button in the Task Browser dialog box if you want to change the order of the
commands, or if you want to specify whether to run the next command when the previous command fails.
Changes you make to the Command task from the session properties only apply to the session. In the
session properties, you cannot edit the commands in the Command task.

5.

Click OK to select the Command task for the pre- or post-session shell command.
The name of the Command task you select appears in the Value field for the shell command.

Pre-Session Shell Command Errors
You can configure the session to stop or continue if a pre-session shell command fails. If you select stop, the
Integration Service stops the session, but continues with the rest of the workflow. If you select Continue, the
Integration Service ignores the errors and continues the session. By default the Integration Service stops the
session upon shell command errors.
Configure the session to stop or continue if a pre-session shell command fails in the Error Handling settings
on the Config Object tab.

Pre- and Post-Session Commands

35

CHAPTER 4

Session Configuration Object
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Session Configuration Object Overview, 36

•

Advanced Settings, 37

•

Log Options Settings, 39

•

Error Handling Settings, 40

•

Partitioning Options Settings, 42

•

Session on Grid Settings, 43

•

Creating a Session Configuration Object, 43

•

Configuring a Session to Use a Session Configuration Object, 43

Session Configuration Object Overview
Each folder in the repository has a default session configuration object that contains session properties such
as commit and load settings, log options, and error handling settings. You can create multiple configuration
objects if you want to apply different configuration settings to multiple sessions.
When you create a session, the Workflow Manager applies the default configuration object settings to the
Config Object tab of the session. You can also choose a configuration object to use for the session.
When you edit a session configuration object, each session that uses the session configuration object inherits
the changes. When you override the configuration object settings in the Session task, the session
configuration object does not inherit changes.

Configuration Object and Config Object Tab Settings
You can configure the following settings in a session configuration object or on the Config Object tab in
session properties:

36

•

Advanced. Advanced settings allow you to configure constraint-based loading, lookup caches, and buffer
sizes.

•

Log options. Log options allow you to configure how you want to save the session log. By default, the
Log Manager saves only the current session log.

•

Error handling. Error Handling settings allow you to determine if the session fails or continues when it
encounters pre-session command errors, stored procedure errors, or a specified number of session
errors.

•

Partitioning options. Partitioning options allow the Integration Service to determine the number of
partitions to create at run time.

•

Session on grid. When Session on Grid is enabled, the Integration Service distributes session threads to
the nodes in a grid to increase performance and scalability.

Advanced Settings
Advanced settings allow you to configure constraint-based loading, lookup caches, and buffer sizes.
The following table describes the Advanced settings of the Config Object tab:
Advanced Settings

Description

Constraint Based Load Ordering

Integration Service loads targets based on primary key-foreign key
constraints where possible.

Cache Lookup() Function

If selected, the Integration Service caches PowerMart 3.5 LOOKUP
functions in the mapping, overriding mapping-level LOOKUP configurations.
If not selected, the Integration Service performs lookups on a row-by-row
basis, unless otherwise specified in the mapping.

Default Buffer Block Size

Size of buffer blocks used to move data from sources to targets. By default,
this value is set to auto.
You can specify auto or a numeric value. The default unit is bytes. Append
KB, MB, or GB to the value to specify other units. For example, 1048576 or
1024KB or 1MB.

Line Sequential Buffer Length

Number of bytes that the PowerCenter Integration Service reads for each
line. Increase this setting from the default of 1024 bytes if source flat file
records are larger than 1024 bytes.

Maximum Partial Session Log
Files

The maximum number of partial log files to save. Configure this option with
Session Log File Max Size or Session Log File Max Time Period. Default is
one.

Maximum Memory Allowed for
Auto Memory Attributes

Maximum memory allocated for automatic cache when you configure the
Integration Service to determine session cache size at run time.
You enable automatic memory settings by configuring a value for this
attribute. The default unit is bytes. Append KB, MB, or GB to the value to
specify other units. For example, 1048576 or 1024KB or 1MB.

Maximum Percentage of Total
Memory Allowed for Auto Memory
Attributes

Maximum percentage of memory allocated for automatic cache when you
configure the Integration Service to determine session cache size at run
time.

Advanced Settings

37

Advanced Settings

Description

Additional Concurrent Pipelines
for Lookup Cache Creation

Restricts the number of pipelines that the Integration Service can create
concurrently to pre-build lookup caches. Configure this property when the
Pre-build Lookup Cache property is enabled for a session or transformation.
When the Pre-build Lookup Cache property is enabled, the Integration
Service creates a lookup cache before the Lookup transformation receives
the data. If the session has multiple Lookup transformations, the Integration
Service creates an additional pipeline for each lookup cache that it builds.
To configure the number of pipelines that the Integration Service can create
concurrently, select Auto or enter a numeric value:
- Auto. The Integration Service determines the number of pipelines it can create
at run time.
- Numeric value. The Integration Service can create the specified number of
pipelines to create lookup caches.

Custom Properties

Configure custom properties of the Integration Service for the session. You
can override custom properties that the Integration Service uses after the
DTM process has started. The Integration Service also writes the override
value of the property to the session log.

Pre-build Lookup Cache

Allows the Integration Service to build the lookup cache before the Lookup
transformation receives the data. The Integration Service can build multiple
lookup cache files at the same time to improve performance.
You can configure this option in the mapping or the session. The Integration
Service uses the session-level setting if you configure the Lookup
transformation option as Auto.
Configure one of the following options:
- Auto. The Integration Service uses the value configured in the session.
- Always allowed. The Integration Service can build the lookup cache before the
Lookup transformation receives the first source row. The Integration Service
creates an additional pipeline to build the cache.
- Always disallowed. The Integration Service cannot build the lookup cache
before the Lookup transformation receives the first row.

You must configure the number of pipelines that the Integration Service can
build concurrently. Configure the Additional Concurrent Pipelines for Lookup
Cache Creation session property. The Integration Service can pre-build
lookup cache if this property is greater than zero.

38

Chapter 4: Session Configuration Object

Advanced Settings

Description

DateTime Format String

Date time format defined in the session configuration object. Default format
specifies microseconds: MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.US.
You can specify seconds, milliseconds, or nanoseconds.
MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS, specifies seconds.
MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.MS, specifies milliseconds.
MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.US, specifies microseconds.
MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.NS, specifies nanoseconds.

Pre 85 Timestamp Compatibility

Trims subseconds to maintain compatibility with versions prior to 8.5. The
Integration Service converts the Oracle Timestamp datatype to the Oracle
Date datatype. The Integration Service trims subsecond data for the
following sources, targets, and transformations:
- Relational sources and targets
- XML sources and targets
- SQL transformation
- XML Generator transformation
- XML Parser transformation

Default is disabled.

Log Options Settings
Configure log options to define how to save backward compatible session log files. By default, the Log
Manager saves the current session log. You can save multiple log files. You can configure a real-time
session to split the session log file into multiple files. You can limit the commit statistics messages by defining
how often to write commit statistics to the session log.
The following table shows the Log Options settings of the Config Object tab:
Log Options Settings

Description

Save Session Log By

Configure this option to save session log files.
If you select Save Session Log by Timestamp, the Log Manager saves all session
logs, appending a time stamp to each log.
If you select Save Session Log by Runs, the Log Manager saves a designated
number of session logs. Configure the number of sessions in the Save Session Log
for These Runs option.
You can also use the $PMSessionLogCount service variable to save the configured
number of session logs for the Integration Service.

Save Session Log for
These Runs

Number of historical session logs you want the Log Manager to save.
The Log Manager saves the number of historical logs you specify, plus the most
recent session log. When you configure five runs, the Log Manager saves the most
recent session log, plus historical logs 0-4.
You can configure up to 2,147,483,647 historical logs. If you configure zero logs,
the Log Manager saves the most recent session log.

Log Options Settings

39

Log Options Settings

Description

Session Log File Max Size

Maximum number of megabytes for a session log file. Configure a maximum size to
enable log file rollover. When the log file reaches the maximum size, the Integration
Service creates a another log file. If you set the size to zero the session log file size
has no limit.
Configure this option for real-time sessions that generate large session logs. The
Integration Service writes the session logs to multiple files. Each file is a partial log
file. Default is zero.

Session Log File Max
Time Period

Maximum number of hours that the Integration Service writes to a session log file.
Configure the maximum period to enable log file rollover by time. When the period is
over, the Integration service creates another log file.
Configure this option for real-time sessions that might generate large session logs.
The Integration Service writes the session logs to multiple files. Each file is a partial
log file. Default is zero.

Maximum Partial Session
Log Files

Maximum number of session log files to save. The Integration Service overwrites
the oldest partial log file if the number of log files has reached the limit.
Configure this option in conjunction with the maximum time period or maximum file
size option. You must configure one of these options to enable session log rollover.
If you set the maximum number to 0, the number of session log files is unlimited.
Default is 1.

Writer Commit Statistics
Log Frequency

Frequency that the Integration Service writes commit statistics in the session log.
The Integration Service writes commit statistics to the session log after the specified
number of commits occurs. The Integration Service writes commit statistics after
each commit. Default is 1.

Writer Commit Statistics
Log Interval

Time interval, in minutes, to write commit statistics to the session log. The
Integration Service writes commit statistics to the session log after each time
interval.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Session Logs” on page 210

Error Handling Settings
Error Handling settings allow you to determine if the session fails or continues when it encounters presession command errors, stored procedure errors, or a specified number of session errors.

40

Chapter 4: Session Configuration Object

The following table describes the Error handling settings of the Config Object tab:
Error Handling
Settings

Description

Stop On Errors

Indicates how many non-fatal errors the Integration Service can encounter before it
stops the session. Non-fatal errors include reader, writer, and DTM errors. Enter the
number of non-fatal errors you want to allow before stopping the session. The
Integration Service maintains an independent error count for each source, target, and
transformation. If you specify 0, non-fatal errors do not cause the session to stop.
Optionally use the $PMSessionErrorThreshold service variable to stop on the
configured number of errors for the Integration Service.

Override Tracing

Overrides tracing levels set on a transformation level. Selecting this option enables a
menu from which you choose a tracing level: None, Terse, Normal, Verbose
Initialization, or Verbose Data.

On Stored Procedure
Error

Required if the session uses pre- or post-session stored procedures.
If you select Stop Session, the Integration Service stops the session on errors
executing a pre-session or post-session stored procedure.
If you select Continue Session, the Integration Service continues the session
regardless of errors executing pre-session or post-session stored procedures.
By default, the Integration Service stops the session on Stored Procedure error and
marks the session failed.

On Pre-Session
Command Task Error

Required if the session has pre-session shell commands.
If you select Stop Session, the Integration Service stops the session on errors
executing pre-session shell commands.
If you select Continue Session, the Integration Service continues the session
regardless of errors executing pre-session shell commands.
By default, the Integration Service stops the session upon error.

On Pre-Post SQL
Error

Required if the session uses pre- or post-session SQL.
If you select Stop Session, the Integration Service stops the session errors executing
pre-session or post-session SQL.
If you select Continue, the Integration Service continues the session regardless of
errors executing pre-session or post-session SQL.
By default, the Integration Service stops the session upon pre- or post-session SQL
error and marks the session failed.

Error Log Type

Specifies the type of error log to create. You can specify relational, file, or no log.
Default is none.
Note: You cannot log row errors from XML file sources. You can view the XML source
errors in the session log.

Error Log DB
Connection

Specifies the database connection for a relational error log.

Error Log Table Name
Prefix

Specifies table name prefix for a relational error log. Oracle and Sybase have a 30
character limit for table names. If a table name exceeds 30 characters, the session
fails.

Error Log File
Directory

Specifies the directory where errors are logged. By default, the error log file directory is
$PMBadFilesDir\.

Error Log File Name

Specifies error log file name. By default, the error log file name is PMError.log.

Error Handling Settings

41

Error Handling
Settings

Description

Log Row Data

Specifies whether or not to log transformation row data. When you enable error logging,
the Integration Service logs transformation row data by default. If you disable this
property, n/a or -1 appears in transformation row data fields.

Log Source Row Data

Specifies whether or not to log source row data. By default, the check box is clear and
source row data is not logged.

Data Column Delimiter

Delimiter for string type source row data and transformation group row data. By default,
the Integration Service uses a pipe ( | ) delimiter. Verify that you do not use the same
delimiter for the row data as the error logging columns. If you use the same delimiter,
you may find it difficult to read the error log file.

Partitioning Options Settings
When you configure dynamic partitioning, the Integration Service determines the number of partitions to
create at run time. Configure dynamic partitioning on the Config Object tab of session properties.
The following table describes the Partitioning Options settings on the Config Object tab:
Partitioning
Options Settings

Description

Dynamic Partitioning

Configure dynamic partitioning using one of the following methods:
- Disabled. Do not use dynamic partitioning. Define the number of partitions on the Mapping
tab.
- Based on number of partitions. Sets the partitions to a number that you define in the Number
of Partitions attribute. Use the $DynamicPartitionCount session parameter, or enter a
number greater than 1.
- Based on number of nodes in grid. Sets the partitions to the number of nodes in the grid
running the session. If you configure this option for sessions that do not run on a grid, the
session runs in one partition and logs a message in the session log.
- Based on source partitioning. Determines the number of partitions using database partition
information. The number of partitions is the maximum of the number of partitions at the
source.
- Based on number of CPUs. Sets the number of partitions equal to the number of CPUs on
the node that prepares the session. If the session is configured to run on a grid, dynamic
partitioning sets the number of partitions equal to the number of CPUs on the node that
prepares the session multiplied by the number of nodes in the grid.

Default is disabled.
Number of Partitions

42

Determines the number of partitions that the Integration Service creates when you
configure dynamic partitioning based on the number of partitions. Enter a value greater
than 1 or use the $DynamicPartitionCount session parameter.

Chapter 4: Session Configuration Object

Session on Grid Settings
When Session on Grid is enabled, the Integration Service distributes workflows and session threads to the
nodes in a grid to increase performance and scalability.
The following table describes the Session on Grid setting on the Config Object tab:
Session on Grid Setting

Description

Is Enabled

Specifies whether the session runs on a grid.

Creating a Session Configuration Object
Create a session configuration object when you want to reuse a set of Config Object tab settings.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open a folder and click Tasks > Session Configuration.
The Session Configuration Browser appears.

2.

Click New to create a new session configuration object.

3.

Enter a name for the session configuration object.

4.

On the Properties tab, configure the settings.

5.

Click OK.

Configuring a Session to Use a Session
Configuration Object
After you create a session configuration object, you can configure sessions to use it.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the session properties and click the Config Object tab.

2.

Click the Open button in the Config Name field.
A list of session configuration objects appears.

3.

Select the configuration object you want to use and click OK.
The settings associated with the configuration object appear on the Config Object tab.

4.

Click OK.

Session on Grid Settings

43

CHAPTER 5

Tasks
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Tasks Overview, 44

•

Creating a Task, 45

•

Configuring Tasks, 46

•

Working with the Assignment Task, 48

•

Command Task, 49

•

Control Task, 50

•

Working with the Event Task, 53

•

Timer Task, 56

Tasks Overview
The Workflow Manager contains many types of tasks to help you build workflows and worklets. You can
create reusable tasks in the Task Developer. Or, create and add tasks in the Workflow or Worklet Designer
as you develop the workflow.
The following table summarizes workflow tasks available in Workflow Manager:
Task Name

Tool

Reusable

Description

Assignment

Workflow Designer

No

Assigns a value to a workflow variable.

Yes

Specifies shell commands to run during the workflow.
You can choose to run the Command task if the previous
task in the workflow completes.

No

Stops or aborts the workflow.

No

Specifies a condition to evaluate in the workflow. Use
the Decision task to create branches in a workflow.

Worklet Designer
Command

Task Developer
Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

Control

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

Decision

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

44

Task Name

Tool

Reusable

Description

Email

Task Developer

Yes

Sends email during the workflow.

No

Represents the location of a user-defined event. The
Event-Raise task triggers the user-defined event when
the Integration Service runs the Event-Raise task.

No

Waits for a user-defined or a predefined event to occur.
Once the event occurs, the Integration Service
completes the rest of the workflow.

Yes

Set of instructions to run a mapping.

No

Waits for a specified period of time to run the next task.

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer
Event-Raise

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

Event-Wait

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

Session

Task Developer
Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

Timer

Workflow Designer
Worklet Designer

The Workflow Manager validates tasks attributes and links. If a task is invalid, the workflow becomes invalid.
Workflows containing invalid sessions may still be valid.

Creating a Task
You can create tasks in the Task Developer, or you can create them in the Workflow Designer or the Worklet
Designer as you develop the workflow or worklet. Tasks you create in the Task Developer are reusable.
Tasks you create in the Workflow Designer and Worklet Designer are non-reusable by default.

Creating a Task in the Task Developer
Use the Task Developer to create Command, Session, and Email tasks.
1.

In the Task Developer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select the task type you want to create, Command, Session, or Email.

3.

Enter a name for the task. Do not use the period character (.) in task names. Workflow Manager does
not allow a task name with the period character.

4.

For session tasks, select the mapping you want to associate with the session.

5.

Click Create.
The Task Developer creates the workflow task.

6.

Click Done to close the Create Task dialog box.

Creating a Task in the Workflow or Worklet Designer
You can create and add tasks in the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer as you develop the workflow or
worklet. You can create any type of task in the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer. Tasks you create in

Creating a Task

45

the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer are non-reusable. Edit the General tab of the task properties to
promote a non-reusable task to a reusable task.
To create tasks in the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer:
1.

In the Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer, open a workflow or worklet.

2.

Click Tasks > Create.

3.

Select the type of task you want to create.

4.

Enter a name for the task.

5.

Click Create.
The Workflow Designer or Worklet Designer creates the task and adds it to the workspace.

6.

Click Done.

Configuring Tasks
After you create the task, you can configure general task options on the General tab. For each task instance
in the workflow, you can configure how the Integration Service runs the task and the other objects associated
with the selected task. You can also disable the task so you can run rest of the workflow without the selected
task.
When you use a task in the workflow, you can edit the task in the Workflow Designer and configure the
following task options in the General tab:
•

Fail parent if this task fails. Choose to fail the workflow or worklet containing the task if the task fails.

•

Fail parent if this task does not run. Choose to fail the workflow or worklet containing the task if the task
does not run.

•

Disable this task. Choose to disable the task so you can run the rest of the workflow without the task.

•

Treat input link as AND or OR. Choose to have the Integration Service run the task when all or one of
the input link conditions evaluates to True.

Reusable Workflow Tasks
Workflows can contain reusable task instances and non-reusable tasks. Non-reusable tasks exist within a
single workflow. Reusable tasks can be used in multiple workflows in the same folder.
You can create any task as non-reusable or reusable. Tasks you create in the Task Developer are reusable.
Tasks you create in the Workflow Designer are non-reusable by default. However, you can edit the general
properties of a task to promote it to a reusable task.
The Workflow Manager stores each reusable task separate from the workflows that use the task. You can
view a list of reusable tasks in the Tasks node in the Navigator window. You can see a list of all reusable
Session tasks in the Sessions node in the Navigator window.

Promoting a Non-Reusable Workflow Task
You can promote a non-reusable workflow task to a reusable task. Reusable tasks must have unique names
within the repository. When you promote a non-reusable task, the repository checks for naming conflicts. If a
reusable task with the same name already exists, the repository appends a number to the reusable task
name to make it unique. The repository applies the appended name to the checked-out version and to the
latest checked-in version of the reusable task.

46

Chapter 5: Tasks

To promote a non-reusable workflow task:
1.

In the Workflow Designer, double-click the task you want to make reusable.

2.

In the General tab of the Edit Task dialog box, select the Make Reusable option.

3.

When prompted whether you are sure you want to promote the task, click Yes.

4.

Click OK.
The newly promoted task appears in the list of reusable tasks in the Tasks node in the Navigator
window.

Instances and Inherited Changes
When you add a reusable task to a workflow, you add an instance of the task. The definition of the task exists
outside the workflow, while an instance of the task exists in the workflow.
You can edit the task instance in the Workflow Designer. Changes you make in the task instance exist only in
the workflow. The task definition remains unchanged in the Task Developer.
When you make changes to a reusable task definition in the Task Developer, the changes reflect in the
instance of the task in the workflow if you have not edited the instance.

Reverting Changes in Reusable Tasks Instances
When you edit an instance of a reusable task in the workflow, you can revert back to the settings in the task
definition. When you change settings in the task instance, the Revert button appears. The Revert button
appears after you override task properties. You cannot use the Revert button for settings that are read-only
or locked by another user.

AND or OR Input Links
For each task, you can choose to treat the input link as an AND link or an OR link. When a task has one input
link, the Integration Service processes the task when the previous object completes and the link condition
evaluates to True. If you have multiple links going into one task, you can choose to have an AND input link so
that the Integration Service runs the task when all the link conditions evaluates to True. Or, you can choose
to have an OR input link so that the Integration Service runs the task as soon as any link condition evaluates
to True.
To set the type of input links, double-click the task to open the Edit Tasks dialog box. Select AND or OR for
the input link type.

Disabling Tasks
In the Workflow Designer, you can disable a workflow task so that the Integration Service runs the workflow
without the disabled task. The status of a disabled task is DISABLED. Disable a task in the workflow by
selecting the Disable This Task option in the Edit Tasks dialog box.

Failing Parent Workflow or Worklet
You can choose to fail the workflow or worklet if a task fails or does not run. The workflow or worklet that
contains the task instance is called the parent. A task might not run when the input condition for the task
evaluates to False.
To fail the parent workflow or worklet if the task fails, double-click the task and select the Fail Parent If This
Task Fails option in the General tab. When you select this option and a task fails, it does not prevent the
other tasks in the workflow or worklet from running. Instead, the Integration Service marks the status of the

Configuring Tasks

47

workflow or worklet as failed. If you have a session nested within multiple worklets, you must select the Fail
Parent If This Task Fails option for each worklet instance to see the failure at the workflow level.
To fail the parent workflow or worklet if the task does not run, double-click the task and select the Fail Parent
If This Task Does Not Run option in the General tab. When you choose this option, the Integration Service
fails the parent workflow if a task did not run.
Note: The Integration Service does not fail the parent workflow if you disable a task.

Working with the Assignment Task
You can assign a value to a user-defined workflow variable with the Assignment task. To use an Assignment
task in the workflow, first create and add the Assignment task to the workflow. Then configure the
Assignment task to assign values or expressions to user-defined variables. After you assign a value to a
variable using the Assignment task, the Integration Service uses the assigned value for the variable during
the remainder of the workflow. You must create a variable before you can assign values to it. You cannot
assign values to predefined workflow variables.
To create an Assignment task:
1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select Assignment Task for the task type.

3.

Enter a name for the Assignment task. Click Create. Then click Done.
The Workflow Designer creates and adds the Assignment task to the workflow.

4.

Double-click the Assignment task to open the Edit Task dialog box.

5.

On the Expressions tab, click Add to add an assignment.

6.

Click the Open button in the User Defined Variables field.

7.

Select the variable for which you want to assign a value. Click OK.

8.

Click the Edit button in the Expression field to open the Expression Editor.
The Expression Editor shows predefined workflow variables, user-defined workflow variables, variable
functions, and boolean and arithmetic operators.

9.

Enter the value or expression you want to assign.
For example, if you want to assign the value 500 to the user-defined variable $$custno1, enter the
number 500 in the Expression Editor.

10.

Click Validate.
Validate the expression before you close the Expression Editor.

11.

Repeat steps 6 to 8 to add more variable assignments.
Use the up and down arrows in the Expressions tab to change the order of the variable assignments.

12.

48

Click OK.

Chapter 5: Tasks

Command Task
You can specify one or more shell commands to run during the workflow with the Command task. For
example, you can specify shell commands in the Command task to delete reject files, copy a file, or archive
target files.
Use a Command task in the following ways:
•

Standalone Command task. Use a Command task anywhere in the workflow or worklet to run shell
commands.

•

Pre- and post-session shell command. You can call a Command task as the pre- or post-session shell
command for a Session task.

Use any valid UNIX command or shell script for UNIX servers, or any valid DOS or batch file for Windows
servers. For example, you might use a shell command to copy a file from one directory to another. For a
Windows server you would use the following shell command to copy the SALES_ ADJ file from the source
directory, L, to the target, H:
copy L:\sales\sales_adj H:\marketing\
For a UNIX server, you would use the following command to perform a similar operation:
cp sales/sales_adj marketing/
Each shell command runs in the same environment as the Integration Service. Environment settings in one
shell command script do not carry over to other scripts. To run all shell commands in the same environment,
call a single shell script that invokes other scripts.

Using Parameters and Variables
You can use parameters and variables in standalone Command tasks and pre- and post-session shell
commands. For example, you might use a service process variable instead of hard-coding a directory name.
You can use the following parameters and variables in commands:
•

Standalone Command tasks. You can use service, service process, workflow, and worklet variables in
standalone Command tasks. You cannot use session parameters, mapping parameters, or mapping
variables in standalone Command tasks. The Integration Service does not expand these types of
parameters and variables in standalone Command tasks.

•

Pre- and post-session shell commands. You can use any parameter or variable type that you can
define in the parameter file.

Assigning Resources
You can assign resources to Command task instances in the Worklet or Workflow Designer. You might want
to assign resources to a Command task if you assign the workflow to an Integration Service associated with a
grid. When you assign a resource to a Command task and the Integration Service is configured to check
resources, the Load Balancer dispatches the task to a node that has the resource available. A task fails if the
Load Balancer cannot find a node where the required resource is available.

Creating a Command Task
Complete the following steps to create a Command task.
1.

In the Workflow Designer or the Task Developer, click Task > Create.

2.

Select Command Task for the task type.

Command Task

49

3.

Enter a name for the Command task. Click Create. Then click Done.

4.

Double-click the Command task in the workspace to open the Edit Tasks dialog box.

5.

In the Commands tab, click the Add button to add a command.

6.

In the Name field, enter a name for the new command.

7.

In the Command field, click the Edit button to open the Command Editor.

8.

Enter the command you want to run. Enter one command in the Command Editor. You can use service,
service process, workflow, and worklet variables in the command.

9.

Click OK to close the Command Editor.

10.

Repeat steps 4 to 9 to add more commands in the task.

11.

Optionally, click the General tab in the Edit Tasks dialog to assign resources to the Command task.

12.

Click OK.

If you specify non-reusable shell commands for a session, you can promote the non-reusable shell
commands to a reusable Command task.

Executing Commands in the Command Task
The Integration Service runs shell commands in the order you specify them. If the Load Balancer has more
Command tasks to dispatch than the Integration Service can run at the time, the Load Balancer places the
tasks it cannot run in a queue. When the Integration Service becomes available, the Load Balancer
dispatches tasks from the queue in the order determined by the workflow service level.
You can choose to run a command only if the previous command completed successfully. Or, you can
choose to run all commands in the Command task, regardless of the result of the previous command. If you
configure multiple commands in a Command task to run on UNIX, each command runs in a separate shell.
If you choose to run a command only if the previous command completes successfully, the Integration
Service stops running the rest of the commands and fails the task when one of the commands in the
Command task fails. If you do not choose this option, the Integration Service runs all the commands in the
Command task and treats the task as completed, even if a command fails. If you want the Integration Service
to perform the next command only if the previous command completes successfully, select Fail Task if Any
Command Fails in the Properties tab of the Command task.
You can choose a recovery strategy for the task. The recovery strategy determines how the Integration
Service recovers the task when you configure workflow recovery and the task fails. You can configure the
task to restart or you can configure the task to fail and continue running the workflow.

Log Files and Command Tasks
When the Integration Service processes a Command task, it creates temporary files in $PMTempDir. It writes
temporary process files to $PMTempDir before it writes them to the log files. After it writes the process files to
the log files, it deletes them from $PMTempDir. If the Integration Service shuts down before it deletes the
process files, you must delete them manually. The process file names begin with is.process.

Control Task
Use the Control task to stop, abort, or fail the top-level workflow or the parent workflow based on an input link
condition. A parent workflow or worklet is the workflow or worklet that contains the Control task.

50

Chapter 5: Tasks

The following table describes the options you can configure in the Control task:
Control Option

Description

Fail Me

Marks the Control task as “Failed.” The Integration Service fails the Control task if
you choose this option. If you choose Fail Me in the Properties tab and choose
Fail Parent If This Task Fails in the General tab, the Integration Service fails the
parent workflow.

Fail Parent

Marks the status of the workflow or worklet that contains the Control task as failed
after the workflow or worklet completes.

Stop Parent

Stops the workflow or worklet that contains the Control task.

Abort Parent

Aborts the workflow or worklet that contains the Control task.

Fail Top-Level Workflow

Fails the workflow that is running.

Stop Top-Level Workflow

Stops the workflow that is running.

Abort Top-Level Workflow

Aborts the workflow that is running.

Creating a Control Task
Create a Control task in the workflow to stop, abort, or fail the workflow based on an input link condition.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select Control Task for the task type.

3.

Enter a name for the Control task.

4.

Click Create, and then click Done.
The Workflow Manager creates and adds the Control task to the workflow.

5.

Double-click the Control task in the workspace to open it.

6.

Configure the control options on the Properties tab.

Working with the Decision Task
You can enter a condition that determines the execution of the workflow, similar to a link condition with the
Decision task. The Decision task has a predefined variable called $Decision_task_name.condition that
represents the result of the decision condition. The Integration Service evaluates the condition in the
Decision task and sets the predefined condition variable to True (1) or False (0).
You can specify one decision condition per Decision task. After the Integration Service evaluates the
Decision task, use the predefined condition variable in other expressions in the workflow to help you develop
the workflow.
Depending on the workflow, you might use link conditions instead of a Decision task. However, the Decision
task simplifies the workflow. If you do not specify a condition in the Decision task, the Integration Service
evaluates the Decision task to True.

Using the Decision Task
Use the Decision task instead of multiple link conditions in a workflow. Instead of specifying multiple link
conditions, use the predefined condition variable in a Decision task to simplify link conditions.

Control Task

51

Example
For example, you have a Command task that depends on the status of the three sessions in the workflow.
You want the Integration Service to run the Command task when any of the three sessions fails. To
accomplish this, use a Decision task with the following decision condition:
$Q1_session.status = FAILED OR $Q2_session.status = FAILED OR $Q3_session.status =
FAILED
You can then use the predefined condition variable in the input link condition of the Command task.
Configure the input link with the following link condition:
$Decision.condition = True
The following figure shows a sample workflow using a Decision task:

You can configure the same logic in the workflow without the Decision task. Without the Decision task, you
need to use three link conditions and treat the input links to the Command task as OR links.
You can further expand the workflow. The Integration Service runs the Command task if any of the three
Session tasks fails. Suppose now you want the Integration Service to also run an Email task if all three
Session tasks succeed. To do this, add an Email task and use the decision condition variable in the link
condition.
The following figure shows the expanded sample workflow using a Decision task:

Creating a Decision Task
Complete the following steps to create a Decision task.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select Decision Task for the task type.

3.

Enter a name for the Decision task. Click Create. Then click Done.
The Workflow Designer creates and adds the Decision task to the workspace.

4.

52

Double-click the Decision task to open it.

Chapter 5: Tasks

5.

Click the Open button in the Value field to open the Expression Editor.

6.

In the Expression Editor, enter the condition you want the Integration Service to evaluate.
Validate the expression before you close the Expression Editor.

7.

Click OK.

Working with the Event Task
You can define events in the workflow to specify the sequence of task execution. The event is triggered
based on the completion of the sequence of tasks. Use the following tasks to help you use events in the
workflow:
•

Event-Raise task. Event-Raise task represents a user-defined event. When the Integration Service runs
the Event-Raise task, the Event-Raise task triggers the event. Use the Event-Raise task with the EventWait task to define events.

•

Event-Wait task. The Event-Wait task waits for an event to occur. Once the event triggers, the Integration
Service continues executing the rest of the workflow.

To coordinate the execution of the workflow, you may specify the following types of events for the Event-Wait
and Event-Raise tasks:
•

Predefined event. A predefined event is a file-watch event. For predefined events, use an Event-Wait
task to instruct the Integration Service to wait for the specified indicator file to appear before continuing
with the rest of the workflow. When the Integration Service locates the indicator file, it starts the next task
in the workflow.

•

User-defined event. A user-defined event is a sequence of tasks in the workflow. Use an Event-Raise
task to specify the location of the user-defined event in the workflow. A user-defined event is sequence of
tasks in the branch from the Start task leading to the Event-Raise task.
When all the tasks in the branch from the Start task to the Event-Raise task complete, the Event-Raise
task triggers the event. The Event-Wait task waits for the Event-Raise task to trigger the event before
continuing with the rest of the tasks in its branch.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Configuring Worklet Properties” on page 25

•

“Metadata Extensions” on page 14

Example of User-Defined Events
Say you have four sessions you want to run in a workflow. You want Q1_session and Q2_session to run
concurrently to save time. You also want to run Q3_session after Q1_session completes. You want to run
Q4_session only when Q1_session, Q2_session, and Q3_session complete.

Working with the Event Task

53

The following workflow shows how to accomplish this using the Event-Raise and Event-Wait tasks:

To configure the workflow, complete the following steps:
1.

Link Q1_session and Q2_session concurrently.

2.

Add Q3_session after Q1_session.

3.

Declare an event called Q1Q3_Complete in the Events tab of the workflow properties.

4.

In the workspace, add an Event-Raise task after Q3_session.

5.

Specify the Q1Q3_Complete event in the Event-Raise task properties. This allows the Event-Raise task
to trigger the event when Q1_session and Q3_session complete.

6.

Add an Event-Wait task after Q2_session.

7.

Specify the Q1Q3_Complete event for the Event-Wait task.

8.

Add Q4_session after the Event-Wait task. When the Integration Service processes the Event-Wait task,
it waits until the Event-Raise task triggers Q1Q3_Complete before it runs Q4_session.

The Integration Service runs the workflow in the following order:
1.

The Integration Service runs Q1_session and Q2_session concurrently.

2.

When Q1_session completes, the Integration Service runs Q3_session.

3.

The Integration Service finishes executing Q2_session.

4.

The Event-Wait task waits for the Event-Raise task to trigger the event.

5.

The Integration Service completes Q3_session.

6.

The Event-Raise task triggers the event, Q1Q3_complete.

7.

The Integration Service runs Q4_session because the event, Q1Q3_Complete, has been triggered.

8.

The Integration Service runs the Email task.

Event-Raise Tasks
The Event-Raise task represents the location of a user-defined event. A user-defined event is the sequence
of tasks in the branch from the Start task to the Event-Raise task. When the Integration Service runs the
Event-Raise task, the Event-Raise task triggers the user-defined event.
To use an Event-Raise task, you must first declare the user-defined event. Then, create an Event-Raise task
in the workflow to represent the location of the user-defined event you just declared. In the Event-Raise task
properties, specify the name of a user-defined event.

Declaring a User-Defined Event
Declare a user-defined event to use in conjunction with an Event-Raise task.

54

1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Workflow > Edit.

2.

Select the Events tab in the Edit Workflow dialog box.

3.

Click the Add button to add an event name.

Chapter 5: Tasks

Event name is not case sensitive.
4.

Click OK.

Using the Event-Raise Task for a User-Defined Event
After you declare a user-defined event, use the Event-Raise task to represent the location of the event and to
trigger the event.
1.

In the Workflow Designer workspace, create an Event-Raise task and place it in the workflow to
represent the user-defined event you want to trigger.
A user-defined event is the sequence of tasks in the branch from the Start task to the Event-Raise task.

2.

Double-click the Event-Raise task to open it.

3.

On the Properties tab, click the Open button in the Value field to open the Events Browser for userdefined events.

4.

Choose an event in the Events Browser.

5.

Click OK twice.

Event-Wait Tasks
The Event-Wait task waits for a predefined event or a user-defined event. A predefined event is a file-watch
event. When you use the Event-Wait task to wait for a predefined event, you specify an indicator file for the
Integration Service to watch. The Integration Service waits for the indicator file to appear. Once the indicator
file appears, the Integration Service continues running tasks after the Event-Wait task.
You can assign resources to Event-Wait tasks that wait for predefined events. You may want to assign a
resource to a predefined Event-Wait task if you are running on a grid and the indicator file appears on a
specific node or in a specific directory. When you assign a resource to a predefined Event-Wait task and the
Integration Service is configured to check resources, the Load Balancer distributes the task to a node where
the required resource is available.
Note: If you use the Event-Raise task to trigger the event when you wait for a predefined event, you may not
be able to successfully recover the workflow.
You can also use the Event-Wait task to wait for a user-defined event. To use the Event-Wait task for a userdefined event, specify the name of the user-defined event in the Event-Wait task properties. The Integration
Service waits for the Event-Raise task to trigger the user-defined event. Once the user-defined event is
triggered, the Integration Service continues running tasks after the Event-Wait task.

Waiting for User-Defined Events
Use the Event-Wait task to wait for a user-defined event. A user-defined event is triggered by the EventRaise task. To wait for a user-defined event, you must first use an Event-Raise task to trigger the userdefined event.
To wait for a user-defined event:
1.

In the workflow, create an Event-Wait task and double-click the Event-Wait task to open it.

2.

In the Events tab of the task, select User-Defined.

3.

Click the Event button to open the Events Browser dialog box.

4.

Select a user-defined event for the Integration Service to wait.

5.

Click OK twice.

Working with the Event Task

55

Waiting for Predefined Events
To use a predefined event, you need a shell command, script, or batch file to create an indicator file. The file
must be created or sent to a directory that the Integration Service can access. The file can be any format
recognized by the Integration Service operating system. You can choose to have the Integration Service
delete the indicator file after it detects the file, or you can manually delete the indicator file. The Integration
Service marks the status of the Event-Wait task as failed if it cannot delete the indicator file.
When you specify the indicator file in the Event-Wait task, enter the directory in which the file appears and
the name of the indicator file. You must provide the absolute path for the file. If you specify the file name and
not the directory, the Integration Service looks for the indicator file in the following directory:
•

On Windows, the Integration Service looks for the file in the system directory. For example, on Windows
2000, the system directory is c:\winnt\system32.

•

On UNIX, the Integration Service looks for the indicator file in the current working directory for the
Integration Service process. On UNIX this directory is /server/bin.

You can enter the actual name of the file or use process variables to specify the location of the file. You can
also use user-defined workflow and worklet variables to specify the file name and location. For example,
create a workflow variable, $$MyFileWatchFile, for the indicator file name and location, and set $
$MyFileWatchFile to the file name and location in the parameter file.
The Integration Service writes the time the file appears in the workflow log.
Note: Do not use a source or target file name as the indicator file name because you may accidentally delete
a source or target file. Or, the Integration Service may try to delete the file before the session finishes writing
to the target.

Configuring a Workflow for a Predefined Event
To use a predefined event, you need a shell command, script, or batch file to create an indicator file.
1.

In the Events tab of an Event-Wait task, select Predefined.

2.

Enter the path of the indicator file.

3.

If you want the Integration Service to delete the indicator file after it detects the file, select the Delete
Filewatch File option in the Properties tab.

4.

Click OK.

Enabling Past Events
By default, the Event-Wait task waits for the Event-Raise task to trigger the event. By default, the Event-Wait
task does not check if the event already occurred. You can select the Enable Past Events option so that the
Integration Service verifies that the event has already occurred.
When you select Enable Past Events, the Integration Service continues executing the next tasks if the event
already occurred.
Select the Enable Past Events option in the Properties tab of the Event-Wait task.

Timer Task
You can specify the period of time to wait before the Integration Service runs the next task in the workflow
with the Timer task. You can choose to start the next task in the workflow at a specified time and date. You

56

Chapter 5: Tasks

can also choose to wait a period of time after the start time of another task, workflow, or worklet before
starting the next task.
The Timer task has the following types of settings:
•

Absolute time. You specify the time that the Integration Service starts running the next task in the
workflow. You may specify the date and time, or you can choose a user-defined workflow variable to
specify the time.

•

Relative time. You instruct the Integration Service to wait for a specified period of time after the Timer
task, the parent workflow, or the top-level workflow starts.

For example, a workflow contains two sessions. You want the Integration Service wait 10 minutes after the
first session completes before it runs the second session. Use a Timer task after the first session. In the
Relative Time setting of the Timer task, specify ten minutes from the start time of the Timer task. Use a Timer
task anywhere in the workflow after the Start task.
The following table describes the attributes you configure in the Timer task:
Timer Attribute

Description

Absolute Time: Specify the exact
time to start

Integration Service starts the next task in the workflow at the date and time
you specify.

Absolute Time: Use this workflow
date-time variable to calculate
the wait

Specify a user-defined date-time workflow variable. The Integration Service
starts the next task in the workflow at the time you choose.
The Workflow Manager verifies that the variable you specify has the Date/
Time datatype. If the variable precision includes subseconds, the Integration
Service ignores the subsecond portion of the time value.
The Timer task fails if the date-time workflow variable evaluates to NULL.

Relative time: Start after

Specify the period of time the Integration Service waits to start executing the
next task in the workflow.

Relative time: from the start time
of this task

Select this option to wait a specified period of time after the start time of the
Timer task to run the next task.

Relative time: from the start time
of the parent workflow/worklet

Select this option to wait a specified period of time after the start time of the
parent workflow/worklet to run the next task.

Relative time: from the start time
of the top-level workflow

Choose this option to wait a specified period of time after the start time of the
top-level workflow to run the next task.

Creating a Timer Task
Create a Timer task to specify the amount of time the Integration Service waits before it starts the next task in
the workflow.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Tasks > Create.

2.

Select Timer Task for the task type.

3.

Double-click the Timer task to open it.

4.

On the General tab, enter a name for the Timer task.

5.

Click the Timer tab to specify when the Integration Service starts the next task in the workflow.

6.

Specify attributes for Absolute Time or Relative Time.

Timer Task

57

CHAPTER 6

Sources
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Sources Overview, 58

•

Configuring Sources in a Session, 59

•

Working with Relational Sources, 60

•

Working with File Sources, 62

•

Integration Service Handling for File Sources, 67

•

Working with XML Sources, 69

•

Using a File List, 71

Sources Overview
In the Workflow Manager, you can create sessions with the following sources:
•

Relational. You can extract data from any relational database that the Integration Service can connect to.
When extracting data from relational sources and Application sources, you must configure the database
connection to the data source prior to configuring the session.

•

File. You can create a session to extract data from a flat file, COBOL, or XML source. Use an operating
system command to generate source data for a flat file or COBOL source or generate a file list.
If you use a flat file or XML source, the Integration Service can extract data from any local directory or
FTP connection for the source file. If the file source requires an FTP connection, you need to configure
the FTP connection to the host machine before you create the session.

•

Heterogeneous. You can extract data from multiple sources in the same session. You can extract from
multiple relational sources, such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Or, you can extract from multiple
source types, such as relational and flat file. When you configure a session with heterogeneous sources,
configure each source instance separately.

Globalization Features
You can choose a code page that you want the Integration Service to use for relational sources and flat files.
You specify code pages for relational sources when you configure database connections in the Workflow
Manager. You can set the code page for file sources in the session properties.

58

Source Connections
Before you can extract data from a source, you must configure the connection properties the Integration
Service uses to connect to the source file or database. You can configure source database and FTP
connections in the Workflow Manager.

Allocating Buffer Memory
When the Integration Service initializes a session, it allocates blocks of memory to hold source and target
data. The Integration Service allocates at least two blocks for each source and target partition. Sessions that
use a large number of sources or targets might require additional memory blocks. If the Integration Service
cannot allocate enough memory blocks to hold the data, it fails the session.

Partitioning Sources
You can create multiple partitions for relational, Application, and file sources. For relational or Application
sources, the Integration Service creates a separate connection to the source database for each partition you
set in the session properties. For file sources, you can configure the session to read the source with one
thread or multiple threads.

Configuring Sources in a Session
Configure source properties for sessions in the Sources node of the Mapping tab of the session properties.
When you configure source properties for a session, you define properties for each source instance in the
mapping.
The Sources node lists the sources used in the session and displays their settings. To view and configure
settings for a source, select the source from the list. You can configure the following settings for a source:
•

Readers

•

Connections

•

Properties

Configuring Readers
You can click the Readers settings on the Sources node to view the reader the Integration Service uses with
each source instance. The Workflow Manager specifies the necessary reader for each source instance in the
Readers settings on the Sources node.

Configuring Connections
Click the Connections settings on the Sources node to define source connection information. For relational
sources, choose a configured database connection in the Value column for each relational source instance.
By default, the Workflow Manager displays the source type for relational sources.

Configuring Sources in a Session

59

For flat file and XML sources, choose one of the following source connection types in the Type column for
each source instance:
•

FTP. To read data from a flat file or XML source using FTP, you must specify an FTP connection when
you configure source options. You must define the FTP connection in the Workflow Manager prior to
configuring the session.

•

None. Choose None to read from a local flat file or XML file.

Configuring Properties
Click the Properties settings in the Sources node to define source property information. The Workflow
Manager displays properties, such as source file name and location for flat file, COBOL, and XML source file
types. You do not need to define any properties on the Properties settings for relational sources.

Working with Relational Sources
When you configure a session to read data from a relational source, you can configure the following
properties for sources:
•

Source database connection. Select the database connection for each relational source.

•

Treat source rows as. Define how the Integration Service treats each source row as it reads it from the
source table.

•

Override SQL query. You can override the default SQL query to extract source data.

•

Table owner name. Define the table owner name for each relational source.

•

Source table name. You can override the source table name for each relational source.

Selecting the Source Database Connection
Before you can run a session to read data from a source database, the Integration Service must connect to
the source database. Database connections must exist in the repository to appear on the source database
list. You must define them prior to configuring a session.
On the Connections settings in the Sources node, choose the database connection. You can select a
connection object, use a connection variable, or use a session parameter to define the connection value in a
parameter file.

Defining the Treat Source Rows As Property
When the Integration Service reads a source, it marks each row with an indicator to specify which operation
to perform when the row reaches the target. You can define how the Integration Service marks each row
using the Treat Source Rows As property in the General Options settings on the Properties tab.

60

Chapter 6: Sources

The following table describes the options you can choose for the Treat Source Rows As property:
Treat Source

Description

Rows As Option
Insert

Integration Service marks all rows to insert into the target.

Delete

Integration Service marks all rows to delete from the target.

Update

Integration Service marks all rows to update the target. You can further define the
update operation in the target options.

Data Driven

Integration Service uses the Update Strategy transformations in the mapping to
determine the operation on a row-by-row basis. You define the update operation in the
target options. If the mapping contains an Update Strategy transformation, this option
defaults to Data Driven. You can also use this option when the mapping contains
Custom transformations configured to set the update strategy.

After you determine how to treat all rows in the session, you also need to set update strategy options for
individual targets.

SQL Query Override
You can alter or override the default query in the mapping by entering SQL override in the Properties settings
in the Sources node. You can enter any SQL statement supported by the source database.
The Workflow Manager does not validate the SQL override. The following types of errors can cause data
errors and session failure:
•

Fields with incompatible datatypes or unknown fields

•

Typing mistakes or other errors

Overriding the SQL Query
You can override the SQL query for a relational source.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the session properties.

2.

Click the Mapping tab and open the Transformations view.

3.

Click the Sources node and open the Properties settings.

4.

Click the Open button in the SQL Query field to open the SQL Editor.

5.

Enter the SQL override.

6.

Click OK to return to the session properties.

Configuring the Table Owner Name
You can define the owner name of the source table in the session properties. For some databases such as
DB2, tables can have different owners. If the database user specified in the database connection is not the
owner of the source tables in a session, specify the table owner for each source instance. A session can fail
if the database user is not the owner and you do not specify the table owner name.
Specify the table owner name in the Owner Name field in the Properties settings on the Mapping tab.
You can use a parameter or variable as the table owner name. Use any parameter or variable type that you
can define in the parameter file. For example, you can use a session parameter, $ParamMyTableOwner, as

Working with Relational Sources

61

the table owner name, and set $ParamMyTableOwner to the table owner name in the parameter file. Use a
mapping parameter to include the owner name with the table name in the following types of overrides: source
filter, user-defined join, query override, or pre- or post-SQL.

Overriding the Source Table Name
You can override the source table name in the session properties. Override the source table name when you
use a single session to read data from different source tables. Enter a table name in the source table name,
or enter a parameter or variable to define the source table name in the parameter file. You can use mapping
parameters, mapping variables, session parameters, workflow variables, or worklet variables in the source
table name. For example, you can use a session parameter, $ParamSrcTable, as the source table name, and
set $ParamSrcTable to the source table name in the parameter file.
Note: If you override the source table name on the Properties tab of the source instance, and you override
the source table name using an SQL query, the Integration Service uses the source table name defined in the
SQL query.

Working with File Sources
You can create a session to extract data from flat file, COBOL, or XML sources. When you create a session
to read data from a file, you can configure the following information in the session properties:
•

Source properties. You can define source properties on the Properties settings in the Sources node,
such as source file options.

•

Flat file properties. You can edit fixed-width and delimited source file properties.

•

Line sequential buffer length. You can change the buffer length for flat files on the Advanced settings on
the Config Object tab.

•

Treat source rows as. You can define how the Integration Service treats each source row as it reads it
from the source.

Configuring Source Properties
You can define session source properties on the Properties settings on the Mapping tab.
The following table describes the properties you define for flat file source definitions:
File Source
Options

Description

Input Type

Type of source input. You can choose the following types of source input:
- File. For flat file, COBOL, or XML sources.
- Command. For source data or a file list generated by a command.

You cannot use a command to generate XML source data.
Source File
Directory

Directory name of flat file source. By default, the Integration Service looks in the service
process variable directory, $PMSourceFileDir, for file sources.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Source Filename field, clear this field.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Source Filename field when it runs
the session.
You can also use the $InputFileName session parameter to specify the file location.

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Chapter 6: Sources

File Source
Options

Description

Source File Name

File name, or file name and path of flat file source. Optionally, use the $InputFileName
session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Source File Directory field when it
runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\data\” in the Source File Directory field,
then enter “filename.dat” in the Source Filename field. When the Integration Service
begins the session, it looks for “C:\data\filename.dat”.
By default, the Workflow Manager enters the file name configured in the source definition.

Source File Type

Indicates whether the source file contains the source data, or whether it contains a list of
files with the same file properties. You can choose the following source file types:
- Direct. For source files that contain the source data.
- Indirect. For source files that contain a list of files. When you select Indirect, the Integration
Service finds the file list and reads each listed file when it runs the session.

Command Type

Type of source data the command generates. You can choose the following command
types:
- Command generating data for commands that generate source data input rows.
- Command generating file list for commands that generate a file list.

Command

Command used to generate the source file data.

Set File Properties
link

Overrides source file properties. By default, the Workflow Manager displays file properties
as configured in the source definition.

Truncate string null

Strips the first null character and all characters after the first null character from string
values.
Enable this option for delimited flat files that contain null characters in strings. If you do
not enable this option, the PowerCenter Integration Service generates a row error for any
row that contains null characters in a string.
Default is disabled.

Configuring Commands for File Sources
Use a command to generate flat file source data input rows or a list of source files for a session. For UNIX,
use any valid UNIX command or shell script. For Windows, use any valid DOS or batch file on Windows. You
can also use service process variables, such as $PMSourceFileDir, in the command.

Generating Flat File Source Data
Use a command to generate the input rows for flat file source data. Use a command to generate or transform
flat file data and send the standard output of the command to the flat file reader when the session runs. The
flat file reader reads the standard output of the command as the flat file source data. Generating source data
with a command eliminates the need to stage a flat file source. Use a command or script to send source data
directly to the Integration Service instead of using a pre-session command to generate a flat file source.
For example, to uncompress a data file and use the uncompressed data as the source data input rows, use
the following command:
uncompress -c $PMSourceFileDir/myCompressedFile.Z
The command uncompresses the file and sends the standard output of the command to the flat file reader.
The flat file reader reads the standard output of the command as the flat file source data.

Working with File Sources

63

Generating a File List
Use a command to generate a list of source files. The flat file reader reads each file in the list when the
session runs. Use a command to generate a file list when the list of source files changes often or you want to
generate a file list based on specific conditions. You might want to use a command to generate a file list
based on a directory listing.
For example, to use a directory listing as a file list, use the following command:
cd $PMSourceFileDir; ls -1 sales-records-Sep-*-2005.dat
The command generates a file list from the source file directory listing. When the session runs, the flat file
reader reads each file as it reads the file names from the command.
To use the output of a command as a file list, select Command as the Input Type, Command generating file
list as the Command Type, and enter a command for the Command property.

Configuring Fixed-Width File Properties
When you read data from a fixed-width file, you can edit file properties in the session, such as the null
character or code page. You can configure fixed-width properties for non-reusable sessions in the Workflow
Designer and for reusable sessions in the Task Developer. You cannot configure fixed-width properties for
instances of reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer.
Click Set File Properties to open the Flat Files dialog box. To edit the fixed-width properties, select Fixed
Width and click Advanced. The Fixed Width Properties dialog box appears. By default, the Workflow Manager
displays file properties as configured in the mapping. Edit these settings to override those configured in the
source definition.
The following table describes options you can define in the Fixed Width Properties dialog box for file sources:
Fixed-Width
Properties Options

Description

Text/Binary

Indicates the character representing a null value in the file. This can be any valid
character in the file code page, or any binary value from 0 to 255.

Repeat Null Character

If selected, the Integration Service reads repeat null characters in a single field as a
single null value. If you do not select this option, the Integration Service reads a single
null character at the beginning of a field as a null field.
Important: For multibyte code pages, specify a single-byte null character if you use
repeating non-binary null characters. This ensures that repeating null characters fit into
the column.

Code Page

Code page of the fixed-width file. Select a code page or a variable:
- Code page. Select the code page.
- Use Variable. Enter a user-defined workflow or worklet variable or the session parameter
$ParamName, and define the code page in the parameter file. Use the code page name.

Default is the PowerCenter Client code page.
Number of Initial Rows
to Skip

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Chapter 6: Sources

Integration Service skips the specified number of rows before reading the file. Use this
to skip header rows. One row may contain multiple records. If you select the Line
Sequential File Format option, the Integration Service ignores this option.

Fixed-Width
Properties Options

Description

Number of Bytes to
Skip Between Records

Integration Service skips the specified number of bytes between records. For example,
you have an ASCII file on Windows with one record on each line, and a carriage return
and line feed appear at the end of each line. If you want the Integration Service to skip
these two single-byte characters, enter 2.
If you have an ASCII file on UNIX with one record for each line, ending in a carriage
return, skip the single character by entering 1.

Strip Trailing Blanks

If selected, the Integration Service strips trailing blanks from string values.

Line Sequential File
Format

Select this option if the file uses a carriage return at the end of each record, shortening
the final column.

Configuring Delimited File Properties
When you read data from a delimited file, you can edit file properties in the session, such as the delimiter or
code page. You can configure delimited properties for non-reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer and
for reusable sessions in the Task Developer. You cannot configure delimited properties for instances of
reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer. Click Set File Properties to open the Flat Files dialog box.
To edit the delimited properties, select Delimited and click Advanced. The Delimited File Properties dialog
box appears. By default, the Workflow Manager displays file properties as configured in the mapping. Edit
these settings to override those configured in the source definition.
The following table describes options you can define in the Delimited File Properties dialog box for file
sources:
Delimited File
Properties Options

Description

Column Delimiters

One or more characters used to separate columns of data. Delimiters can be either
printable or single-byte unprintable characters, and must be different from the escape
character and the quote character (if selected). To enter a single-byte unprintable
character, click the Browse button to the right of this field. In the Delimiters dialog box,
select an unprintable character from the Insert Delimiter list and click Add. You cannot
select unprintable multibyte characters as delimiters.
Maximum number of delimiters is 80.

Treat Consecutive
Delimiters as One

By default, the Integration Service treats multiple delimiters separately. If selected, the
Integration Service reads any number of consecutive delimiter characters as one.
For example, a source file uses a comma as the delimiter character and contains the
following record: 56, , , Jane Doe. By default, the Integration Service reads that record
as four columns separated by three delimiters: 56, NULL, NULL, Jane Doe. If you select
this option, the Integration Service reads the record as two columns separated by one
delimiter: 56, Jane Doe.

Treat Multiple
Delimiters as AND

If selected, the Integration Service treats a specified set of delimiters as one. For
example, a source file contains the following record: abc~def|ghi~|~|jkl|~mno. By
default, the Integration Service reads the record as nine columns separated by eight
delimiters: abc, def, ghi, NULL, NULL, NULL, jkl, NULL, mno. If you select this option
and specify the delimiter as ( ~ | ), the Integration Service reads the record as three
columns separated by two delimiters: abc~def|ghi, NULL, jkl|~mno.

Working with File Sources

65

Delimited File
Properties Options

Description

Optional Quotes

Select No Quotes, Single Quote, or Double Quotes. If you select a quote character, the
Integration Service ignores delimiter characters within the quote characters. Therefore,
the Integration Service uses quote characters to escape the delimiter.
For example, a source file uses a comma as a delimiter and contains the following row:
342-3849, ‘Smith, Jenna’, ‘Rockville, MD’, 6.
If you select the optional single quote character, the Integration Service ignores the
commas within the quotes and reads the row as four fields.
If you do not select the optional single quote, the Integration Service reads six separate
fields.
When the Integration Service reads two optional quote characters within a quoted
string, it treats them as one quote character. For example, the Integration Service reads
the following quoted string as I’m going tomorrow:
2353, ‘I’’m going tomorrow’, MD
Additionally, if you select an optional quote character, the Integration Service reads a
string as a quoted string if the quote character is the first character of the field.
Note: You can improve session performance if the source file does not contain quotes
or escape characters.

Code Page

Code page of the delimited file. Select a code page or a variable:
- Code page. Select the code page.
- Use Variable. Enter a user-defined workflow or worklet variable or the session parameter
$ParamName, and define the code page in the parameter file. Use the code page name.

Default is the PowerCenter Client code page.
Row Delimiter

Specify a line break character. Select from the list or enter a character. Preface an octal
code with a backslash (\). To use a single character, enter the character.
The Integration Service uses only the first character when the entry is not preceded by a
backslash. The character must be a single-byte character, and no other character in the
code page can contain that byte. Default is line-feed, \012 LF (\n).

Escape Character

Character immediately preceding a delimiter character embedded in an unquoted string,
or immediately preceding the quote character in a quoted string. When you specify an
escape character, the Integration Service reads the delimiter character as a regular
character (called escaping the delimiter or quote character).
Note: You can improve session performance for mappings containing Sequence
Generator transformations if the source file does not contain quotes or escape
characters.

Remove Escape
Character From Data

This option is selected by default. Clear this option to include the escape character in
the output string.

Number of Initial Rows
to Skip

Integration Service skips the specified number of rows before reading the file. Use this
to skip title or header rows in the file.

Configuring Line Sequential Buffer Length
You can configure the line buffer length for file sources. By default, the Integration Service reads a file record
into a buffer that holds 1024 bytes. If the source file records are larger than 1024 bytes, increase the Line
Sequential Buffer Length property in the session properties accordingly. Define the line buffer length on the
Config Object tab in the session properties.

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Chapter 6: Sources

Integration Service Handling for File Sources
When you configure a session with file sources, you might take these additional features into account when
creating mappings with file sources:
•

Character set

•

Multibyte character error handling

•

Null character handling

•

Row length handling for fixed-width flat files

•

Numeric data handling

•

Tab handling

Character Set
You can configure the Integration Service to run sessions in either ASCII or Unicode data movement mode.
The following table describes source file formats supported by each data movement path in PowerCenter:
Character Set

Unicode mode

ASCII mode

7-bit ASCII

Supported

Supported

US-EBCDIC

Supported

Supported

8-bit ASCII

Supported

Supported

8-bit EBCDIC

Supported

Supported

ASCII-based MBCS

Supported

Integration Service generates a warning message.

EBCDIC-based SBCS

Supported

Not supported. The Integration Service terminates the
session.

EBCDIC-based MBCS

Supported

Not supported. The Integration Service terminates the
session.

(COBOL sources only)

(COBOL sources only)

If you configure a session to run in ASCII data movement mode, delimiters, escape characters, and null
characters must be valid in the ISO Western European Latin 1 code page. Any 8-bit characters you specified
in previous versions of PowerCenter are still valid. In Unicode data movement mode, delimiters, escape
characters, and null characters must be valid in the specified code page of the flat file.

Multibyte Character Error Handling
Misalignment of multibyte data in a file causes session errors. Data becomes misaligned when you place
column breaks incorrectly in a file, resulting in multibyte characters that extend beyond the last byte in a
column.
When you import a fixed-width flat file, you can create, move, or delete column breaks using the Flat File
Wizard. Incorrect positioning of column breaks can create alignment errors when you run a session
containing multibyte characters.

Integration Service Handling for File Sources

67

The Integration Service handles alignment errors in fixed-width flat files according to the following guidelines:
•

Non-line sequential file. The Integration Service skips rows containing misaligned data and resumes
reading the next row. The skipped row appears in the session log with a corresponding error message. If
an alignment error occurs at the end of a row, the Integration Service skips both the current row and the
next row, and writes them to the session log.

•

Line sequential file. The Integration Service skips rows containing misaligned data and resumes reading
the next row. The skipped row appears in the session log with a corresponding error message.

•

Reader error threshold. You can configure a session to stop after a specified number of non-fatal errors.
A row containing an alignment error increases the error count by 1. The session stops if the number of
rows containing errors reaches the threshold set in the session properties. Errors and corresponding error
messages appear in the session log file.

Fixed-width COBOL sources are always byte-oriented and can be line sequential. The Integration Service
handles COBOL files according to the following guidelines:
•

Line sequential files. The Integration Service skips rows containing misaligned data and writes the
skipped rows to the session log. The session stops if the number of error rows reaches the error
threshold.

•

Non-line sequential files. The session stops at the first row containing misaligned data.

Null Character Handling
You can specify single-byte or multibyte null characters for fixed-width flat files. The Integration Service uses
these characters to determine if a column is null.
The following table describes how the Integration Service uses the Null Character and Repeat Null Character
properties to determine if a column is null:
Null
Character

Repeat Null
Character

Integration Service Behavior

Binary

Disabled

A column is null if the first byte in the column is the binary null character. The
Integration Service reads the rest of the column as text data to determine the
column alignment and track the shift state for shift sensitive code pages. If data
in the column is misaligned, the Integration Service skips the row and writes the
skipped row and a corresponding error message to the session log.

Non-binary

Disabled

A column is null if the first character in the column is the null character. The
Integration Service reads the rest of the column to determine the column
alignment and track the shift state for shift sensitive code pages. If data in the
column is misaligned, the Integration Service skips the row and writes the
skipped row and a corresponding error message to the session log.

Binary

Enabled

A column is null if it contains the specified binary null character. The next column
inherits the initial shift state of the code page.

Non-binary

Enabled

A column is null if the repeating null character fits into the column with no bytes
leftover. For example, a five-byte column is not null if you specify a two-byte
repeating null character. In shift-sensitive code pages, shift bytes do not affect
the null value of a column. A column is still null if it contains a shift byte at the
beginning or end of the column.
Specify a single-byte null character if you use repeating non-binary null
characters. This ensures that repeating null characters fit into a column.

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Chapter 6: Sources

Row Length Handling for Fixed-Width Flat Files
For fixed-width flat files, data in a row can be shorter than the row length in the following situations:
•

The file is fixed-width line-sequential with a carriage return or line feed that appears sooner than
expected.

•

The file is fixed-width non-line sequential, and the last line in the file is shorter than expected.

In these cases, the Integration Service reads the data but does not append any blanks to fill the remaining
bytes. The Integration Service reads subsequent fields as NULL. Fields containing repeating null characters
that do not fill the entire field length are not considered NULL.

Numeric Data Handling
Sometimes, file sources contain non-numeric data in numeric columns. When the Integration Service reads
non-numeric data, it treats the row differently, depending on the source type. When the Integration Service
reads non-numeric data from numeric columns in a flat file source or an XML source, it drops the row and
writes the row to the session log. When the Integration Service reads non-numeric data for numeric columns
in a COBOL source, it reads a null value for the column.

Working with XML Sources
When you create a session to read data from an XML source, you can configure source properties for that
session. For example, you might want to override the source file name and location in the session properties.
The following table describes the properties you can override for XML readers in a session:
XML Source
Option

Description

Treat Empty
Content as Null

Treat empty XML components as Null. By default, the Integration Service does not output
element tags for Null values. The Integration Service outputs tags for empty content.

Source File
Directory

Location of the Source XML file. By default, the Integration Service looks in the service
process variable directory, $PMSourceFileDir.
You can enter the full path and file name. If you specify both the directory and file name in
the Source Filename field, clear the Source File Directory. The Integration Service
concatenates this field with the Source Filename field.
You can also use the $InputFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Working with XML Sources

69

XML Source
Option

Description

Source Filename

Enter the file name or file name and path. Optionally, use the $InputFileName session
parameter for the file name.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Source File Directory field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Source File Directory field
when it runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\XMLdata\” in the Source File
Directory field, then enter “filename.xml” in the Source Filename field. When the Integration
Service begins the session, it looks for “C:\data\filename.xml”.

Source Filetype

Use to configure multiple file sources with a file list. Choose Direct or Indirect. The option
indicates whether the source file contains the source data, or whether the source file
contains a list of files with the same file properties. Choose Direct if the source file contains
the source data. Choose Indirect if the source file contains a list of files.
When you select Indirect, the Integration Service finds the file list and reads each listed file
when it runs the session.

The following table describes the properties you can override for an XML Source Qualifier in a session:
XML Source
Option

Description

Validate XML
Source

Provides flexibility for validating an XML source against a schema or DTD file. Select Do
Not Validate to skip validation, even if the instance document has an associated DTD or
schema reference. Select Validate Only if DTD is Present to validate when the XML source
has a corresponding DTD or schema file. The session fails if the instance document
specifies a DTD or schema and one is not present. Select Always Validate to always
validate the XML file. The session fails if the DTD or schema does not exist or the data is
invalid.

Partitionable

You can create multiple partitions for the source pipeline.

Server Handling for XML Sources
The Integration Service can distinguish empty values from null values in an XML source. You can choose to
pass empty strings as null values by selecting the Treat Empty Content As NULL option in the Mapping tab of
the session properties. By default, empty content is Not Null.
You can choose to omit fixed elements from the XML source definition. If the DTD or XML schema specifies a
fixed or default value for an element, the value appears in the XML source definition.
You can define attributes as required, optional, or prohibited in an element tag. You can also specify fixed or
default values for attributes. When a DTD or XML schema contains an attribute with a fixed or default value,
the Integration Service passes the value into the pipeline even if the element tag in the instance document
does not contain the attribute. If the attribute does not have a fixed or default value, the Integration Service
passes a null value for the attribute. A parser error occurs when a required attribute is not present in an
element or a prohibited attribute appears in the element tag. The Integration Service writes this error to the
session log.

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Chapter 6: Sources

Using a File List
You can create a session to run multiple source files for one source instance in the mapping. You might use
this feature if, for example, the organization collects data at several locations which you then want to move
through the same session. When you create a mapping to use multiple source files for one source instance,
the properties of all files must match the source definition.
To use multiple source files, you create a file containing the names and directories of each source file you
want the Integration Service to use. This file is referred to as a file list.
When you configure the session properties, enter the file name of the file list in the Source Filename field and
enter the location of the file list in the Source File Directory field. When the session starts, the Integration
Service reads the file list, then locates and reads the first file source in the list. After the Integration Service
reads the first file, it locates and reads the next file in the list.
The Integration Service writes the path and name of the file list to the session log. If the Integration Service
encounters an error while accessing a source file, it logs the error in the session log and stops the session.
Note: When you use a file list and the session performs incremental aggregation, the Integration Service
performs incremental aggregation across all listed source files.

Creating the File List
The file list contains the names of all the source files you want the Integration Service to use for the source
instance in the session. Create the file list in an editor appropriate to the Integration Service platform and
save it as a text file. For example, you can create a file list for an Integration Service on Windows with any
text editor then save it as ASCII.
The Integration Service interprets the file list using the Integration Service code page. Map the drives on an
Integration Service on Windows or mount the drives on an Integration Service on UNIX. The Integration
Service skips blank lines and ignores leading blank spaces. Any characters indicating a new line, such as \n
in ASCII files, must be valid in the code page of the Integration Service.
Use the following rules and guidelines when you create the file list:
•

Each file in the list must use the user-defined code page configured in the source definition.

•

Each file in the file list must share the same file properties as configured in the source definition or as
entered for the source instance in the session property sheet.

•

Enter one file name or one path and file name on a line. If you do not specify a path for a file, the
Integration Service assumes the file is in the same directory as the file list.

•

Each path must be local to the Integration Service node.

The following example shows a valid file list created for an Integration Service on Windows. Each of the
drives listed are mapped on the Integration Service node. The western_trans.dat file is located in the same
directory as the file list.
western_trans.dat
d:\data\eastern_trans.dat
e:\data\midwest_trans.dat
f:\data\canada_trans.dat
After you create the file list, place it in a directory local to the Integration Service.

Configuring a Session to Use a File List
After you create a file list for multiple source files, you can configure the session to access those files.
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the session properties.

Using a File List

71

2.

Click the Mapping tab and open the Transformations view.

3.

Click the Properties settings in the Sources node.

4.

In the Source Filetype field, choose Indirect.

5.

In the Source Filename field, replace the file name with the name of the file list.
If necessary, also enter the path in the Source File Directory field.
If you enter a file name in the Source Filename field, and you have specified a path in the Source File
Directory field, the Integration Service looks for the named file in the listed directory.
-orIf you enter a file name in the Source Filename field, and you do not specify a path in the Source File
Directory field, the Integration Service looks for the named file in the directory where the Integration
Service is installed on UNIX or in the system directory on Windows.

6.

72

Click OK.

Chapter 6: Sources

CHAPTER 7

Targets
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Targets Overview, 73

•

Configuring Targets in a Session, 75

•

Performing a Test Load, 76

•

Working with Relational Targets, 77

•

Working with Target Connection Groups, 87

•

Working with Active Sources, 88

•

Working with File Targets, 89

•

Integration Service Handling for File Targets, 93

•

Working with XML Targets in a Session, 99

•

Integration Service Handling for XML Targets, 100

•

Working with Heterogeneous Targets, 105

•

Reject Files, 106

Targets Overview
In the Workflow Manager, you can create sessions with the following targets:
•

Relational. You can load data to any relational database that the Integration Service can connect to.
When loading data to relational targets, you must configure the database connection to the target before
you configure the session.

•

File. You can load data to a flat file or XML target or write data to an operating system command. For flat
file or XML targets, the Integration Service can load data to any local directory or FTP connection for the
target file. If the file target requires an FTP connection, you need to configure the FTP connection to the
host machine before you create the session.

•

Heterogeneous. You can output data to multiple targets in the same session. You can output to multiple
relational targets, such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Or, you can output to multiple target types,
such as relational and flat file.

Globalization Features
You can configure the Integration Service to run sessions in either ASCII or Unicode data movement mode.

73

The following table describes target character sets supported by each data movement mode in PowerCenter:
Character Set

Unicode Mode

ASCII Mode

7-bit ASCII

Supported

Supported

ASCII-based MBCS

Supported

Integration Service generates a warning message,
but does not terminate the session.

UTF-8

Supported (Targets Only)

Integration Service generates a warning message,
but does not terminate the session.

EBCDIC-based SBCS

Supported

Not supported. The Integration Service terminates the
session.

EBCDIC-based MBCS

Supported

Not supported. The Integration Service terminates the
session.

You can work with targets that use multibyte character sets with PowerCenter. You can choose a code page
that you want the Integration Service to use for relational objects and flat files. You specify code pages for
relational objects when you configure database connections in the Workflow Manager. The code page for a
database connection used as a target must be a superset of the source code page.
When you change the database connection code page to one that is not two-way compatible with the old
code page, the Workflow Manager generates a warning and invalidates all sessions that use that database
connection.
Code pages you select for a file represent the code page of the data contained in these files. If you are
working with flat files, you can also specify delimiters and null characters supported by the code page you
have specified for the file.
Target code pages must be a superset of the source code page.
However, if you configure the Integration Service and Client for code page relaxation, you can select any
code page supported by PowerCenter for the target database connection. When using code page relaxation,
select compatible code pages for the source and target data to prevent data inconsistencies.
If the target contains multibyte character data, configure the Integration Service to run in Unicode mode.
When the Integration Service runs a session in Unicode mode, it uses the database code page to translate
data.
If the target contains only single-byte characters, configure the Integration Service to run in ASCII mode.
When the Integration Service runs a session in ASCII mode, it does not validate code pages.

Target Connections
Before you can load data to a target, you must configure the connection properties the Integration Service
uses to connect to the target file or database. You can configure target database and FTP connections in the
Workflow Manager.

RELATED TOPICS:

74

•

“Relational Database Connections” on page 120

•

“FTP Connections” on page 123

Chapter 7: Targets

Partitioning Targets
When you create multiple partitions in a session with a relational target, the Integration Service creates
multiple connections to the target database to write target data concurrently. When you create multiple
partitions in a session with a file target, the Integration Service creates one target file for each partition. You
can configure the session properties to merge these target files.

Configuring Targets in a Session
Configure target properties for sessions in the Transformations view on Mapping tab of the session
properties. Click the Targets node to view the target properties. When you configure target properties for a
session, you define properties for each target instance in the mapping.
The Targets node contains the following settings where you define properties:
•

Writers

•

Connections

•

Properties

Configuring Writers
Click the Writers settings in the Transformations view to define the writer to use with each target instance.
When the mapping target is a flat file, an XML file, an SAP NetWeaver BI target, or a WebSphere MQ target,
the Workflow Manager specifies the necessary writer in the session properties. However, when the target is
relational, you can change the writer type to File Writer if you plan to use an external loader.
Note: You can change the writer type for non-reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer and for reusable
sessions in the Task Developer. You cannot change the writer type for instances of reusable sessions in the
Workflow Designer.
When you override a relational target to use the file writer, the Workflow Manager changes the properties for
that target instance on the Properties settings. It also changes the connection options you can define in the
Connections settings.
If the target contains a column with datetime values, the Integration Service compares the date formats
defined for the target column and the session. When the date formats do not match, the Integration Service
uses the date format with the lesser precision. For example, a session writes to a Microsoft SQL Server
target that includes a Datetime column with precision to the millisecond. The date format for the session is
MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.NS. If you override the Microsoft SQL Server target with a flat file writer, the
Integration Service writes datetime values to the flat file with precision to the millisecond. If the date format
for the session is MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS, the Integration Service writes datetime values to the flat file
with precision to the second.
After you override a relational target to use a file writer, define the file properties for the target. Click Set File
Properties and choose the target to define.

Configuring Connections
View the Connections settings on the Mapping tab to define target connection information. For relational
targets, the Workflow Manager displays Relational as the target type by default. In the Value column, choose
a configured database connection for each relational target instance.

Configuring Targets in a Session

75

For flat file and XML targets, choose one of the following target connection types in the Type column for each
target instance:
•

FTP. If you want to load data to a flat file or XML target using FTP, you must specify an FTP connection
when you configure target options. FTP connections must be defined in the Workflow Manager prior to
configuring sessions.

•

Loader. Use the external loader option to improve the load speed to Oracle, DB2, Sybase IQ, or Teradata
target databases.
To use this option, you must use a mapping with a relational target definition and choose File as the writer
type on the Writers settings for the relational target instance. The Integration Service uses an external
loader to load target files to the Oracle, DB2, Sybase IQ, or Teradata database. You cannot choose
external loader if the target is defined in the mapping as a flat file, XML, MQ, or SAP BW target.

•

Queue. Choose Queue when you want to output to a WebSphere MQ or MSMQ message queue.

•

None. Choose None when you want to write to a local flat file or XML file.

Configuring Properties
View the Properties settings on the Mapping tab to define target property information. The Workflow Manager
displays different properties for the different target types: relational, flat file, and XML.

Performing a Test Load
You can configure the Integration Service to perform a test load. With a test load, the Integration Service
reads and transforms data without writing to targets. The Integration Service reads the number you configure
for the test load. The Integration Service generates all session files and performs all pre- and post-session
functions, as if running the full session. To configure a session to perform a test load, enable test load and
enter the number of rows to test.
The Integration Service writes data to relational targets, but rolls back the data when the session completes.
For all other target types, such as flat file and SAP BW, the Integration Service does not write data to the
targets.
Use the following rules and guidelines when performing a test load:
•

You cannot perform a test load on sessions using XML sources.

•

You can perform a test load for relational targets when you configure a session for normal mode.

•

If you configure the session for bulk mode, the session fails.

•

Enable a test load on the session Properties tab.

Configuring a Test Load
Configure a test load to verify that the Integration Service can process a number of rows in the mapping
pipeline.

76

1.

In the Session task, click the Properties tab.

2.

In the General Options settings, click Enable Test Load.

3.

Enter the number of rows to test.

Chapter 7: Targets

Working with Relational Targets
When you configure a session to load data to a relational target, you define most properties in the
Transformations view on the Mapping tab. You also define some properties on the Properties tab and the
Config Object tab.
You can configure the following properties for relational targets:
•

Target database connection. Define database connection information.

•

Target properties. You can define target properties such as target load type, target update options, and
reject options.

•

Truncate target tables. The Integration Service can truncate target tables before loading data.

•

Deadlock retry. You can configure the session to retry deadlocks when writing to targets or a recovery
table.

•

Drop and recreate indexes. Use pre- and post-session SQL to drop and recreate an index on a relational
target table to optimize query speed.

•

Constraint-based loading. The Integration Service can load data to targets based on primary key-foreign
key constraints and active sources in the session mapping.

•

Bulk loading. You can specify bulk mode when loading to DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and
Sybase databases.

You can define the following properties in the session and override the properties you define in the mapping:
•

Table name prefix. You can specify the target owner name or prefix in the session properties to override
the table name prefix in the mapping.

•

Pre-session SQL. You can create SQL commands and execute them in the target database before
loading data to the target. For example, you might want to drop the index for the target table before
loading data into it.

•

Post-session SQL. You can create SQL commands and execute them in the target database after
loading data to the target. For example, you might want to recreate the index for the target table after
loading data into it.

•

Target table name. You can override the target table name for each relational target.

If any target table or column name contains a database reserved word, you can create and maintain a
reserved words file containing database reserved words. When the Integration Service executes SQL against
the database, it places quotes around the reserved words.
When the Integration Service runs a session with at least one relational target, it performs database
transactions per target connection group. For example, it commits all data to targets in a target connection
group at the same time.

Target Database Connection
Before you can run a session to load data to a target database, the Integration Service must connect to the
target database. Database connections must exist in the repository to appear on the target database list. You
must define them prior to configuring a session.
On the Connections settings in the Targets node, choose the database connection. You can select a
connection object, use a connection variable, or use a session parameter to define the connection value in a
parameter file.

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77

Target Properties
You can configure session properties for relational targets in the Transformations view on the Mapping tab,
and in the General Options settings on the Properties tab. Define the properties for each target instance in
the session. When you click the Transformations view on the Mapping tab, you can view and configure the
settings of a specific target. Select the target under the Targets node.
The following table describes the properties available in the Properties settings on the Mapping tab of the
session properties:
Target Property

Description

Target Load Type

You can choose Normal or Bulk.
If you select Normal, the Integration Service loads targets normally.
You can choose Bulk when you load to DB2, Sybase, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.
If you specify Bulk for other database types, the Integration Service reverts to a normal
load. Loading in bulk mode can improve session performance, but limits the ability to
recover because no database logging occurs.
Choose Normal mode if the mapping contains an Update Strategy transformation.
If you choose Normal and the Microsoft SQL Server target name includes spaces,
configure the following connection environment SQL in the connection object:
SET QUOTED_IDENTIFIER ON

Insert

Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for insert.
Default is enabled.

Update (as Update)

Integration Service updates all rows flagged for update.
Default is enabled.

Update (as Insert)

Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for update.
Default is disabled.

Update (else Insert)

Integration Service updates rows flagged for update if they exist in the target, then
inserts any remaining rows marked for insert.
Default is disabled.

Delete

Integration Service deletes all rows flagged for delete.
Default is disabled.

Truncate Table

Integration Service truncates the target before loading.
Default is disabled.

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Target Property

Description

Reject File Directory

Reject-file directory name. By default, the Integration Service writes all reject files to
the service process variable directory, $PMBadFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Reject Filename field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject Filename field
when it runs the session.
You can also use the $BadFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Reject Filename

File name or file name and path for the reject file. By default, the Integration Service
names the reject file after the target instance name: target_name.bad. Optionally, use
the $BadFileName session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject File Directory field when
it runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\reject_file\” in the Reject File Directory
field, and enter “filename.bad” in the Reject Filename field, the Integration Service
writes rejected rows to C:\reject_file\filename.bad.

Using Session-Level Target Properties with Source Properties
You can set session-level target properties to specify how the Integration Service inserts, updates, and
deletes rows. However, you can also set session-level properties for sources.
At the source level, you can specify whether the Integration Service inserts, updates, or deletes source rows
or whether it treats rows as data driven. If you treat source rows as data driven, you must use an Update
Strategy transformation to indicate how the Integration Service handles rows.
This section explains how the Integration Service writes data based on the source and target row properties.
PowerCenter uses the source and target row options to provide an extra check on the session-level
properties. In addition, when you use both the source and target row options, you can control inserts,
updates, and deletes for the entire session or, if you use an Update Strategy transformation, based on the
data.
When you set the row-handling property for a source, you can treat source rows as inserts, deletes, updates,
or data driven according to the following guidelines:
•

Inserts. If you treat source rows as inserts, select Insert for the target option. When you enable the Insert
target row option, the Integration Service ignores the other target row options and treats all rows as
inserts. If you disable the Insert target row option, the Integration Service rejects all rows.

•

Deletes. If you treat source rows as deletes, select Delete for the target option. When you enable the
Delete target option, the Integration Service ignores the other target-level row options and treats all rows
as deletes. If you disable the Delete target option, the Integration Service rejects all rows.

•

Updates. If you treat source rows as updates, the behavior of the Integration Service depends on the
target options you select.

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The following table describes how the Integration Service loads the target when you configure the session
to treat source rows as updates:
Target Option

Integration Service Behavior

Insert

If enabled, the Integration Service uses the target update option (Update as Update,
Update as Insert, or Update else Insert) to update rows.
If disabled, the Integration Service rejects all rows when you select Update as Insert
or Update else Insert as the target-level update option.

Update as Update

Integration Service updates all rows as updates.

Update as Insert

Integration Service updates all rows as inserts. You must also select the Insert target
option.

Update else Insert

Integration Service updates existing rows and inserts other rows as if marked for
insert. You must also select the Insert target option.

Delete

Integration Service ignores this setting and uses the selected target update option.

The Integration Service rejects all rows if you do not select one of the target update options.
•

Data Driven. If you treat source rows as data driven, you use an Update Strategy transformation to
specify how the Integration Service handles rows. However, the behavior of the Integration Service also
depends on the target options you select.
The following table describes how the Integration Service loads the target when you configure the session
to treat source rows as data driven:
Target Option

Integration Service Behavior

Insert

If enabled, the Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for insert. Enabled by
default.
If disabled, the Integration Service rejects the following rows:
- Rows flagged for insert
- Rows flagged for update if you enable Update as Insert or Update else Insert

Update as Update

Integration Service updates all rows flagged for update. Enabled by default.

Update as Insert

Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for update. Disabled by default.

Update else Insert

Integration Service updates rows flagged for update and inserts remaining rows
as if marked for insert.

Delete

If enabled, the Integration Service deletes all rows flagged for delete.
If disabled, the Integration Service rejects all rows flagged for delete.

The Integration Service rejects rows flagged for update if you do not select one of the target update
options.

Target Table Truncation
The Integration Service can truncate target tables before running a session. You can choose to truncate
tables on a target-by-target basis. If you have more than one target instance, select the truncate target table
option for one target instance.

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The Integration Service issues a delete or truncate command based on the target database and primary keyforeign key relationships in the session target. To optimize performance, use the truncate table command.
The delete from command may impact performance.
The following table describes the commands that the Integration Service issues for each database:
Target Database

Table contains a primary key
referenced by a foreign key

Table does not contain a primary
key referenced by a foreign key

truncate table 

truncate table 

Informix

delete from 

delete from 

ODBC

delete from 

delete from 

Oracle

delete from  unrecoverable

truncate table 

Microsoft SQL Server

delete from 

truncate table 

Sybase 11.x

truncate table 

truncate table 

DB2

1

2

1. If you use a DB2 database on AS/400, the Integration Service issues a clrpfm command in both cases.
2. If you use the Microsoft SQL Server ODBC driver, the Integration Service issues a delete statement.
If the Integration Service issues a truncate target table command and the target table instance specifies a
table name prefix, the Integration Service verifies the database user privileges for the target table by issuing
a truncate command. If the database user is not specified as the target owner name or does not have the
database privilege to truncate the target table, the Integration Service issues a delete command instead.
If the Integration Service issues a delete command and the database has logging enabled, the database
saves all deleted records to the log for rollback. If you do not want to save deleted records for rollback, you
can disable logging to improve the speed of the delete.
For all databases, if the Integration Service fails to truncate or delete any selected table because the user
lacks the necessary privileges, the session fails.
If you enable truncate target tables with the following sessions, the Integration Service does not truncate
target tables:
•

Incremental aggregation. When you enable both truncate target tables and incremental aggregation in
the session properties, the Workflow Manager issues a warning that you cannot enable truncate target
tables and incremental aggregation in the same session.

•

Test load. When you enable both truncate target tables and test load, the Integration Service disables the
truncate table function, runs a test load session, and writes a message to the session log indicating that
the truncate target tables option is turned off for the test load session.

•

Real-time. The Integration Service does not truncate target tables when you restart a JMS or WebSphere
MQ real-time session that has recovery data.

Truncating a Target Table
When you truncate target tables, you can choose to truncate tables on a target-by-target basis
1.

In the Workflow Manager, open the session properties.

2.

Click the Mapping tab, and then click the Transformations view.

3.

Click the Targets node.

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4.

In the Properties settings, select Truncate Target Table Option for each target table you want the
Integration Service to truncate before it runs the session.

5.

Click OK.

Deadlock Retry
Select the Session Retry on Deadlock option in the session properties if you want the Integration Service to
retry writes to a target database or recovery table on a deadlock. A deadlock occurs when the Integration
Service attempts to take control of the same lock for a database row.
The Integration Service may encounter a deadlock under the following conditions:
•

A session writes to a partitioned target.

•

Two sessions write simultaneously to the same target.

•

Multiple sessions simultaneously write to the recovery table, PM_RECOVERY.

Encountering deadlocks can slow session performance. To improve session performance, you can increase
the number of target connection groups the Integration Service uses to write to the targets in a session. To
use a different target connection group for each target in a session, use a different database connection
name for each target instance. You can specify the same connection information for each connection name.
You can retry sessions on deadlock for targets configured for normal load. If you select this option and
configure a target for bulk mode, the Integration Service does not retry target writes on a deadlock for that
target. You can also configure the Integration Service to set the number of deadlock retries and the deadlock
sleep time period.
To retry a session on deadlock, click the Properties tab in the session properties and then scroll down to the
Performance settings.

Dropping and Recreating Indexes
After you insert significant amounts of data into a target, you normally need to drop and recreate indexes on
that table to optimize query speed. You can drop and recreate indexes by:
•

Using pre- and post-session SQL. The preferred method for dropping and re-creating indexes is to
define an SQL statement in the Pre SQL property that drops indexes before loading data to the target.
Use the Post SQL property to recreate the indexes after loading data to the target. Define the Pre SQL
and Post SQL properties for relational targets in the Transformations view on the Mapping tab in the
session properties.

•

Using the Designer. The same dialog box you use to generate and execute DDL code for table creation
can drop and recreate indexes. However, this process is not automatic. Every time you run a session that
modifies the target table, you need to launch the Designer and use this feature.

Constraint-Based Loading
In the Workflow Manager, you can specify constraint-based loading for a session. When you select this
option, the Integration Service orders the target load on a row-by-row basis. For every row generated by an
active source, the Integration Service loads the corresponding transformed row first to the primary key table,
then to any foreign key tables. Constraint-based loading depends on the following requirements:

82

•

Active source. Related target tables must have the same active source.

•

Key relationships. Target tables must have key relationships.

•

Target connection groups. Targets must be in one target connection group.

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•

Treat rows as insert. Use this option when you insert into the target. You cannot use updates with
constraint-based loading.

Active Source
When target tables receive rows from different active sources, the Integration Service reverts to normal
loading for those tables, but loads all other targets in the session using constraint-based loading when
possible. For example, a mapping contains three distinct pipelines. The first two contain a source, source
qualifier, and target. Since these two targets receive data from different active sources, the Integration
Service reverts to normal loading for both targets. The third pipeline contains a source, Normalizer, and two
targets. Since these two targets share a single active source (the Normalizer), the Integration Service
performs constraint-based loading: loading the primary key table first, then the foreign key table.

Key Relationships
When target tables have no key relationships, the Integration Service does not perform constraint-based
loading. Similarly, when target tables have circular key relationships, the Integration Service reverts to a
normal load. For example, you have one target containing a primary key and a foreign key related to the
primary key in a second target. The second target also contains a foreign key that references the primary key
in the first target. The Integration Service cannot enforce constraint-based loading for these tables. It reverts
to a normal load.

Target Connection Groups
The Integration Service enforces constraint-based loading for targets in the same target connection group. If
you want to specify constraint-based loading for multiple targets that receive data from the same active
source, you must verify the tables are in the same target connection group. If the tables with the primary keyforeign key relationship are in different target connection groups, the Integration Service cannot enforce
constraint-based loading when you run the workflow.
To verify that all targets are in the same target connection group, complete the following tasks:
•

Verify all targets are in the same target load order group and receive data from the same active source.

•

Use the default partition properties and do not add partitions or partition points.

•

Define the same target type for all targets in the session properties.

•

Define the same database connection name for all targets in the session properties.

•

Choose normal mode for the target load type for all targets in the session properties.

Treat Rows as Insert
Use constraint-based loading when the session option Treat Source Rows As is set to Insert. You might get
inconsistent data if you select a different Treat Source Rows As option and you configure the session for
constraint-based loading.
When the mapping contains Update Strategy transformations and you need to load data to a primary key
table first, split the mapping using one of the following options:
•

Load primary key table in one mapping and dependent tables in another mapping. Use constraint-based
loading to load the primary table.

•

Perform inserts in one mapping and updates in another mapping.

Constraint-based loading does not affect the target load ordering of the mapping. Target load ordering
defines the order the Integration Service reads the sources in each target load order group in the mapping. A
target load order group is a collection of source qualifiers, transformations, and targets linked together in a

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83

mapping. Constraint-based loading establishes the order in which the Integration Service loads individual
targets within a set of targets receiving data from a single source qualifier.

Example
The following mapping is configured to perform constraint-based loading:

In the first pipeline, target T_1 has a primary key, T_2 and T_3 contain foreign keys referencing the T1
primary key. T_3 has a primary key that T_4 references as a foreign key.
Since these tables receive records from a single active source, SQ_A, the Integration Service loads rows to
the target in the following order:
1.

T_1

2.

T_2 and T_3 (in no particular order)

3.

T_4

The Integration Service loads T_1 first because it has no foreign key dependencies and contains a primary
key referenced by T_2 and T_3. The Integration Service then loads T_2 and T_3, but since T_2 and T_3
have no dependencies, they are not loaded in any particular order. The Integration Service loads T_4 last,
because it has a foreign key that references a primary key in T_3.
After loading the first set of targets, the Integration Service begins reading source B. If there are no key
relationships between T_5 and T_6, the Integration Service reverts to a normal load for both targets.
If T_6 has a foreign key that references a primary key in T_5, since T_5 and T_6 receive data from a single
active source, the Aggregator AGGTRANS, the Integration Service loads rows to the tables in the following
order:
•

T_5

•

T_6

T_1, T_2, T_3, and T_4 are in one target connection group if you use the same database connection for each
target, and you use the default partition properties. T_5 and T_6 are in another target connection group
together if you use the same database connection for each target and you use the default partition properties.
The Integration Service includes T_5 and T_6 in a different target connection group because they are in a
different target load order group from the first four targets.

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Enabling Constraint-Based Loading
When you enable constraint-based loading, the Integration Service orders the target load on a row-by-row
basis.
1.

In the General Options settings of the Properties tab, choose Insert for the Treat Source Rows As
property.

2.

Click the Config Object tab. In the Advanced settings, select Constraint Based Load Ordering.

3.

Click OK.

Bulk Loading
You can enable bulk loading when you load to DB2, Sybase, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server.
If you enable bulk loading for other database types, the Integration Service reverts to a normal load. Bulk
loading improves the performance of a session that inserts a large amount of data to the target database.
Configure bulk loading on the Mapping tab.
When bulk loading, the Integration Service invokes the database bulk utility and bypasses the database log,
which speeds performance. Without writing to the database log, however, the target database cannot perform
rollback. As a result, you may not be able to perform recovery. Therefore, you must weigh the importance of
improved session performance against the ability to recover an incomplete session.
Note: When loading to DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle targets, you must specify a normal load for
data driven sessions. When you specify bulk mode and data driven, the Integration Service reverts to normal
load.

Committing Data
When bulk loading to Sybase and DB2 targets, the Integration Service ignores the commit interval you define
in the session properties and commits data when the writer block is full.
When bulk loading to Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle targets, the Integration Service commits data at each
commit interval. Also, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle start a new bulk load transaction after each commit.
Tip: When bulk loading to Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle targets, define a large commit interval to reduce
the number of bulk load transactions and increase performance.

Oracle Guidelines
When bulk loading to Oracle, the Integration Service invokes the SQL*Loader.
Use the following guidelines when bulk loading to Oracle:
•

Do not define CHECK constraints in the database.

•

Do not define primary and foreign keys in the database. However, you can define primary and foreign
keys for the target definitions in the Designer.

•

To bulk load into indexed tables, choose non-parallel mode and disable the Enable Parallel Mode option.
Note that when you disable parallel mode, you cannot load multiple target instances, partitions, or
sessions into the same table.
To bulk load in parallel mode, you must drop indexes and constraints in the target tables before running a
bulk load session. After the session completes, you can rebuild them. If you use bulk loading with the
session on a regular basis, use pre- and post-session SQL to drop and rebuild indexes and key
constraints.

•

When you use the LONG datatype, verify it is the last column in the table.

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85

•

Specify the Table Name Prefix for the target when you use Oracle client 9i. If you do not specify the table
name prefix, the Integration Service uses the database login as the prefix.

For more information, see the Oracle documentation.

DB2 Guidelines
Use the following guidelines when bulk loading to DB2:
•

You must drop indexes and constraints in the target tables before running a bulk load session. After the
session completes, you can rebuild them. If you use bulk loading with the session on a regular basis, use
pre- and post-session SQL to drop and rebuild indexes and key constraints.

•

You cannot use source-based or user-defined commit when you run bulk load sessions on DB2.

•

If you create multiple partitions for a DB2 bulk load session, you must use database partitioning for the
target partition type. If you choose any other partition type, the Integration Service reverts to normal load.

•

When you bulk load to DB2, the DB2 database writes non-fatal errors and warnings to a message log file
in the session log directory. The message log file name is
...log. You can check both the message
log file and the session log when you troubleshoot a DB2 bulk load session.

•

If you want to bulk load flat files to DB2 for z/OS, use PowerExchange.

For more information, see the DB2 documentation.

Table Name Prefix
The table name prefix is the owner of the target table. For some databases, such as DB2, tables can have
different owners. If the database user specified in the database connection is not the owner of the target
tables in a session, specify the table owner for each target instance. A session can fail if the database user is
not the owner and you do not specify the table owner name.
You can specify the table owner name in the target instance or on the Mapping tab of the session properties.
When you specify the table owner name in the session properties, you override table owner name in the
transformation properties.
You can use a parameter or variable as the target table name prefix. Use any parameter or variable type that
you can define in the parameter file. For example, you can use a session parameter, $ParamMyPrefix, as the
table name prefix, and set $ParamMyPrefix to the table name prefix in the parameter file.
Note: When you specify the table owner name and you set the sqlid for a DB2 database in the connection
environment SQL, the Integration Service uses table owner name in the target instance. To use the table
owner name specified in the SET sqlid statement, do not enter a name in the target name prefix.

Target Table Name
You can override the target table name in the session properties. Override the target table name when you
use a single session to load data to different target tables. Enter a table name in the target table name, or
enter a parameter or variable to define the target table name in the parameter file. You can use mapping
parameters, mapping variables, session parameters, workflow variables, or worklet variables in the target
table name. For example, you can use a session parameter, $ParamTgtTable, as the target table name, and
set $ParamTgtTable to the target table name in the parameter file.
Configure the target table name on the Transformation view of the Mapping tab.

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Reserved Words
If any table name or column name contains a database reserved word, such as MONTH or YEAR, the
session fails with database errors when the Integration Service executes SQL against the database. You can
create and maintain a reserved words file, reswords.txt, in the server/bin directory. When the Integration
Service initializes a session, it searches for reswords.txt. If the file exists, the Integration Service places
quotes around matching reserved words when it executes SQL against the database.
Use the following rules and guidelines when working with reserved words.
•

The Integration Service searches the reserved words file when it generates SQL to connect to source,
target, and lookup databases.

•

If you override the SQL for a source, target, or lookup, you must enclose any reserved word in quotes.

•

You may need to enable some databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server and Sybase, to use SQL-92
standards regarding quoted identifiers. Use connection environment SQL to issue the command. For
example, use the following command with Microsoft SQL Server:
SET QUOTED_IDENTIFIER ON

Sample reswords.txt File
To use a reserved words file, create a file named reswords.txt and place it in the server/bin directory. Create
a section for each database that you need to store reserved words for. Add reserved words used in any table
or column name. You do not need to store all reserved words for a database in this file. Database names and
reserved words in reswords.txt are not case sensitive.
Following is a sample reswords.txt file:
[Teradata]
MONTH
DATE
INTERVAL
[Oracle]
OPTION
START
[DB2]
[SQL Server]
CURRENT
[Informix]
[ODBC]
MONTH
[Sybase]

Working with Target Connection Groups
When you create a session with at least one relational target, SAP NetWeaver BI target, or dynamic
MQSeries target, you need to consider target connection groups. A target connection group is a group of
targets that the Integration Service uses to determine commits and loading. When the Integration Service
performs a database transaction, such as a commit, it performs the transaction concurrently to all targets in a
target connection group.
The Integration Service performs the following database transactions per target connection group:
•

Deadlock retry. If the Integration Service encounters a deadlock when it writes to a target, the deadlock
affects targets in the same target connection group. The Integration Service still writes to targets in other
target connection groups.

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87

•

Constraint-based loading. The Integration Service enforces constraint-based loading for targets in a
target connection group. If you want to specify constraint-based loading, you must verify the primary table
and foreign table are in the same target connection group.

Targets in the same target connection group meet the following criteria:
•

Belong to the same partition.

•

Belong to the same target load order group and transaction control unit.

•

Have the same target type in the session.

•

Have the same database connection name for relational targets, and Application connection name for
SAP SAP NetWeaver BI targets.

•

Have the same target load type, either normal or bulk mode.

For example, suppose you create a session based on a mapping that reads data from one source and writes
to two Oracle target tables. In the Workflow Manager, you do not create multiple partitions in the session.
You use the same Oracle database connection for both target tables in the session properties. You specify
normal mode for the target load type for both target tables in the session properties. The targets in the
session belong to the same target connection group.
Suppose you create a session based on the same mapping. In the Workflow Manager, you do not create
multiple partitions. However, you use one Oracle database connection name for one target, and you use a
different Oracle database connection name for the other target. You specify normal mode for the target load
type for both target tables. The targets in the session belong to different target connection groups.
Note: When you define the target database connections for multiple targets in a session using session
parameters, the targets may or may not belong to the same target connection group. The targets belong to
the same target connection group if all session parameters resolve to the same target connection name. For
example, you create a session with two targets and specify the session parameter $DBConnection1 for one
target, and $DBConnection2 for the other target. In the parameter file, you define $DBConnection1 as Sales1
and you define $DBConnection2 as Sales1 and run the workflow. Both targets in the session belong to the
same target connection group.

Working with Active Sources
An active source is an active transformation the Integration Service uses to generate rows. An active source
can be any of the following transformations:

88

•

Aggregator

•

Application Source Qualifier

•

Custom, configured as an active transformation

•

Joiner

•

MQ Source Qualifier

•

Normalizer (VSAM or pipeline)

•

Rank

•

Sorter

•

Source Qualifier

•

XML Source Qualifier

•

Mapplet, if it contains any of the above transformations

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Note: The Filter, Router, Transaction Control, and Update Strategy transformations are active
transformations in that they can change the number of rows that pass through. However, they are not active
sources in the mapping because they do not generate rows. Only transformations that can generate rows are
active sources.
Active sources affect how the Integration Service processes a session when you use any of the following
transformations or session properties:
•

XML targets. The Integration Service can load data from different active sources to an XML target when
each input group receives data from one active source.

•

Transaction generators. Transaction generators, such as Transaction Control transformations, become
ineffective for downstream transformations or targets if you put a transaction control point after it.
Transaction control points are transaction generators and active sources that generate commits.

•

Mapplets. An Input transformation must receive data from a single active source.

•

Source-based commit. Some active sources generate commits. When you run a source-based commit
session, the Integration Service generates a commit from these active sources at every commit interval.

•

Constraint-based loading. To use constraint-based loading, you must connect all related targets to the
same active source. The Integration Service orders the target load on a row-by-row basis based on rows
generated by an active source.

•

Row error logging. If an error occurs downstream from an active source that is not a source qualifier, the
Integration Service cannot identify the source row information for the logged error row.

Working with File Targets
You can output data to a flat file in either of the following ways:
•

Use a flat file target definition. Create a mapping with a flat file target definition. Create a session using
the flat file target definition. When the Integration Service runs the session, it creates the target flat file or
generates the target data based on the connected ports in the mapping and on the flat file target
definition. The Integration Service does not write data in unconnected ports to a fixed-width flat file target.

•

Use a relational target definition. Use a relational definition to write to a flat file when you want to use
an external loader to load the target. Create a mapping with a relational target definition. Create a session
using the relational target definition. Configure the session to output to a flat file by specifying the File
Writer in the Writers settings on the Mapping tab.

You can configure the following properties for flat file targets:
•

Target properties. You can define target properties such as partitioning options, merge options, output
file options, reject options, and command options.

•

Flat file properties. You can choose to create delimited or fixed-width files, and define their properties.

Configuring Target Properties
You can configure session properties for flat file targets in the Properties settings on the Mapping tab, and in
the General Options settings on the Properties tab.
Define the properties for each target instance in the session.

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89

The following table describes the properties you define on the Mapping tab for flat file target definitions:
Target Properties

Description

Merge Type

Type of merge the Integration Service performs on the data for partitioned targets.

Merge File Directory

Name of the merge file directory. By default, the Integration Service writes the merge file
in the service process variable directory, $PMTargetFileDir.
If you enter a full directory and file name in the Merge File Name field, clear this field.

Merge File Name

Name of the merge file. Default is target_name.out. This property is required if you select
a merge type.

Append if Exists

Appends the output data to the target files and reject files for each partition. Appends
output data to the merge file if you merge the target files. You cannot use this option for
target files that are non-disk files, such as FTP target files.
If you do not select this option, the Integration Service truncates each target file before
writing the output data to the target file. If the file does not exist, the Integration Service
creates it.

Create Directory if
Not Exists

Creates the target directory if it does not exist.

Header Options

Create a header row in the file target. You can choose the following options:
- No Header. Do not create a header row in the flat file target.
- Output Field Names. Create a header row in the file target with the output port names.
- Use header command output. Use the command in the Header Command field to generate a
header row. For example, you can use a command to add the date to a header row for the
file target.

Default is No Header.
Header Command

Command used to generate the header row in the file target.

Footer Command

Command used to generate a footer row in the file target.

Output Type

Type of target for the session. Select File to write the target data to a file target. Select
Command to output data to a command. You cannot select Command for FTP or Queue
target connections.

Merge Command

Command used to process the output data from all partitioned targets.

Output File
Directory

Name of output directory for a flat file target. By default, the Integration Service writes
output files in the service process variable directory, $PMTargetFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Output Filename field, clear this field.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Output Filename field when it runs
the session.
You can also use the $OutputFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

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Target Properties

Description

Output File Name

File name, or file name and path of the flat file target. Optionally, use the
$OutputFileName session parameter for the file name. By default, the Workflow Manager
names the target file based on the target definition used in the mapping: target_name.out.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Output File Directory field when it
runs the session.
If the target definition contains a slash character, the Workflow Manager replaces the
slash character with an underscore.
When you use an external loader to load to an Oracle database, you must specify a file
extension. If you do not specify a file extension, the Oracle loader cannot find the flat file
and the Integration Service fails the session.
Note: If you specify an absolute path file name when using FTP, the Integration Service
ignores the Default Remote Directory specified in the FTP connection. When you specify
an absolute path file name, do not use single or double quotes.

Reject File Directory

Name of the directory for the reject file. By default, the Integration Service writes all reject
files to the service process variable directory, $PMBadFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Reject File Name field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject File Name field when
it runs the session.
You can also use the $BadFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Reject File Name

File name, or file name and path of the reject file. By default, the Integration Service
names the reject file after the target instance name: target_name.bad. Optionally use the
$BadFileName session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject File Directory field when it
runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\reject_file\” in the Reject File
Directory field, and enter “filename.bad” in the Reject Filename field, the Integration
Service writes rejected rows to C:\reject_file\filename.bad.

Command
Set File Properties
link

Command used to process the target data.
Defines flat file properties.
Set the file properties when you output to a flat file using a relational target definition in
the mapping.

Configuring Commands for File Targets
Use a command to process target data for a flat file target. Use any valid UNIX command or shell script on
UNIX. Use any valid DOS or batch file on Windows. The flat file writer sends the data to the command
instead of a flat file target.
Use a command to perform additional processing of flat file target data. For example, use a command to sort
target data or compress target data. You can increase session performance by pushing transformation tasks
to the command instead of the Integration Service.
To send the target data to a command, select Command for the output type and enter a command for the
Command property.
For example, to generate a compressed file from the target data, use the following command:
compress -c - > $PMTargetFileDir/myCompressedFile.Z
The Integration Service sends the output data to the command, and the command generates a compressed
file that contains the target data.
Note: You can also use service process variables, such as $PMTargetFileDir, in the command.

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91

Configuring Fixed-Width Properties
When you write data to a fixed-width file, you can edit file properties in the session properties, such as the
null character or code page. You can configure fixed-width properties for non-reusable sessions in the
Workflow Designer and for reusable sessions in the Task Developer. You cannot configure fixed-width
properties for instances of reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer.
In the Transformations view on the Mapping tab, click the Targets node and then click Set File Properties to
open the Flat Files dialog box.
To edit the fixed-width properties, select Fixed Width and click Advanced.
The following table describes the options you define in the Fixed Width Properties dialog box:
Fixed-Width
Properties Options

Description

Null Character

Enter the character you want the Integration Service to use to represent null values.
You can enter any valid character in the file code page.

Repeat Null Character

Select this option to indicate a null value by repeating the null character to fill the
field. If you do not select this option, the Integration Service enters a single null
character at the beginning of the field to represent a null value.

Code Page

Code page of the fixed-width file. Select a code page or a variable:
- Code page. Select the code page.
- Use Variable. Enter a user-defined workflow or worklet variable or the session
parameter $ParamName, and define the code page in the parameter file. Use the code
page name.

Default is the PowerCenter Client code page.

Configuring Delimited Properties
When you write data to a delimited file, you can edit file properties in the session properties, such as the
delimiter or code page. You can configure delimited properties for non-reusable sessions in the Workflow
Designer and for reusable sessions in the Task Developer. You cannot configure delimited properties for
instances of reusable sessions in the Workflow Designer.
In the Transformations view on the Mapping tab, click the Targets node and then click Set File Properties to
open the Flat Files dialog box. To edit the delimited properties, select Delimited and click Advanced.

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The following table describes the options you can define in the Delimited File Properties dialog box:
Edit Delimiter
Options

Description

Delimiters

Character used to separate columns of data. Delimiters can be either printable or singlebyte unprintable characters, and must be different from the escape character and the
quote character (if selected). To enter a single-byte unprintable character, click the
Browse button to the right of this field. In the Delimiters dialog box, select an unprintable
character from the Insert Delimiter list and click Add. You cannot select unprintable
multibyte characters as delimiters.

Optional Quotes

Select None, Single, or Double. If you select a quote character, the Integration Service
does not treat delimiter characters within the quote characters as a delimiter. For
example, suppose an output file uses a comma as a delimiter and the Integration Service
receives the following row: 342-3849, ‘Smith, Jenna’, ‘Rockville, MD’, 6.
If you select the optional single quote character, the Integration Service ignores the
commas within the quotes and writes the row as four fields.
If you do not select the optional single quote, the Integration Service writes six separate
fields.

Code Page

Code page of the delimited file. Select a code page or a variable:
- Code page. Select the code page.
- Use Variable. Enter a user-defined workflow or worklet variable or the session parameter
$ParamName, and define the code page in the parameter file. Use the code page name.

Default is the PowerCenter Client code page.

Integration Service Handling for File Targets
When you configure a session to write to file targets, you must correctly configure the flat file target
definitions and the relational target definitions. The Integration Service loads data to flat files based on the
following criteria:
•

Write to fixed-width flat files from relational target definitions. The Integration Service adds spaces to
target columns based on transformation datatype.

•

Write to fixed-width flat files from flat file target definitions. You must configure the precision and field
width for flat file target definitions to accommodate the total length of the target field.

•

Generate flat file targets by transaction. You can configure the file target to generate a separate output
file for each transaction.

•

Write empty fields for unconnected ports in fixed-width file definitions. You can configure the
mapping so that the Integration Service writes empty fields for unconnected ports in a fixed-width flat file
target definition.

•

Write multibyte data to fixed-width files. You must configure the precision of string columns to
accommodate character data. When writing shift-sensitive data to a fixed-width flat file target, the
Integration Service adds shift characters and spaces to meet file requirements.

•

Null characters in fixed-width files. The Integration Service writes repeating or non-repeating null
characters to fixed-width target file columns differently depending on whether the characters are singlebyte or multibyte.

•

Character set. You can write ASCII or Unicode data to a flat file target.

Integration Service Handling for File Targets

93

•

Write metadata to flat file targets. You can configure the Integration Service to write the column header
information when you write to flat file targets.

Writing to Fixed-Width Flat Files with Relational Target Definitions
When you want to output to a fixed-width file based on a relational target definition in the mapping, consider
how the Integration Service handles spacing in the target file.
When the Integration Service writes to a fixed-width flat file based on a relational target definition in the
mapping, it adds spaces to columns based on the transformation datatype connected to the target. This
allows the Integration Service to write optional symbols necessary for the datatype, such as a negative sign
or decimal point, without sending the row to the reject file.
For example, you connect a transformation Integer(10) port to a Number(10) column in a relational target
definition. In the session properties, you override the relational target definition to use the File Writer and you
specify to output a fixed-width flat file. In the target flat file, the Integration Service appends an additional byte
to the Number(10) column to allow for negative signs that might be associated with Integer data.
The following table describes the number of bytes the Integration Service adds to the target column and
optional characters it uses for each datatype:
Datatype Connected
to Fixed-Width Flat
File Target Column

Bytes Added by
Integration
Service

Optional Characters for the Datatype

Decimal

2

- Negative sign (-) for the mantissa.
- Decimal point (.).

Double

7

- Negative sign for the mantissa.
- Decimal point.
- Negative sign, e, and three digits for the exponent, for example,
-4.2-e123.

Float

7

- Negative sign for the mantissa.
- Decimal point.
- Negative sign, e, and three digits for the exponent.

Integer

1

- Negative sign for the mantissa.

Money

2

- Negative sign for the mantissa.
- Decimal point.

Numeric

2

- Negative sign for the mantissa.
- Decimal point.

Real

7

- Negative sign for the mantissa.
- Decimal point.
- Negative sign, e, and three digits for the exponent.

Writing to Fixed-Width Files with Flat File Target Definitions
When you want to output to a fixed-width flat file based on a flat file target definition, you must configure
precision and field width for the target field to accommodate the total length of the target field. If the data for

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a target field is too long for the total length of the field, the Integration Service performs one of the following
actions:
•

Truncates the row for string columns

•

Writes the row to the reject file for numeric and datetime columns

Note: When the Integration Service writes a row to the reject file, it writes a message in the session log.
When a session writes to a fixed-width flat file based on a fixed-width flat file target definition in the mapping,
the Integration Service defines the total length of a field by the precision or field width defined in the target.
Fixed-width files are byte-oriented, which means the total length of a field is measured in bytes.
The following table describes how the Integration Service measures the total field length for fields in a fixedwidth flat file target definition:
Datatype

Target Field Property That Determines Total Field Length

Number

Field width

String

Precision

Datetime

Field width

The following table lists the characters you must accommodate when you configure the precision or field
width for flat file target definitions to accommodate the total length of the target field:
Datatype

Characters to Accommodate

Number

- Decimal separator.
- Thousands separators.
- Negative sign (-) for the mantissa.

String

- Multibyte data.
- Shift-in and shift-out characters.

Datetime

- Date and time separators, such as slashes (/), dashes (-), and colons (:).
- For example, the format MM/DD/YYYY HH24:MI:SS.US has a total length of 26 bytes.

When you edit the flat file target definition in the mapping, define the precision or field width great enough to
accommodate both the target data and the characters in the preceding table.
For example, suppose you have a mapping with a fixed-width flat file target definition. The target definition
contains a number column with a precision of 10 and a scale of 2. You use a comma as the decimal
separator and a period as the thousands separator. You know some rows of data might have a negative
value. Based on this information, you know the longest possible number is formatted with the following
format:
-NN.NNN.NNN,NN
Open the flat file target definition in the mapping and define the field width for this number column as a
minimum of 14 bytes.

Generating Flat File Targets By Transaction
You can generate a separate output file each time the Integration Service starts a new transaction. You can
dynamically name each target flat file. To generate a separate output file for each transaction, add a

Integration Service Handling for File Targets

95

FileName port to the flat file target definition. When you connect the FileName port in the mapping, the
Integration Service creates a separate target file at each commit point. The Integration Service uses the
FileName port value from the first row in each transaction to name the output file.

Writing Empty Fields for Unconnected Ports in Fixed-Width File
Definitions
The Integration Service does not write data in unconnected ports to fixed-width files. For example, a fixedwidth flat file target definition contains the following ports:
•

EmployeeID

•

EmployeeName

•

Street

•

City

•

State

In the mapping, you connect only the EmployeeID and EmployeeName ports in the flat file target definition.
You configure the flat file target definition to create a header row with the output port names. The Integration
Service generates an output file with the following rows:
EmployeeID

EmployeeName

2367

John Baer

2875

Bobbi Apperley

If you want the Integration Service to write empty fields for the unconnected ports, create output ports in an
upstream transformation that do not contain data. Then connect these ports containing null values to the
fixed-width flat file target definition. For example, you connect the ports containing null values to the Street,
City, and State ports in the flat file target definition. The Integration Service generates an output file with the
following rows:
EmployeeID EmployeeName

Street

City

State

2367

John Baer

-

-

-

2875

Bobbi Apperley

-

-

-

Writing Multibyte Data to Fixed-Width Flat Files
If you plan to load multibyte data into a fixed-width flat file, configure the precision to accommodate the
multibyte data. Fixed-width files are byte-oriented, not character-oriented. So, when you configure the
precision for a fixed-width target, you need to consider the number of bytes you load into the target, rather
than the number of characters.
For string columns, the Integration Service truncates the data if the precision is not large enough to
accommodate the multibyte data.

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You might work with the following types of multibyte data:
•

Non shift-sensitive multibyte data. The file contains all multibyte data. Configure the precision in the
target definition to allow for the additional bytes.
For example, you know that the target data contains four double-byte characters, so you define the target
definition with a precision of 8 bytes.
If you configure the target definition with a precision of 4, the Integration Service truncates the data before
writing to the target.

•

Shift-sensitive multibyte data. The file contains single-byte and multibyte data. When writing to a shiftsensitive flat file target, the Integration Service adds shift characters and spaces to meet file
requirements. You must configure the precision in the target definition to allow for the additional bytes and
the shift characters.

Note: Delimited files are character-oriented, and you do not need to allow for additional precision for
multibyte data.

Writing Shift-Sensitive Multibyte Data
When writing to a shift-sensitive flat file target, the Integration Service adds shift characters and spaces if the
data going into the target does not meet file requirements. You need to allow at least two extra bytes in each
data column containing multibyte data so the output data precision matches the byte width of the target
column.
The Integration Service writes shift characters and spaces in the following ways:
•

If a column begins or ends with a double-byte character, the Integration Service adds shift characters so
the column begins and ends with a single-byte shift character.

•

If the data is shorter than the column width, the Integration Service pads the rest of the column with
spaces.

•

If the data is longer than the column width, the Integration Service truncates the data so the column ends
with a single-byte shift character.

To illustrate how the Integration Service handles a fixed-width file containing shift-sensitive data, say you
want to output the following data to the target:
SourceCol1

SourceCol2

AAAA

aaaa

A is a double-byte character, a is a single-byte character.
The first target column contains eight bytes and the second target column contains four bytes.
The Integration Service must add shift characters to handle shift-sensitive data. Since the first target column
can handle eight bytes, the Integration Service truncates the data before it can add the shift characters.
TargetCol1

TargetCol2

-oAAA-i

aaaa

Integration Service Handling for File Targets

97

The following table describes the notation used in this example:
Notation

Description

A

Double-byte character

-o

Shift-out character

-i

Shift-in character

For the first target column, the Integration Service writes three of the double-byte characters to the target. It
cannot write any additional double-byte characters to the output column because the column must end in a
single-byte character. If you add two more bytes to the first target column definition, then the Integration
Service can add shift characters and write all the data without truncation.
For the second target column, the Integration Service writes all four single-byte characters to the target. It
does not add write shift characters to the column because the column begins and ends with single-byte
characters.

Null Characters in Fixed-Width Files
You can specify any valid single-byte or multibyte character as a null character for a fixed-width target. You
can also use a space as a null character.
The null character can be repeating or non-repeating. If the null character is repeating, the Integration
Service writes as many null characters as possible into a target column. If you specify a multibyte null
character and there are extra bytes left after writing null characters, the Integration Service pads the column
with single-byte spaces. If a column is smaller than the multibyte character specified as the null character,
the session fails at initialization.

Character Set
You can configure the Integration Service to run sessions with flat file targets in either ASCII or Unicode data
movement mode.
If you configure a session with a flat file target to run in Unicode data movement mode, the target file code
page must be a superset of the source code page. Delimiters, escape, and null characters must be valid in
the specified code page of the flat file.
If you configure a session to run in ASCII data movement mode, delimiters, escape, and null characters must
be valid in the ISO Western European Latin1 code page. Any 8‑bit character you specified in previous
versions of PowerCenter is still valid.

Writing Metadata to Flat File Targets
When you write to flat file targets, you can configure the Integration Service to write the column header
information. When you enable the Output Metadata For Flat File Target option, the Integration Service writes
column headers to flat file targets. It writes the target definition port names to the flat file target in the first
line, starting with the # symbol. By default, this option is disabled.
When writing to fixed-width files, the Integration Service truncates the target definition port name if it is longer
than the column width.

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For example, you have a flat file target definition with the following structure:
Port Name

Datatype

ITEM_ID

number

ITEM_NAME

string

PRICE

number

The column width for ITEM_ID is six. When you enable the Output Metadata For Flat File Target option, the
Integration Service writes the following text to a flat file:
#ITEM_ITEM_NAME
100001Screwdriver
100002Hammer
100003Small nails

PRICE
9.50
12.90
3.00

Working with XML Targets in a Session
When you configure a session to load data to an XML target, you define writer properties on the Mapping tab
of the session properties.
The following table describes the properties you define in the XML Writer:
XML Targets
Options

Description

Output File Directory

Enter the directory name in this field. By default, the Integration Service writes output
files in the service process variable directory, $PMTargetFileDir.
You can enter the full path and file name. If you specify both the directory and file name
in the Output Filename field, clear this field. The Integration Service concatenates this
field with the Output Filename field when it runs the session.
You can also use the $OutputFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Output Filename

Enter the file name or file name and path. By default, the Workflow Manager names the
target file based on the target definition used in the mapping: target_name.xml.
If the target definition contains a slash character, the Workflow Manager replaces the
slash character with an underscore.
Enter the file name, or file name and path. Optionally, use the $OutputFileName session
parameter for the file name.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Output File Directory field, clear
this field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Output File Directory
field when it runs the session.
If you specify an absolute path file name when using FTP, the Integration Service
ignores the Default Remote Directory specified in the FTP connection. When you
specify an absolute path file name, do not use single or double quotes.

Validate Target

Validates simple data types. The Integration Service does not validate the target XML
structure against a schema.

Format Output

Format the XML target file so the XML elements and attributes indent. If you do not
select Format Output, each line of the XML file starts in the same position.

Working with XML Targets in a Session

99

XML Targets
Options

Description

XML Datetime Format

Select local time, local time with time zone, or UTC. Local time with time zone is the
difference in hours between the server time zone and Greenwich Mean Time. UTC is
Greenwich Mean Time.

Null Content
Representation

Choose how to represent null content in the target. Default is No Tag.

Empty String Content
Representation

Choose how to represent empty string content in the target. Default is Tag with Empty
Content.

Null Attribute
Representation

Choose how to represent null attributes. Default is No Attribute.

Empty String Attribute
Representation

Choose how to represent empty string attributes in the target. Default is Attribute Name
with Empty String.

Integration Service Handling for XML Targets
You can configure some of the settings the Integration Service uses when it loads data to an XML target:
•

Character set. Configure the Integration Service to run sessions with XML targets in either ASCII or
Unicode data movement mode.

•

Null and empty string. Choose how the Integration Service handles null data or empty strings when it
writes data to an XML target.

•

Handling duplicate group rows. Choose how the Integration Service handles duplicate rows of data.

•

DTD and schema reference. Define a DTD or schema file name for the target XML file.

•

Flushing XML on commits. Configure the Integration Service to periodically flush data to the target.

•

XML caching properties. Define a cache directory for an XML target.

•

Session logs for XML targets. View session logs for an XML session.

•

Multiple XML output. Configure the Integration Service to output a new XML document when the data in
the root changes.

•

Partitioning the XML Generator. When you generate XML in multiple partitions, you always generate
separate documents for each partition.

•

Generating XML files with no data. Configure the WriteNullXMLFile custom property to skip creating an
XML file when the XML Generator transformation receives no data.

Character Set
You can configure the Integration Service to run sessions with XML targets in either ASCII or Unicode data
movement mode. XML files contain an encoding declaration that indicates the code page used in the file. The
most commonly used code pages are UTF-8 and UTF-16. PowerCenter supports UTF-8 code pages for XML
targets only. Use the same set of code pages for XML files as for relational databases and other files.
For XML targets, PowerCenter uses the code page declared in the XML file. When you run the Integration
Service in Unicode data movement mode, the XML target code page must be a superset of the Integration
Service code page and the source code page.
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Special Characters
The Integration Service adds escape characters to the following special characters in XML targets:
< & > ”

Null and Empty Strings
You can choose how the Integration Service handles null data or empty strings when it writes elements and
attributes to an XML target file. By default, the Integration Service does not output element tags or attribute
names for null values. The Integration Service outputs tags and attribute names with no content for empty
strings.
To change these defaults, you can change the Null Content Representation and Empty String Content
Representation XML target properties. For attributes, change Null Attribute Representation and the Empty
String Attribute Representation properties.
Choose one of the following values for each property:
Properties

Property Value

Integration Service Behavior

Null Content or Empty String
Content

- No Tag
- Tag with Empty Content

- Does not output a tag.
- Outputs the XML tag with no content.

Null Attribute or Empty String
Attribute

- No Attribute
- Attribute Name with Empty
String

- Does not output the attribute.
- Outputs the attribute name with no
content.

You can specify fixed or default values for elements and attributes. When an element in an XML schema or a
DTD has a default value, the Integration Service inserts the value instead of writing empty content. When an
element has a fixed value in the schema, the value is always inserted in the XML file. If the XML schema or
DTD does not specify a value for an attribute and the attribute has a null value, the Integration Service omits
the attribute.
If a required attribute does not have a fixed value, the attribute must be a projected field. The Integration
Service does not output invalid attributes to a target. An error occurs when a prohibited attribute appears in
an element tag. An error also occurs if a required attribute is not present in an element tag. The Integration
Service writes these errors to the session log or the error log when you enable row error logging.
The following table describes the format of XML file elements and attributes that contain null values or empty
strings:
Type of Output

Type of Data

Target File

Element

Null



-

Empty string



Attribute

Null

...

-

Empty string

...

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101

Handling Duplicate Group Rows
Sometimes duplicate rows occur in source data. The Integration Service can pass one of these rows to an
XML target. You can configure duplicate row handling in the XML target session properties. You can also
configure the Integration Service to write warning messages in the session log when duplicate rows occur.
The Integration Service does not write duplicate rows to the reject file. The Integration Service writes
duplicate rows to the session log. You can skip writing warning messages in the session log for the duplicate
rows. Disable the XMLWarnDupRows Integration Service option in the Informatica Administrator.
The Integration Service handles duplicate rows passed to the XML target root group differently than it
handles rows passed to other XML target groups:
•

For the XML target root group, the Integration Service always passes the first row to the target. When the
Integration Service encounters duplicate rows, it increases the number of rejected rows in the session
load summary.

•

For any XML target group other than the root group, you can configure duplicate group row handling in the
XML target definition in the Mapping Designer.

•

If you choose to warn about duplicate rows, the Integration Service writes all duplicate rows for the root
group to the session log. Otherwise, the Integration Service drops the rows without logging any error
messages.

You can select which row the Integration Service passes to the XML target:
•

First row. The Integration Service passes the first row to the target. When the Integration Service
encounters other rows with the same primary key, the Integration Service increases the number of
rejected rows in the session load summary.

•

Last row. The Integration Service passes the last duplicate row to the target. You can configure the
Integration Service to write the duplicate XML rows to the session log by setting the Warn About Duplicate
XML Rows option.
For example, the Integration Service encounters five duplicate rows. If you configure the Integration
Service to write the duplicate XML rows to the session log, the Integration Service passes the fifth row to
the XML target and writes the first four duplicate rows to the session log. Otherwise, the Integration
Service passes the fifth row to the XML target but does not write anything to the session log.

•

Error. The Integration Service passes the first row to the target. When the Integration Service encounters
a duplicate row, it increases the number of rejected rows in the session load summary and increments the
error count.
When the Integration Service reaches the error threshold, the session fails and the Integration Service
does not write any rows to the XML target.
The Integration Service sets an error threshold for each XML group.

DTD and Schema Reference
When you edit the XML target in the Target Designer, you can also specify a DTD or schema file name for
the target XML file. The Integration Service adds a document type declaration or schema reference to the
target XML file and inserts the name of the file you specify. For example, if you have a target XML file with
the root element TargetRoot and you set the DTD Reference option to TargetDoc.dtd, the Integration Service
adds the following document type declaration after the XML declaration:

The Integration Service does not check that the file you specify exists or that the file is valid. The Integration
Service does not validate the target XML file against the DTD or schema file you specify.
Note: An XML instance document must refer to the full relative path of a schema if a midstream XML
transformation is processing the file. Otherwise, the full path is not required.

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Flushing XML on Commits
When you process an XML file or stream, the XML parser parses the entire XML file and writes target XML
data at end of file. Use the On Commit attribute to periodically flush the data to the target before reaching
end of file. You can flush data periodically into one target XML document, or you can generate multiple XML
documents.
You might want to flush XML data in the following situations:
•

Large XML files. If you are processing a large XML file of several gigabytes, the Integration Service may
have reduced performance. You can set the On Commit attribute to Append to Doc. This flushes XML
data periodically to the target document.

•

Real-time processing. If you process real-time data that requires commits at specific times, use Append
to Doc.

You can set the On Commit attribute to one of the following values:
•

Ignore commit. Generate and write to the XML document at end of file.

•

Append to document. Write to the same XML document at the end of each commit. The XML document
closes at end of file. This option is not available for XML Generator transformations.

•

Create new document. Create and write to a new document at each commit. You create multiple XML
documents.

You can flush data if all groups in the XML target are connected to the same single commit or transaction
point. The transformation at the commit point generates denormalized output. The denormalized output
contains repeating primary key values for all but the lowest level node in the XML schema. The Integration
Service extracts rows from this output for each group in the XML target.
You must have only one child group for the root group in the XML target.

Ignoring Commit
You can choose to generate the XML document after the session has read all the source records. This option
causes the Integration Service to store all of the XML data in cache during a session. Use this option when
you are not processing a lot of data.

Appending to Document on Commit
When you append data to an XML document, use a source-based or user-defined commit in the session. Use
a single point in the mapping to generate transactions. All the projected groups of an XML target must belong
to the same transaction control unit.
For sessions using source-based commits, the single transaction point might be a source or nearest active
source to the XML target, such as the last active transformation before the target. For sessions with userdefined commits, the transaction point is a transaction generating transformation.

Creating XML Documents on Commit
You can choose to generate a separate XML document for each commit. To generate multiple XML output
documents, set On Commit to Create New Document. To define the commit, you can turn on source-based
commit in the session, or you can generate the commit from a transaction generating transformation in the
mapping.
Warning: When you create new a document on commit, you need to provide a unique file name for each
document. Otherwise, the Integration Service overwrites the document it created from the previous commit.

Integration Service Handling for XML Targets

103

XML Caching Properties
The Integration Service uses a data cache to store XML row data while it generates an XML document. The
cache size is the sum of all the groups in the XML target instance. The cache includes a primary key and a
foreign key index cache for each XML group and one data cache for all groups.
You can configure the Integration Service to automatically determine the XML cache size, or you can
configure the cache size. When the memory requirements exceed the cache size, the Integration Service
pages data to index and data files in the cache directory. When the session completes, the Integration
Service releases cache memory and deletes the cache files.
You can specify the cache directory and cache size for the XML target. The default cache directory is
$PMCacheDir, which is a service process variable that represents the directory where the Integration Service
stores cache files by default.

Session Logs for XML Targets
When you run a session with an XML target, the Integration Service writes the target name and group name
into the session log. The session log lists the target and group names in the following format:
Target Name : : Group Name.
For example, the following session log entry contains target EMP_SALARY and group DEPARTMENT:
WRITER_1_1_1> WRT_8167 Start loading table [EMP_SALARY::DEPARTMENT] at: Wed Nov 05
08:01:35 2003

Multiple XML Document Output
The Integration Service generates a new XML document for each distinct primary key value in the root group
of the target. To create separate XML files, you must pass data to the root node primary key. When the value
of the key changes, the Integration Service creates a new target file. The Integration Service creates an .lst
file that contains the file name and absolute path to each XML file it creates in the session.
The Integration Service creates multiple XML files when the root group has more than one distinct primary
key value. If the Integration Service receives multiple rows with the same primary key value, the Integration
Service chooses the first or last row based on the way you configure duplicate row handling.
If you pass data to a column in the root group, but you do not pass data to the primary key, the Integration
Service does not generate a new XML document. The Integration Service writes a warning message to the
session log indicating that the primary key for the root group is not projected, and the Integration Service is
generating one document.

Example
The following example includes a mapping that contains a flat file source of country names, regions, and
revenue dollars per region. The target is an XML file. The root view contains the primary key, XPK_COL_0,
which is a string.
Each time the Integration Service passes a new country name to the root view the Integration Service
generates a new target file. Each target XML file contains country name, region, and revenue data for one
country.
The Integration Service passes the following rows to the XML target:
Country,Region,Revenue
USA,region1,1000
Canada,region1,100
USA,region2,200
USA,region3,300

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USA,region4,400
France,region1,10
France,region2,20
France,region3,30
France,region4,40
The Integration Service builds the XML files in cache. The Integration Service creates one XML file for USA,
one file for Canada, and one file for France. The Integration Service creates a file list that contains the file
name and absolute path of each target XML file.
If you specify “revenue_file.xml” as the output file name in the session properties, the session produces the
following files:
•

revenue_file.xml. Contains the Canada rows.

•

revenue_file.1.xml. Contains the France rows.

•

revenue_file.2.xml. Contains the USA rows.

•

revenue_file.xml.lst. Contains a list of each XML file the session created.

If the data has multiple root rows with circular references, but none of the root rows has a null foreign key, the
Integration Service cannot find a root row. You can add a FileName column to XML targets to name XML
output documents based on data values.

Working with Heterogeneous Targets
You can output data to multiple targets in the same session. When the target types or database types of
those targets differ from each other, you have a session with heterogeneous targets.
To create a session with heterogeneous targets, you can create a session based on a mapping with
heterogeneous targets. Or, you can create a session based on a mapping with homogeneous targets and
select different database connections.
A heterogeneous target has one of the following characteristics:
•

Multiple target types. You can create a session that writes to both relational and flat file targets.

•

Multiple target connection types. You can create a session that writes to a target on an Oracle
database and to a target on a DB2 database. Or, you can create a session that writes to multiple targets
of the same type, but you specify different target connections for each target in the session.

All database connections you define in the Workflow Manager are unique to the Integration Service, even if
you define the same connection information. For example, you define two database connections, Sales1 and
Sales2. You define the same user name, password, connect string, code page, and attributes for both Sales1
and Sales2. Even though both Sales1 and Sales2 define the same connection information, the Integration
Service treats them as different database connections. When you create a session with two relational targets
and specify Sales1 for one target and Sales2 for the other target, you create a session with heterogeneous
targets.
You can create a session with heterogeneous targets in one of the following ways:
•

Create a session based on a mapping with targets of different types or different database types. In the
session properties, keep the default target types and database types.

•

Create a session based on a mapping with the same target types. However, in the session properties,
specify different target connections for the different target instances, or override the target type to a
different type.

Working with Heterogeneous Targets

105

You can specify the following target type overrides in a session:
•

Relational target to flat file.

•

Relational target to any other relational database type. Verify the datatypes used in the target
definition are compatible with both databases.

•

SAP BW target to a flat file target type.

Note: When the Integration Service runs a session with at least one relational target, it performs database
transactions per target connection group. For example, it orders the target load for targets in a target
connection group when you enable constraint-based loading.

Reject Files
During a session, the Integration Service creates a reject file for each target instance in the mapping. If the
writer or the target rejects data, the Integration Service writes the rejected row into the reject file. The reject
file and session log contain information that helps you determine the cause of the reject.
Each time you run a session, the Integration Service appends rejected data to the reject file. Depending on
the source of the problem, you can correct the mapping and target database to prevent rejects in subsequent
sessions.
Note: If you enable row error logging in the session properties, the Integration Service does not create a
reject file. It writes the reject rows to the row error tables or file.

Locating Reject Files
The Integration Service creates reject files for each target instance in the mapping. It creates reject files in
the session reject file directory. Configure the target reject file directory on the Mapping tab for the session.
By default, the Integration Service creates reject files in the $PMBadFileDir process variable directory.
When you run a session that contains multiple partitions, the Integration Service creates a separate reject file
for each partition. The Integration Service names reject files after the target instance name. The default name
for reject files is filename_partitionnumber.bad. The reject file name for the first partition does not contain a
partition number.
For example,
/home/directory/filename.bad
/home/directory/filename2.bad
/home/directory/filename3.bad
The Workflow Manager replaces slash characters in the target instance name with underscore characters.
To find a reject file name and path, view the target properties settings on the Mapping tab of session
properties.

Reading Reject Files
After you locate a reject file, you can read it using a text editor that supports the reject file code page. Reject
files contain rows of data rejected by the writer or the target database. Though the Integration Service writes
the entire row in the reject file, the problem generally centers on one column within the row. To help you

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determine which column caused the row to be rejected, the Integration Service adds row and column
indicators to give you more information about each column:
Row indicator. The first column in each row of the reject file is the row indicator. The row indicator
defines whether the row was marked for insert, update, delete, or reject.

•

If the session is a user-defined commit session, the row indicator might indicate whether the transaction
was rolled back due to a non-fatal error, or if the committed transaction was in a failed target connection
group.
Column indicator. Column indicators appear after every column of data. The column indicator defines
whether the column contains valid, overflow, null, or truncated data.

•

The following sample reject file shows the row and column indicators:
0,D,1921,D,Nelson,D,William,D,415-541-5145,D
0,D,1922,D,Page,D,Ian,D,415-541-5145,D
0,D,1923,D,Osborne,D,Lyle,D,415-541-5145,D
0,D,1928,D,De Souza,D,Leo,D,415-541-5145,D
0,D,2001123456789,O,S. MacDonald,D,Ira,D,415-541-514566,T

Row Indicators
The first column in the reject file is the row indicator. The row indicator is a flag that defines the update
strategy for the data row.
The following table describes the row indicators in a reject file:
Row Indicator

Meaning

Rejected By

0

Insert

Writer or target

1

Update

Writer or target

2

Delete

Writer or target

3

Reject. Marked for reject by an update strategy expression.

Writer

4

Rolled-back insert

Writer

5

Rolled-back update

Writer

6

Rolled-back delete

Writer

7

Committed insert

Writer

8

Committed update

Writer

9

Committed delete

Writer

Column Indicators
A column indicator appears after every column of data. A column indicator defines whether the data is valid,
overflow, null, or truncated.
The column indicator “D” also appears after each row indicator.

Reject Files

107

The following table describes the column indicators in a reject file:
Column
Indicator

Type of data

Writer Treats As

D

Valid data.

Good data. Writer passes it to the target database. The
target accepts it unless a database error occurs, such as
finding a duplicate key.

N

Null. The column contains a null value.

Good data. Writer passes it to the target, which rejects it
if the target database does not accept null values.

T

Truncated. String data exceeded a
specified precision for the column, so
the value was truncated.

Bad data, if you configured the mapping target to reject
overflow or truncated data.

Null columns appear in the reject file with commas marking their column. The following example shows a null
column surrounded by good data:
0,D,5,D,,N,5,D
Either the writer or target database can reject a row. Consult the log to determine the cause for rejection.

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CHAPTER 8

Connection Objects
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Connection Objects Overview , 110

•

Connection Object Code Pages, 115

•

SSL Authentication Certificate Files, 115

•

Connection Object Permissions, 117

•

Environment SQL, 118

•

Database Connection Resilience, 119

•

Relational Database Connections, 120

•

FTP Connections, 123

•

External Loader Connections, 124

•

HTTP Connections, 125

•

PowerChannel Relational Database Connections, 127

•

PowerExchange for Hadoop Connections, 129

•

PowerExchange for JMS Connections, 130

•

PowerExchange for MSMQ Connections, 131

•

PowerExchange for Netezza Connections, 132

•

PowerExchange for PeopleSoft Connections, 133

•

PowerExchange for Salesforce Connections, 134

•

PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver Connections, 134

•

PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver BI Connections, 138

•

PowerExchange for TIBCO Connections, 140

•

PowerExchange for Web Services Connections, 142

•

PowerExchange for webMethods Connections, 144

109

•

PowerExchange for WebSphere MQ Connections, 145

•

Connection Object Management, 147

Connection Objects Overview
Before you create and run sessions, you must configure connections in the Workflow Manager. A connection
object is a global object that defines a connection in the repository. You create and modify connection objects
and assign permissions to connection objects in the Workflow Manager.

Connection Types
When you create a connection object, choose the connection type in the Connection Browser. Some
connection types also have connection subtypes. For example, a relational connection type has subtypes
such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Define the values for the connection based on the connection type
and subtype.
When you configure a session, you can choose the connection type and select a connection to use. You can
also override the connection attributes for the session or create a connection. Set the connection type on the
mapping tab for each object.
The following table describes the connection types that you can create or choose when you configure a
session:
Table 1. Connection Types
Connection
Types

Description

Relational

Relational connection to source, target, lookup, or stored procedure database.
When you configure a session, you cannot change the relational connection type.

FTP

FTP or SFTP connection to the FTP host.
When you configure a session, select an FTP connection type to access flat files or XML files
through FTP. Specify the FTP connection when you configure source or target options. Select
an FTP connection in the Value column.

Loader

Relational connection to the external loader for the target, such as IBM DB2 Autoloader or
Teradata FastLoad.
When you configure a session, choose File as the writer type for the relational target instance.
Select a Loader connection to load output files to teradata, Oracle, DB2, or Sybase IQ through
an external loader. Select a loader connection in the Value column.

Queue

Database connection for message queues, such as WebSphere MQ or MSMQ.
Select a Queue connection type to access an MSMQ or WebSphere MQ source, or if you want
to write messages to a WebSphere MQ message queue.
Select an MQ connection in the Value column. For static WebSphere MQ targets, set the
connection type to FTP or Queue. For dynamic MQSeries targets, set the connection type to
Queue.

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Connection
Types

Description

Application

Connection to source or target application, such as Netezza or SAP NetWeaver.
Select an Application connection type to access PowerExchange sources and targets and
Teradata FastExport sources. You can also access transformations such as HTTP, Salesforce
Lookup, and BAPI/RFC transformations.

None

Connection type not available in the Connection Browser.
When you configure a session, select None if the mapping contains a flat file or XML file source
or target or an associated source for WebSphere MQ.

Note: For information about connections to PowerExchange see PowerExchange Interfaces for PowerCenter.

Database User Names and Passwords
The Workflow Manager requires a database user name and password when you configure a connection. The
database user must have the appropriate read and write database permissions to access the database.

Session Parameters
You can enter session parameter $ParamName as the database user name and password, and define the
user name and password in a parameter file. For example, you can use a session parameter,
$ParamMyDBUser, as the database user name, and set $ParamMyDBUser to the user name in the
parameter file.
To use a session parameter for the database password, enable the Use Parameter in Password option and
encrypt the password by using the pmpasswd command line program. Encrypt the password by using the
CRYPT_DATA encryption type. For example, to encrypt the database password “monday,” enter the following
command:
pmpasswd monday -e CRYPT_DATA

Databases that Do Not Allow User Names and Passwords
Some database drivers, such as ISG Navigator, do not allow user names and passwords. Since the Workflow
Manager requires a database user name and password, PowerCenter provides reserved words to register
databases that do not allow user names and passwords:
•

PmNullUser

•

PmNullPasswd

Use the PmNullUser user name if you use one of the following authentication methods:
•

Oracle OS Authentication. Oracle OS Authentication lets you log in to an Oracle database if you have a
login name and password for the operating system. You do not need to know a database user name and
password. PowerCenter uses Oracle OS Authentication when the connection user name is PmNullUser
and the connection is for an Oracle database.

•

IBM DB2 client authentication. IBM DB2 client authentication lets you log in to an IBM DB2 database
without specifying a database user name or password if the IBM DB2 server is configured for external
authentication or if the IBM DB2 server is on the same as the Integration Service process. PowerCenter
uses IBM DB2 client authentication when the connection user name is PmNullUser and the connection is
for an IBM DB2 database.

Connection Objects Overview

111

Use the PmNullUser user name with any of the following connection types:
•

Relational database connections. Use for Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client authentication, or
databases such as ISG Navigator that do not allow user names,

•

External loader connections. Use for Oracle OS Authentication or IBM DB2 client authentication.

•

HTTP connections. Use if the HTTP server does not require authentication.

•

PowerChannel relational database connections. Use for Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client
authentication, or databases such as ISG Navigator that do not allow user names.

•

Web Services connections. Use if the web service does not require a user name.

User Permissions for Oracle
Oracle uses temporary tablespaces to store temporary LOB data (BLOB, CLOB, or NCLOB data). When you
run a session that reads from or writes to Oracle LOB columns, PowerCenter uses the Oracle temporary
tablespace available for the database user account to store temporary LOB data.
Grant the database user permission to access and create temporary tablespaces. If the user does not have
sufficient permission, the Integration Service fails the session.

Native Connect Strings
When you configure a connection object, you must provide connection information. Use native connect string
syntax for the following connection types:
•

Relational database connections. Use to connect to all databases except Microsoft SQL Server and
Sybase ASE.

•

External loader connection. Use to connect to all databases.

•

PowerChannel relational database connections. Use to connect with all databases except Microsoft
SQL Server and Sybase ASE.

•

PeopleSoft application connections. Use to connect to the underlying database of the PeopleSoft
system for DB2, Oracle, and Informix databases.

The following table lists the native connect string syntax for each supported database when you create or
update connections:
Database

Connect String Syntax

Example

IBM DB2

dbname

mydatabase

Informix

dbname@servername

mydatabase@informix

Microsoft SQL Server

servername@dbname

sqlserver@mydatabase

If you want to use SSL encryption, use the
following connect string syntax:

The following example includes
SSL encryption:

servername@dbname;Encrypt=Yes;TrustServe
rCertificate=True

sqlserver@mydatabase;Encrypt=Y
es;TrustServerCertificate=True

dbname.world (same as TNSNAMES entry)

oracle.world

Oracle

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Database

Connect String Syntax

Example

Sybase ASE

servername@dbname

sambrown@mydatabase

ODBC_data_source_name or

TeradataODBC

Teradata

1

ODBC_data_source_name@db_name or

TeradataODBC@mydatabase

ODBC_data_source_name@db_user_name

TeradataODBC@jsmith

1. Use Teradata ODBC drivers to connect to source and target databases.

Connection Variable Values
Enter the database connection you want the Integration Service to use for the $Source and $Target
connection variables. You can select a connection object, or you can use the $DBConnectionName or
$AppConnectionName session parameter if you want to define the connection value in a parameter file.
When you configure a mapping, you can specify the database location to use $Source or $Target variable for
Lookup and Stored Procedure transformations. You can also configure the $Source variable to specify the
source connection for relational sources and the $Target variable to specify the target connection for
relational targets in the session properties.
If you use $Source or $Target in a Lookup or Stored Procedure transformation, you can configure the
connection value on the Properties tab or Mapping tab of the session. When you configure $Source
Connection Value or $Target Connection Value, the Integration Service uses that connection when it runs the
session. If you do not configure $Source Connection Value or $Target Connection Value, the Integration
Service determines the database connection to use when it runs the session.
The following table describes how the Integration Service determines the value of $Source when you do not
configure $Source Connection Value:
Table 2. Connection Used for $Source Variable
Mapping Objects

Connection Used

One source

The database connection you specify for the source.

Joiner transformation is before a Lookup or
Stored Procedure transformation

The database connection for the detail source.

Lookup or Stored Procedure transformation is
before a Joiner transformation

The database connection for the source connected to the
transformation.

Unconnected Lookup or Stored Procedure
transformation

None. The session fails.

Connection Objects Overview

113

The following table describes how the Integration Services determines the value of $Target when you do not
configure $Target Connection Value in the session properties:
Table 3. Connection Used for $Target
$Target

Connection Used

One target

The database connection you specify for the target.

Multiple relational targets

None. The session fails.

Unconnected Lookup or Stored Procedure
transformation.

None. The session fails.

Configuring a Session to Use Connection Variables
If the source or target is a database, you can use connection variables.
To enter the database connection for the $Source and $Target connection variables:
1.

In the session properties, select the Properties tab or the Mapping tab, Connections node.

2.

Click the Open button in $Source Connection Value or $Target Connection Value field.
The Connection Browser dialog box appears.

3.

Select a connection variable or session parameter.
You can enter the $Source or $Target connection variable, or the $DBConnectionName or
$AppConnectionName session parameter. If you enter a session parameter, define the parameter in the
parameter file. If you do not define a value for the session parameter, the Integration Service determines
which database connection to use when it runs the session.

4.

Click OK.

Connection Attribute Overrides
When you configure the source and target instances, you can override connection attributes and define some
attributes that are not in the connection object. You can override connection attributes based on how you
configure the source or target instances.
You can override connection attributes when you configure the source or target session properties in the
following ways:
•

You use an FTP, queue, external loader, or application connection for a non-relational source or target.

•

You use an FTP, queue, or external loader connection for a relational target.

•

You use an application connection for a relational source.

You configure connections in the Connections settings on the Mapping tab.
You can override connection attributes in the session or in the parameter file:

114

•

Session. Select the connection object and override attributes in the session.

•

Parameter file. Use a session parameter to define the connection and override connection attributes in
the parameter file.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Overriding Connection Attributes
You can override the connection attributes on the Mapping tab of the session properties.t
1.

On the Mapping tab, select the source or target instance in the Connections node.

2.

Select the connection type.

3.

Click the Open button in the value field to select a connection object.

4.

Choose the connection object.

5.

Click Override.

6.

Update the attributes you want to change.

7.

Click OK.

Connection Object Code Pages
Code pages must be compatible for accurate data movement. You must select a code page for most types of
connection objects. The code page of a database connection must be compatible with the database client
code page. If the code pages are not compatible, sessions may hang, data may become inconsistent, or you
might receive a database error, such as:
ORA-00911: Invalid character specified.
The Workflow Manager filters the list of code pages for connections to ensure that the code page for the
connection is a subset of the code page for the repository. It lists the five code pages you have most recently
selected. Then it lists all remaining code pages in alphabetical order.
If you configure the Integration Service for code page validation, the Integration Service enforces code page
compatibility at run time. The Integration Service ensures that the target database code page is a superset of
the source database code page.
When you change the code page in a connection object, you must choose one that is compatible with the
previous code page. If the code pages are incompatible, the Workflow Manager invalidates all sessions using
that connection.
If you configure the PowerCenter Client and Integration Service for relaxed code page validation, you can
select any supported code page for source and target connections. If you are familiar with the data and are
confident that it will convert safely from one code page to another, you can run sessions with incompatible
source and target data code pages. It is your responsibility to ensure your data will convert properly.

SSL Authentication Certificate Files
Before you configure an HTTP connection or a Web Services Consumer connection to use SSL
authentication, you may need to configure certificate files. If the Integration Service authenticates the HTTP
server or web service provider, you configure the trust certificates file. If the HTTP server or web service
provider authenticates the Integration Service, you configure the client certificate file and the corresponding
private key file, passwords, and file types. You can generate client certificate and private key files by running
the OpenSSL commands.
The trust certificates file (ca-bundle.crt) contains certificate files from major, trusted certificate authorities. If
the certificate bundle does not contain a certificate from a certificate authority that the session uses, you can

Connection Object Code Pages

115

convert the certificate of the HTTP server or web service provider to PEM format and append it to the cabundle.crt file.
The private key for a client certificate must be in PEM format.

Generate Client Certificate and Private Key Files
If the web service provider authenticates the PowerCenter Integration Service, you must configure the client
certificate and private key files. You can generate client certificate and private key files and use these files to
configure the Web Service Consumer application connection.
You can generate the client certificate and private key files in a single file or as separate files.

Generate One Certificate File
To generate the client certificate file and private key file in a single file, use the following command:
openssl pkcs12 -in .p12 -out test1.pem -clcerts
The command generates a single certificate file in the PEM format. In the Web Service Consumer application
connection, use the single certificate file while configuring both the client certificate file and the private key
file. Use the password that you provide after running the OpenSSL command to configure the Web Service
Consumer application connection.

Generate Keys in Separate Files
•

To generate the client certificate file, use the following command:
openssl pkcs12 -in .p12 -nokeys -out clientcert.pem

•

To generate the private key file, use the following command:
openssl pkcs12 -in .p12 -nocerts -out pk.pem

The command generates certificate files in the PEM format. In the Web Service Consumer application
connection, specify the fully qualified path along with the client certificate and private key files. Use the
passwords that you provide after running the OpenSSL commands to configure the Web Service Consumer
application connection.

Configure the Web Service Consumer Application Connection
Use the client certificate file, the corresponding private key file, and the passwords to configure a Web
Service application connection to use SSL authentication. You can access the Web Service application
connection from the Application type connection in the Workflow Manager.

Converting Certificate Files from Other Formats
Certificate files have the following formats:
•

DER. Files with the .cer or .der extension.

•

PEM. Files with the .pem extension.

•

PKCS12. Files with the .pfx or .P12 extension.

When you append certificates to the ca-bundle.crt file, the HTTP server certificate files must use the PEM
format. Use the OpenSSL utility to convert certificates from one format to another. You can get OpenSSL at
http://www.openssl.org.
For example, to convert the DER file named server.der to PEM format, use the following command:
openssl x509 -in server.der -inform DER -out server.pem -outform PEM

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If you want to convert the PKCS12 file named server.pfx to PEM format, use the following command:
openssl pkcs12 -in server.pfx -out server.pem
To convert a private key named key.der from DER to PEM format, use the following command:
openssl rsa -in key.der -inform DER -outform PEM -out keyout.pem
For more information, refer to the OpenSSL documentation. After you convert certificate files to the PEM
format, you can append them to the trust certificates file. Also, you can use PEM format private key files with
the HTTP transformation or PowerExchange for Web Services.

Adding Certificates to the Trust Certificates File
If the HTTP server or web service provider uses a certificate that is not included in the ca-bundle.crt file, you
can add the certificate to the ca-bundle.crt file.
1.

Use Internet Explorer to locate the certificate and create a copy:
•

Access the HTTP server or web service provider using HTTPS.

•

Double-click the padlock icon in the status bar of Internet Explorer.

•

In the Certificate dialog box, click the Details tab.

•

Select the Authority Information Access field.

•

Click Copy to File.

•

Use the Certificate Export Wizard to copy the certificate in DER format.

2.

Convert the certificate from DER to PEM format.

3.

Append the PEM certificate file to the certificate bundle, ca-bundle.crt.
The ca-bundle.crt file is located in the following directory: /
server/bin

For more information about adding certificates to the ca-bundle.crt file, see the curl documentation at
http://curl.haxx.se/docs/sslcerts.html.

Connection Object Permissions
You can access global connection objects from all folders in the repository and use them in any session. The
Workflow Manager assigns owner permissions to the user who creates the connection object. The owner has
all permissions. You can change the owner but you cannot change the owner permissions. You can assign
permissions on a connection object to users, groups, and all others for that object.
The Workflow Manager assigns default permissions for connection objects to users, groups, and all others if
you enable enhanced security.
You can specify read, write, and execute permissions for each user and group. You can perform the following
types of tasks with different connection object permissions in combination with user privileges and folder
permissions:
•

Read. View the connection object in the Workflow Manager and Repository Manager. When you have
read permission, you can perform tasks in which you view, copy, or edit repository objects associated with
the connection object.

•

Write. Edit the connection object.

•

Execute. Run sessions that use the connection object.

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117

To assign or edit permissions on a connection object, select an object from the Connection Object Browser,
and click Permissions.
You can perform the following tasks to manage permissions on a connection object:
•

Change connection object permissions for users and groups.

•

Add users and groups and assign permissions to users and groups on the connection object.

•

List all users to see all users that have permissions on the connection object.

•

List all groups to see all groups that have permissions on the connection object.

•

List all, to see all users, groups, and others that have permissions on the connection object.

•

Remove each user or group that has permissions on the connection object.

•

Remove all users and groups that have permissions on the connection object.

•

Change the owner of the connection object.

If you change the permissions assigned to a user that is currently connected to a repository in a PowerCenter
Client tool, the changed permissions take effect the next time the user reconnects to the repository.

Environment SQL
The Integration Service runs environment SQL in auto-commit mode and closes the transaction after it issues
the SQL. Use SQL commands that do not depend on a transaction being open during the entire read or write
process. For example, if a source database is set to read only mode and you create an environment SQL
statement in the source connection to set the transaction to read only, the Integration Service issues a
commit after it runs the SQL and cannot read the source in read only mode.
You can configure connection environment SQL or transaction environment SQL.
Use environment SQL for source, target, lookup, and stored procedure connections. If the SQL syntax is not
valid, the Integration Service does not connect to the database, and the session fails.
Note: When a connection object has “environment SQL,” the connection uses “connection environment SQL.”

Connection Environment SQL
This custom SQL string sets up the environment for subsequent transactions. The Integration Service runs
the connection environment SQL each time it connects to the database. If you configure connection
environment SQL in a target connection, and you configure three partitions for the pipeline, the Integration
Service runs the SQL three times, once for each connection to the target database. Use SQL commands that
do not depend on a transaction being open during the entire read or write process.
For example, use the following SQL statement to set the quoted identifier parameter for the duration of the
connection:
SET QUOTED_IDENTIFIER ON
Use the SQL statement in the following situations:

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•

You want to set up the connection environment so that double quotation marks are object identifiers.

•

You configure the target load type to Normal and the Microsoft SQL Server target name includes spaces.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Transaction Environment SQL
This custom SQL string also sets up the environment, but the Integration Service runs the transaction
environment SQL at the beginning of each transaction.
Use SQL commands that depend on a transaction being open during the entire read or write process. For
example, you might use the following statement as transaction environment SQL to modify how the session
handles characters:
ALTER SESSION SET NLS_LENGTH_SEMANTICS=CHAR
This command must be run before each transaction. The command is not appropriate for connection
environment SQL because setting the parameter once for each connection is not sufficient.

Guidelines for Configuring Environment SQL
Consider the following guidelines when creating the SQL statements:
•

You can enter any SQL command that is valid in the database associated with the connection object. The
Integration Service does not allow nested comments, even though the database might.

•

When you enter SQL in the SQL Editor, you type the SQL statements.

•

Use a semicolon (;) to separate multiple statements.

•

The Integration Service ignores semicolons within /*...*/.

•

If you need to use a semicolon outside of comments, you can escape it with a backslash (\).

•

You can use parameters and variables in the environment SQL. Use any parameter or variable type that
you can define in the parameter file. You can enter a parameter or variable within the SQL statement, or
you can use a parameter or variable as the environment SQL. For example, you can use a session
parameter, $ParamMyEnvSQL, as the connection or transaction environment SQL, and set
$ParamMyEnvSQL to the SQL statement in a parameter file.

•

You can configure the table owner name using sqlid in the connection environment SQL for a DB2
connection. However, the table owner name in the target instance overrides the SET sqlid statement in
environment SQL. To use the table owner name specified in the SET sqlid statement, do not enter a name
in the target name prefix.

Database Connection Resilience
Database connection resilience is the ability of the Integration Service to tolerate temporary network failures
when connecting to a relational database or when the database becomes unavailable. The Integration
Services is resilient to failures when it initializes the connection to the source or target database and when it
reads data from or writes data to a database.
You configure the resilience retry period in the connection object. You can configure the retry period for
source, target, SQL, and Lookup transformation database connections. When a network failure occurs or the
source or target database becomes unavailable, the Integration Service attempts to reconnect for the amount
of time configured for the connection retry period. If the Integration Service cannot reconnect to the database
in the amount of time for the retry period, the session fails.
The Integration Service will not attempt to reconnect to a database in the following situations:
•

The database connection object is for an Informix connection.

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•

The transformation associated with the connection object is not configured for deterministic and
repeatable output.

•

The value for the DTM buffer size is less than what the session requires.

•

The truncate the target table option is enabled for a target and the connection fails during execution of the
truncate query.

•

The database connection fails during a commit or rollback.

Use the retry period with the following connection types:
•

Relational database connections

•

FTP connections

•

JMS connections

•

WebSphere MQ queue connections

•

HTTP application connections

•

Web Services Consumer application connections

Note: For a database connection to be resilient, the database must be a highly available database and you
must have the high availability option or the real-time option.

Relational Database Connections
Use a relational connection object for each source, target, lookup, and stored procedure database that you
want to access.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a relational database connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection. The connection name cannot contain spaces or
other special characters, except for the underscore.

Type

Type of database.

Use Kerberos
Authentication

Indicates that the database to connect to runs on a network that uses Kerberos
authentication. If this option is selected, you cannot set the user name and password in
the connection object. The connection uses the credentials of the user account that runs
the session that connects to the database. The user account must have a user principal on
the Kerberos network where the database runs.

User Name

Database user name with the appropriate read and write database permissions to access
the database.
For Oracle connections that process BLOB, CLOB, or NCLOB data, the user must have
permission to access and create temporary tablespaces.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as
the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.
If you use Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client authentication, or databases such as
ISG Navigator that do not allow user names, enter PmNullUser. For Teradata connections,
this overrides the default database user name in the ODBC entry.
Not available if the Use Kerberos Authentication option is selected.

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Property

Description

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates that the password for the database user name is a session parameter,
$ParamName. Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt
it by using the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the database user name. For Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client
authentication, or databases such as ISG Navigator that do not allow passwords, enter
PmNullPassword. For Teradata connections, this overrides the database password in the
ODBC entry.
Passwords must be in 7-bit ASCII.
Not available if the Use Kerberos Authentication option is selected.

Connect String

Connect string used to communicate with the database. For syntax, see “Native Connect
Strings” on page 112.
Required for all databases except Microsoft SQL Server and Sybase ASE.

Code Page

Code page the Integration Service uses to read from a source database or write to a
target database or file.

Connection
Environment SQL

Runs an SQL command with each database connection. Default is disabled.

Transaction
Environment SQL

Runs an SQL command before the initiation of each transaction. Default is disabled.

Enable Parallel
Mode

Enables parallel processing when loading data into a table in bulk mode. Default is
enabled.

Database Name

Name of the database. For Teradata connections, this overrides the default database
name in the ODBC entry. Also, if you do not enter a database name for a Teradata or
Sybase ASE connection, the Integration Service uses the default database name in the
ODBC entry. If you do not enter a database name, connection-related messages do not
show a database name when the default database is used.

Data Source Name

Name of the Teradata ODBC data source.

Server Name

Database server name. Use to configure workflows.

Packet Size

Use to optimize the native drivers for Sybase ASE and Microsoft SQL Server.

Domain Name

The name of the domain. Used for Microsoft SQL Server on Windows.

Use Trusted
Connection

If selected, the Integration Service uses Windows authentication to access the Microsoft
SQL Server database. The user name that starts the Integration Service must be a valid
Windows user with access to the Microsoft SQL Server database.

Connection Retry
Period

Number of seconds the Integration Service attempts to reconnect to the database if the
connection fails. If the Integration Service cannot connect to the database in the retry
period, the session fails. Default value is 0.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Target Connections” on page 74

•

“FTP Connections” on page 123

Relational Database Connections

121

Copying a Relational Database Connection
When you make a copy of a relational database connection, the Workflow Manager retains the connection
properties that apply to the relational database type you select. The copy of the connection is invalid if a
required connection property is missing. Edit the connection properties manually to validate the connection.
The Workflow Manager appends an underscore and the first three letters of the relational database type to
the name of the new database connection. For example, you have lookup table in the same database as your
source definition. You you make a copy of the Microsoft SQL Server database connection called
Dev_Source. The Workflow Manager names the new database connection Dev_Source_Mic. You can edit
the copied connection to use a different name.
To copy a relational database connection:
1.

Click Connections > Relational.
The Relational Connection Browser appears.

2.

Select the connection you want to copy.
Tip: Hold the shift key to select more than one connection to copy.

3.

Click Copy As.
The Select Subtype dialog box appears.

4.

Select a relational database type for the copy of the connection.
If you copy one database connection object as a different type of database connection, you must
reconfigure the connection properties for the copied connection.

5.

Click OK.
The Workflow Manager retains connection properties that apply to the database type. If a required
connection property does not exist, the Workflow Manager displays a warning message. This happens
when you copy a connection object as a different database type or copy a connection object that is
already invalid.

6.

Click OK to close the warning dialog box.
The copy of the connection appears in the Relational Connection Browser.

7.

If the copied connection is invalid, click the Edit button to enter required connection properties.

8.

Click Close to close the Relational Connection Browser dialog box.

Relational Database Connection Replacement
You can replace a relational database connection with another relational database connection. For example,
you might have several sessions that you want to write to another target database. Instead of editing the
properties for each session, you can replace the relational database connection for all sessions in the
repository that use the connection.
When you replace database connections, the Workflow Manager replaces the relational database
connections in the following locations for all sessions using the connection:

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•

Source connection

•

Target connection

•

Connection Information property in Lookup and Stored Procedure transformations

•

$Source Connection Value session property

•

$Target Connection Value session property

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

When the repository contains both relational and application connections with the same name, the Workflow
Manager replaces the relational connections only if you specified the connection type as relational in all
locations.
The Integration Service uses the updated connection information the next time the session runs.
You must close all folders before replacing a relational database connection.

Replacing a Connection Object
Replace a connection object when you want to update for all sessions in the repository that use the
connection.
1.

Close all folders in the repository.

2.

Click Connections > Replace.
The Replace Connections dialog box appears.

3.

Click the Add button to replace a connection.

4.

In the From list, select a relational database connection you want to replace.

5.

In the To list, select the replacement relational database connection.

6.

Click Replace.
All sessions in the repository that use the From connection now use the connection you select in the To
list.

FTP Connections
Use an FTP connection object for each source or target that you want to access through FTP or SFTP.
To connect to an SFTP server, create an FTP connection and enable SFTP. SFTP uses the SSH2
authentication protocol. Configure the authentication properties to use the SFTP connection. You can
configure publickey or password authentication. The Integration Service connects to the SFTP server with the
authentication properties you configure. If the authentication does not succeed, the session fails.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an FTP connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager. Connection name cannot contain spaces
or other special characters, except for the underscore.

User Name

User name necessary to access the host machine. Must be in 7-bit ASCII only. Required to
connect to an SFTP server with password based authentication.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The Integration
Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the user name is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define the
password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the pmpasswd
CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

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123

Property

Description

Password

Password for the user name. Must be in 7-bit ASCII only. Required to connect to an SFTP
server with password based authentication.
Note: When you specify pmnullpasswd, the PowerCenter Integration Service authenticates
the user directly based on public key without performing the password authentication.

Host Name

Host name or dotted IP address of the FTP connection.
Optionally, you can specify a port number between 1 and 65535, inclusive. Default for FTP is
21. Use the following syntax to specify the host name:
hostname:port_number
Or,
IP address:port_number
When you specify a port number, enable that port number for FTP on the host machine.
If you enable SFTP, specify a host name or port number for an SFTP server. Default for
SFTP is 22.

Default Remote
Directory

Default directory on the FTP host used by the Integration Service. Do not enclose the
directory in quotation marks.
You can enter a parameter or variable for the directory. Use any parameter or variable type
that you can define in the parameter file.
Depending on the FTP server you use, you may have limited options to enter FTP
directories.
In the session, when you enter a file name without a directory, the Integration Service
appends the file name to this directory. This path must contain the appropriate trailing
delimiter. For example, if you enter c:\staging\ and specify data.out in the session, the
Integration Service reads the path and file name as c:\staging\data.out.
For SAP, you can leave this value blank. SAP sessions use the Source File Directory
session property for the FTP remote directory. If you enter a value, the Source File Directory
session property overrides it.

Retry Period

Number of seconds the Integration Service attempts to reconnect to the FTP host if the
connection fails. If the Integration Service cannot reconnect to the FTP host in the retry
period, the session fails. Default value is 0 and indicates an infinite retry period.

Use SFTP

Enables SFTP.

Public Key File
Name

Public key file path and file name. Required if the SFTP server uses publickey
authentication. Enabled for SFTP.

Private Key File
Name

Private key file path and file name. Required if the SFTP server uses publickey
authentication. Enabled for SFTP.

Private Key File
Password

Private key file password used to decrypt the private key file. Required if the SFTP server
uses public key authentication and the private key is encrypted. Enabled for SFTP.

External Loader Connections
Use a loader connection object for each target that you want load through an external loader.

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The following table describes the properties that you configure for an external loader connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager. Connection name cannot contain
spaces or other special characters, except for the underscore.

User Name

Database user name with the appropriate read and write database permissions to
access the database. If you use Oracle OS Authentication or IBM DB2 client
authentication, enter PmNullUser. PowerCenter uses Oracle OS Authentication when
the connection user name is PmNullUser and the connection is to an Oracle
database. PowerCenter uses IBM DB2 client authentication when the connection user
name is PmNullUser and the connection is to an IBM DB2 database.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName
as the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session
parameters.
You can connect to a database runs on a network that uses Kerberos authentication.
To use Kerberos authentication for the database connection, set the user name to the
reserved word PmKerberosUser. If you use Kerberos authentication, the connection
uses the credentials of the user account that runs the session that connects to the
database. The user account must have a user principal on the Kerberos network
where the database runs.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the database user name is a session parameter,
$ParamName. Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and
encrypt it by using the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the database user name. For Oracle OS Authentication or IBM DB2
client authentication, enter PmNullPassword. For Teradata connections, you can
enter PmNullPasswd to prevent the password from appearing in the control file.
Instead, the Integration Service writes an empty string for the password in the control
file.
Passwords must be in 7-bit ASCII.
If you set the user name to PmKerberosUser to use Kerberos authentication for the
database connection, set the password to the reserved word PmKerberosPassword.
The connection uses the credentials of the user account that runs the session that
connects to the database.

Connect String

Connect string used to communicate with the database. For syntax, see “Native
Connect Strings” on page 112.

HTTP Connections
Use an application connection object for each HTTP server that you want to connect to.
Configure connection information for an HTTP transformation in an HTTP application connection. The
Integration Service can use HTTP application connections to connect to HTTP servers. HTTP application
connections enable you to control connection attributes, including the base URL and other parameters.
If you want to connect to an HTTP proxy server, configure the HTTP proxy server settings in the Integration
Service.
Configure an HTTP application connection in the following circumstances:
•

The HTTP server requires authentication.

HTTP Connections

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•

You want to configure the connection timeout.

•

You want to override the base URL in the HTTP transformation.

Note: Before you configure an HTTP connection to use SSL authentication, you may need to configure
certificate files. For information about SSL authentication, see “SSL Authentication Certificate Files” on page
115.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an HTTP connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager. Connection name cannot contain
spaces or other special characters, except for the underscore.

User Name

Authenticated user name for the HTTP server. If the HTTP server does not require
authentication, enter PmNullUser.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName
as the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session
parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the authenticated user is a session parameter,
$ParamName. Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and
encrypt it by using the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the authenticated user. If the HTTP server does not require
authentication, enter PmNullPasswd.

Base URL

URL of the HTTP server. This value overrides the base URL defined in the HTTP
transformation.
You can use a session parameter to configure the base URL. For example, enter the
session parameter $ParamBaseURL in the Base URL field, and then define
$ParamBaseURL in the parameter file.

126

Timeout

Number of seconds the Integration Service waits for a connection to the HTTP server
before it closes the connection.

Domain

Authentication domain for the HTTP server. This is required for NTLM authentication.

Trust Certificates File

File containing the bundle of trusted certificates that the client uses when
authenticating the SSL certificate of a server. You specify the trust certificates file to
have the Integration Service authenticate the HTTP server. By default, the name of the
trust certificates file is ca-bundle.crt. For information about adding certificates to the
trust certificates file, see “SSL Authentication Certificate Files” on page 115.

Certificate File

Client certificate that an HTTP server uses when authenticating a client. You specify
the client certificate file if the HTTP server needs to authenticate the Integration
Service.

Certificate File
Password

Password for the client certificate. You specify the certificate file password if the HTTP
server needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Certificate File Type

File type of the client certificate. You specify the certificate file type if the HTTP server
needs to authenticate the Integration Service. The file type can be PEM or DER. For
information about converting certificate file types to PEM or DER, see “SSL
Authentication Certificate Files” on page 115. Default is PEM.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Property

Description

Private Key File

Private key file for the client certificate. You specify the private key file if the HTTP
server needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Key Password

Password for the private key of the client certificate. You specify the key password if
the web service provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Key File Type

File type of the private key of the client certificate. You specify the key file type if the
HTTP server needs to authenticate the Integration Service. The HTTP transformation
uses the PEM file type for SSL authentication.

Authentication Type

Select one of the following authentication types to use when the HTTP server does not
return an authentication type to the Integration Service:
- Auto. The Integration Service attempts to determine the authentication type of the HTTP
server.
- Basic. Based on a non-encrypted user name and password.
- Digest. Based on an encrypted user name and password.
- NTLM. Based on encrypted user name, password, and domain.

Default is Auto.

PowerChannel Relational Database Connections
Use a relational connection object for each database that you want to access through PowerChannel. If you
have configured a relational database connection, and you want to create a PowerChannel connection, you
can copy the connection.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a PowerChannel relational database
connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager. Connection name cannot contain
spaces or other special characters, except for the underscore.

Type

Type of database.

User Name

Database user name with the appropriate read and write database permissions to
access the database. If you use Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client
authentication, or databases such as ISG Navigator that do not allow user names,
enter PmNullUser.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName
as the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session
parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the database user name is a session parameter,
$ParamName. Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and
encrypt it by using the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

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Property

Description

Password

Password for the database user name. For Oracle OS Authentication, IBM DB2 client
authentication, or databases such as ISG Navigator that do not allow passwords,
enter PmNullPassword. For Teradata connections, this overrides the database
password in the ODBC entry.
Passwords must be in 7-bit ASCII.

Connect String

Connect string used to communicate with the database. For syntax, see “Native
Connect Strings” on page 112.
Required for all databases except Microsoft SQL Server.

Code Page

Code page the Integration Service uses to read from a source database or write to a
target database or file.

Database Name

Name of the database. If you do not enter a database name, connection-related
messages do not show a database name when the default database is used.

Environment SQL

Runs an SQL command with each database connection. Default is disabled.

Rollback Segment

Name of the rollback segment.

Server Name

Database server name. Use to configure workflows.

Packet Size

Use to optimize the native drivers for Sybase ASE and Microsoft SQL Server.

Domain Name

The name of the domain. Used for Microsoft SQL Server on Windows.

Use Trusted Connection

If selected, the Integration Service uses Windows authentication to access the
Microsoft SQL Server database. The user name that starts the Integration Service
must be a valid Windows user with access to the Microsoft SQL Server database.

Remote PowerChannel
Host Name

Host name or IP address for the remote PowerChannel Server that can access the
database data.

Remote PowerChannel
Port Number

Port number for the remote PowerChannel Server. Make sure the PORT attribute of
the ACTIVE_LISTENERS property in the PowerChannel.properties file uses a value
that other applications on the PowerChannel Server do not use.

Use Local
PowerChannel

Select to use compression or encryption while extracting or loading data. When you
select this option, you need to specify the local PowerChannel Server address and
port number. The Integration Service uses the local PowerChannel Server as a client
to connect to the remote PowerChannel Server and access the remote database.

Local PowerChannel
Host Name

Host name or IP address for the local PowerChannel Server. Enter this option when
you select the Use Local PowerChannel option.

Local PowerChannel
Port Number

Port number for the local PowerChannel Server. Specify this option when you select
the Use Local PowerChannel option. Make sure the PORT attribute of the
ACTIVE_LISTENERS property in the PowerChannel.properties file uses a value that
other applications on the PowerChannel Server do not use.

Encryption Level

Encryption level for the data transfer. Encryption levels range from 0 to 3. 0 indicates
no encryption and 3 is the highest encryption level. Default is 0.
Use this option only if you have selected the Use Local PowerChannel option.

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Property

Description

Compression Level

Compression level for the data transfer. Compression levels range from 0 to 9. 0
indicates no compression and 9 is the highest compression level. Default is 2.
Use this option only if you have selected the Use Local PowerChannel option.

Certificate Account

Certificate account to authenticate the local PowerChannel Server to the remote
PowerChannel Server. Use this option only if you have selected the Use Local
PowerChannel option.
If you use the sample PowerChannel repository that the installation program set up,
and you want to use the default certificate account in the repository, you can enter
“default” as the certificate account.

PowerExchange for Hadoop Connections
Use a Hadoop HDFS application connection object when you configure an HDFS flat file reader or writer in
the properties for a PowerExchange for Hadoop session.

Hadoop HDFS Connection Properties
To connect to a Hadoop cluster through an HDFS host, configure a Hadoop HDFS application connection.
You connect to a Hadoop cluster through an HDFS host that runs the name node service for a Hadoop
cluster.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a Hadoop HDFS application connection:
Property

Description

Name

The connection name used by the Workflow Manager. Connection name cannot contain
spaces or other special characters, except for the underscore character.

User Name

The name of the user in the Hadoop group that is used to access the HDFS host.

Password

Disabled. Authentication is not supported.

Host Name

The name of HDFS host that runs the name node service for the Hadoop cluster.

HDFS Port

The port number of the name node.

Hive Driver
Name

By default, the driver name is:

The name of the Hive driver.
org.apache.hadoop.hive.jdbc.HiveDriver

Hive URL

The URL to the Hive host.
Specify the URL in the following format:
jdbc:hive://hostname:portnumber/default

Hive User Name

Not used. The Hive user name.

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129

Property

Description

Hive Password

Not used. The password for the Hive user.

Hadoop
Distribution

The name of the Hadoop distribution. You can choose one of the following options:
- Apache
- Cloudera

Default is Apache.

PowerExchange for JMS Connections
Use an application connection object for each JMS source or target that you want to access.
You must configure two types of JMS application connections:
•

JNDI application connection

•

JMS application connection

JNDI Application Connection
Use a JNDI application connection for each JNDI server that you want to access.
When the Integration Service connects to the JNDI server, it retrieves information from JNDI about the JMS
provider during the session. When you configure a JNDI application connection, you must specify connection
properties in the Connection Object Definition dialog box.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a JNDI application connection:
Property

Description

JNDI Context Factory

Name of the context factory that you specified when you defined the context factory
for your JMS provider.

JNDI Provider URL

Provider URL that you specified when you defined the provider URL for your JMS
provider.

JNDI UserName

User name.

JNDI Password

Password.

JMS Application Connection
Use a JMS application connection for each JMS provider you want to access.
When you configure a JMS application connection, you specify connection properties the Integration Service
uses to connect to JMS providers during a session. Specify the JMS application connection properties in the
Connection Object Definition dialog box.

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The following table describes the properties that you configure for a JMS application connection:
Property

Description

JMS Destination Type

Select QUEUE or TOPIC for the JMS Destination Type. Select QUEUE if you
want to read source messages from a JMS provider queue or write target
messages to a JMS provider queue. Select TOPIC if you want to read source
messages based on the message topic or write target messages with a
particular message topic.

JMS Connection Factory Name

Name of the connection factory. The name of the connection factory must be
the same as the connection factory name you configured in JNDI. The
Integration Service uses the connection factory to create a connection with
the JMS provider.

JMS Destination

Name of the destination. The destination name must match the name you
configured in JNDI. Optionally, you can use the $ParamName session
parameter for the destination name.

JMS UserName

User name.

JMS Password

Password.

JMS Recovery Destination

Recovery queue or recovery topic name, based on what you configure for the
JMS Destination Type. Configure this option when you enable recovery for a
real-time session that reads from a JMS or WebSphere MQ source and writes
to a JMS target.
Note: The session fails if the recovery destination does not match a recovery
queue or topic name in the JMS provider.

Connection Retry Period

Number of seconds the Integration Service attempts to reconnect to JMS if
the connection fails. If the Integration Service cannot connect to JMS in the
retry period, the session fails. Default value is 0.

Retry Connection Error Code
File Name

Name of the properties file that contains error codes that identify JMS
connection errors. Default is pmjmsconnerr.properties.

PowerExchange for MSMQ Connections
Use a queue connection object for each MSMQ source or target that you want to access.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an MSMQ application connection:
Property

Description

Queue Name

Name of the MSMQ queue.

Machine Name

Name of the MSMQ machine. If MSMQ is running on the same machine as the Integration
Service, you can enter a period (.).

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Property

Description

Queue Type

Select public if the MSMQ queue is a public queue. Select private if the MSMQ queue is a
private queue.

Is Transactional

Define whether the MSMQ queue is transactional or not. When a session writes to a remote
private queue, the Integration Service cannot determine whether the queue is transactional or
not. Configure the Is Transactional attribute to match the queue configuration.
Choose one of the following options:
- Auto. The Integration Service determines if the queue is transactional or not transactional.
Choose Auto for a local queue or a remote queue that is not private.
- Yes. The queue is transactional.
- No. The queue is not transactional.

Default is Auto. If you configure this property incorrectly, the session will not fail, but the target
queue will not persist the data.

PowerExchange for Netezza Connections
Use a relational connection object for each Netezza source or target that you want to access.
The relational database connection defines how the Integration Service accesses the underlying database for
Netezza Performance Server. When you configure a Netezza connection, you specify the connection
attributes that the Integration Service uses to connect to Netezza.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a Netezza connection:

132

Property

Description

User Name

Database user name with the appropriate read and write database permissions to access
Netezza Performance Server.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the database user name is a session parameter,
$ParamName. Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt
it by using the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the database user name.

Connect String

ODBC data source to connect to Netezza Performance Server.

Code Page

Code page associated with Netezza Performance Server.

Connection
Environment SQL

Runs an SQL command with each database connection. Default is disabled.

Transaction
Environment SQL

Runs an SQL command before the initiation of each transaction. Default is disabled.

Connection Retry
Period

Number of seconds the Integration Service attempts to reconnect to the database if the
connection fails. If the Integration Service cannot connect to the database in the retry
period, the session fails. Default value is 0.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

PowerExchange for PeopleSoft Connections
Use an application connection object for each PeopleSoft source that you want to access. The application
connection defines how the Integration Service accesses the underlying database for the PeopleSoft system.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a PeopleSoft application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

User Name

Database user name with SELECT permission on physical database tables in the PeopleSoft
source system.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as the user
name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The Integration Service
interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

Use
Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the database user name is a session parameter, $ParamName.
Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the
pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the database user name. Must be in US-ASCII.

Connect
String

Connect string for the underlying database of the PeopleSoft system. This option appears for
DB2, Oracle, and Informix.

Code Page

Code page the Integration Service uses to extract data from the source database. When using
relaxed code page validation, select compatible code pages for the source and target data to
prevent data inconsistencies.

Language
Code

PeopleSoft language code. Enter a language code for language-sensitive data. When you enter
a language code, the Integration Service extracts language-sensitive data from related language
tables. If no data exists for the language code, the PowerCenter extracts data from the base
table.
When you do not enter a language code, the Integration Service extracts all data from the base
table.

Database
Name

Name of the underlying database of the PeopleSoft system. This option appears for Sybase ASE
and Microsoft SQL Server.

Server Name

Name of the server for the underlying database of the PeopleSoft system. This option appears
for Sybase ASE and Microsoft SQL Server.

Domain
Name

Domain name for Microsoft SQL Server on Windows.

Packet Size

Packet size used to transmit data. This option appears for Sybase ASE and Microsoft SQL
Server.

Use Trusted
Connection

If selected, the Integration Service uses Windows authentication to access the Microsoft SQL
Server database. The user name that enables the Integration Service must be a valid Windows
user with access to the Microsoft SQL Server database. This option appears for Microsoft SQL
Server.

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Property

Description

Rollback
Segment

Name of the rollback segment for the underlying database of the PeopleSoft system. This option
appears for Oracle.

Environment
SQL

SQL commands used to set the environment for the underlying database of the PeopleSoft
system.

PowerExchange for Salesforce Connections
Use an application connection object for each Salesforce source, target, or lookup that you want to access.
The following table describes the connection attributes for a Salesforce application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

User Name

User name to log in to Salesforce.com

Password

Password for the Salesforce.com user name.

Service URL

URL of the Salesforce service you want to access.
Default is https://www.salesforce.com/services/Soap/u/8.0.
In a test or development environment, you might want to access the Salesforce Sandbox
testing environment.

PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver Connections
Depending on the method of integration with mySAP applications, configure the following types of
connections:

134

•

SAP R/3 application connection. Configure application connections to access the SAP system when you
run a stream or file mode session.

•

FTP connection. Configure FTP connections to access the staging file through FTP. When you run a file
mode session, you can configure the session to access the staging file on the SAP system through FTP.

•

SAP_ALE _IDoc_Reader and SAP_ALE _IDoc_Writer application connection. Configure
SAP_ALE_IDoc_Reader application connections to receive IDocs and business content integration
documents using ALE. Configure SAP_ALE_IDoc_Writer application connections to send IDocs using
ALE.

•

SAP RFC/BAPI interface application connection. Configure SAP RFC/BAPI Interface application
connections if you want to process data in SAP using BAPI/RFC transformations.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

The following table describes the type of connection you need depending on the method of integration with
mySAP applications:
Connection Type

Integration Method

SAP R/3 application connection

ABAP integration with stream and file mode sessions.

FTP connection

ABAP integration with file mode sessions.

SAP_ALE _IDoc_Reader application connection

IDoc ALE and business content integration.

SAP_ALE _IDoc_Writer application connection

IDoc ALE and business content integration.

BCI Metadata Connection

IDoc ALE and business content integration for segments
in SAP longer than 1,000 characters.

SAP RFC/BAPI interface application connection

BAPI/RFC integration.

SAP R/3 Application Connection for ABAP Integration
The application connections for SAP sources use one of the following connections:
•

RFC File Mode. Use an RFC file mode connection when you extract data through file mode. The
connection information for RFC is stored in the sapnwrfc.ini file. You must also have authorizations on
the SAP system to read SAP tables and to run file mode sessions.

•

RFC Stream Mode. Use an RFC stream mode connection when you extract data through stream mode.
The connection information for RFC is stored in the sapnwrfc.ini file. You must also have authorizations
on the SAP system to read SAP tables and to run stream mode sessions.

•

CPI-C (deprecated). Use a CPI-C connection when you extract data through stream mode. The
connection information for CPI-C is stored in the sapnwrfc.ini file.

Application Connection for a Stream Mode Session
When you configure an application connection for a stream mode session, the connect string you use in the
application connection must match the connect string in the sapnwrfc.ini file. For example, if the connect
string in the sapnwrfc.ini file is defined in lowercase, use lowercase to enter the connect string parameter
in the application connection configuration.

Application Connection for Stream and File Mode Sessions
You can create separate application connections for file and stream mode, or you can create one connection
for both file and stream mode. Create separate entries if the SAP administrator creates separate
authorization profiles.
To create one connection for both modes, the SAP administrator must have created a single profile with
authorizations for both file and stream mode sessions.

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The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP R/3 connection:
Property

Values for RFC File Mode and RFC
Stream Mode

Values for Deprecated CPI-C Stream Mode

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow
Manager.

Connection name used by the Workflow
Manager.

User Name

SAP user name with authorization on
S_DATASET, S_TABU_DIS, S_PROGRAM,
and B_BTCH_JOB objects.

SAP user name with authorization on S_CPIC
and S_TABU_DIS objects.

To define the user name in the parameter file,
enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the
session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that
start with $Param as session parameters.

To define the user name in the parameter file,
enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the session
or workflow parameter file. The Integration
Service interprets user names that start with
$Param as session parameters.

Use
Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the SAP user
name is a session parameter, $ParamName.
Define the password in the workflow or
session parameter file, and encrypt it by using
the pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default
is disabled.

Indicates the password for the SAP user name
is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define
the password in the workflow or session
parameter file, and encrypt it by using the
pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is
disabled.

Password

Password for the SAP user name.

Password for the SAP user name. SAP allows
a maximum number of 8 characters.

Connect
String

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini
file for a connection to a specific SAP
application server or for an SAP load
balancing connection.

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file
for a connection to a specific SAP application
server or for a connection that uses SAP load
balancing.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP server.
The code page must correspond to the
Language Code.

Code page compatible with the SAP server.
The code page must correspond to the
Language Code.

Client Code

SAP client number.

SAP client number.

Language
Code

Language code that corresponds to the SAP
language.

Language code that corresponds to the SAP
language.

Application Connections for ALE Integration
To receive outbound IDocs and business content integration documents from SAP using ALE, create an
SAP_ALE_IDoc_Reader application connection in the Workflow Manager. To send inbound IDocs to SAP
using ALE, create an SAP_ALE_IDoc_Writer application connection in the Workflow Manager.

SAP_ALE_IDoc_Reader Application Connection
Configure the SAP_ALE_IDoc_Reader connection properties with the destination entry defined in the
sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to an RFC server program. Verify that the Program ID for this destination
entry matches the Program ID for the logical system you defined in SAP to receive IDocs or consume
business content data. For business content integration, set to INFACONTNT.

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The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP_ALE_IDoc_Reader application
connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP server.

Destination Entry

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to an RFC server program.
The Program ID for this destination entry must be the same as the Program ID for the
logical system you defined in SAP to receive IDocs or consume business content data. For
business content integration, set to INFACONTNT.

SAP_ALE_IDoc_Writer and BCI Metadata Application Connection
Configure the SAP_ALE_IDoc_Writer or the BCI Metadata Connection connection properties with the
destination entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to a specific SAP application server.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP_ALE_IDoc_Writer or a BCI
Metadata Connection application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager.

User Name

SAP user name with authorization on S_DATASET, S_TABU_DIS, S_PROGRAM, and
B_BTCH_JOB objects.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as
the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the SAP user name is a session parameter, $ParamName.
Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the
pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the SAP user name.
Note: If you want to run a session on Linux 32-bit for an IDoc mapping from PowerCenter
Connect for SAP R/3 6.x, and you want to connect to SAP 4.60, enter the password in
uppercase. The SAP system must also use uppercase passwords.

Connect String

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to a specific SAP
application server.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP server. Must also correspond to the Language Code.

Language Code

Language code that corresponds to the SAP language.

Client Code

SAP client number.

Application Connection for BAPI/RFC Integration
To process BAPI/RFC data in SAP, you must create an application connection of the SAP RFC/BAPI
Interface type in the Workflow Manager. The Integration Service uses this connection to connect to SAP and
make BAPI/RFC function calls to extract, transform, or load data.

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The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP RFC/BAPI application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager.

User Name

SAP user name with authorization on S_DATASET, S_TABU_DIS, S_PROGRAM, and
B_BTCH_JOB objects.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The Integration
Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the password for the SAP user name is a session parameter, $ParamName.
Define the password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the
pmpasswd CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password for the SAP user name.
Note: If you want to run a session on 32-bit Linux, and you want to connect to SAP 4.60,
enter the password in uppercase. The SAP system must also use uppercase passwords.

Connect String

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to a specific SAP
application server.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP server. Must also correspond to the Language Code.

Language Code

Language code that corresponds to the SAP language.

Client Code

SAP client number.

PowerExchange for SAP NetWeaver BI Connections
You can configure the following types of connection objects to connect to SAP NetWeaver BI:
•

SAP BW OHS application connection to connect to SAP NetWeaver BI sources.

•

SAP BW application connection to connect to SAP NetWeaver BI targets.

SAP BW OHS Application Connection
Use an SAP BW OHS application connection object for each SAP NetWeaver BI source that you want to
access.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP BW OHS application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager.

User Name

SAP NetWeaver BI user name.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The Integration
Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

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Property

Description

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the SAP NetWeaver BI password is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define the
password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the pmpasswd
CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

SAP NetWeaver BI password.

Connect String

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to a specific SAP
application server. The Integration Service uses the sapnwrfc.ini file to connect to the
SAP NetWeaver BI system.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP NetWeaver BI server.

Client Code

SAP NetWeaver BI client. Must match the client you use to log on to the SAP NetWeaver BI
server.

Language Code

Language code that corresponds to the code page.

SAP BW Application Connection
Use an SAP BW application connection object for each SAP NetWeaver BI target that you want to access.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for an SAP BW application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Connection name used by the Workflow Manager.

User Name

SAP NetWeaver BI user name.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as the
user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The Integration
Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the SAP NetWeaver BI password is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define the
password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the pmpasswd
CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

SAP NetWeaver BI password.

Connect String

DEST entry defined in the sapnwrfc.ini file for a connection to a specific SAP
application server. The Integration Service uses the sapnwrfc.ini file to connect to the
SAP NetWeaver BI system. If you do not enter a connection string, the Integration Service
obtains the connection parameters from the SAP BW Service.

Code Page

Code page compatible with the SAP NetWeaver BI server.

Client Code

SAP NetWeaver BI client. Must match the client you use to log in to the SAP NetWeaver BI
server.

Language Code

Language code that corresponds to the code page.

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PowerExchange for TIBCO Connections
Use an application connection object for each TIBCO source or target that you want to access.
You can configure the following TIBCO application connection types:
•

TIB/Rendezvous. Configure to read or write messages in TIB/Rendezvous format.

•

TIB/Adapter SDK. Configure read or write messages in AE format.

Connection Properties for TIB/Rendezvous Application
Connections
Use a TIB/Rendezvous application connection to read source messages or write target messages in TIB/
Rendezvous format. When you configure a TIB/Rendezvous application connection, you specify connection
properties for the Integration Service to connect to a TIBCO daemon.
The following table describes the properties you configure for a TIB/Rendezvous application connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

Code Page

Code page the Integration Service uses to extract data from the TIBCO. When using relaxed
code page validation, select compatible code pages for the source and target data to prevent
data inconsistencies.

Subject

Default subject for source and target messages. During a session, the Integration Service reads
messages with this subject from TIBCO sources. It also writes messages with this subject to
TIBCO targets.
You can overwrite the default subject for TIBCO targets when you link the SendSubject port in a
TIBCO target definition in a mapping.

Service

Service attribute value. Enter a value if you want to include a service name, service number, or
port number.

Network

Network attribute value. Enter a value if your machine contains more than one network card.

Daemon

TIBCO daemon you want to connect to during a session. If you leave this option blank, the
Integration Service connects to the local daemon during a session.
If you want to specify a remote daemon, which resides on a different host than the Integration
Service, enter the following values:
:
For example, you can enter host2:7501 to specify a remote daemon.

140

Certified

Select if you want the Integration Service to read or write certified messages.

CmName

Unique CM name for the CM transport when you choose certified messaging.

Relay Agent

Enter a relay agent when you choose certified messaging and the node running the Integration
Service is not constantly connected to a network. The Relay Agent name must be fewer than
127 characters.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Property

Description

Ledger File

Enter a unique ledger file name when you want the Integration Service to read or write certified
messages. The ledger file records the status of each certified message.
Configure a file-based ledger when you want the TIBCO daemon to send unconfirmed certified
messages to TIBCO targets. You also configure a file-based ledger with Request Old when you
want the Integration Service to receive unconfirmed certified messages from TIBCO sources.

Synchronized
Ledger

Select if you want PowerCenter to wait until it writes the status of each certified message to the
ledger file before continuing message delivery or receipt.

Request Old

Select if you want the Integration Service to receive certified messages that it did not confirm
with the source during a previous session run. When you select Request Old, you should also
specify a file-based ledger for the Ledger File attribute.

User
Certificate

Register the user certificate with a private key when you want to connect to a secure TIB/
Rendezvous daemon during the session. The text of the user certificate must be in PEM
encoding or PKCS #12 binary format.

Username

Enter a user name for the secure TIB/Rendezvous daemon.

Password

Enter a password for the secure TIB/Rendezvous daemon.

Connection Properties for TIB/Adapter SDK Connections
Use a TIB/Adapter SDK application connection to read source messages or write target messages in AE
format. When you configure a TIB/Adapter SDK connection, you specify properties for the TIBCO adapter
instance through which you want to connect to TIBCO.
Note: The adapter instances you specify in TIB/Adapter SDK connections should only contain one session.
The following table describes the connection properties you configure for a TIB/Adapter SDK application
connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

Code Page

Code page the Integration Service uses to extract data from the TIBCO. When using
relaxed code page validation, select compatible code pages for the source and target data
to prevent data inconsistencies.

Subject

Default subject for source and target messages. During a workflow, the Integration
Service reads messages with this subject from TIBCO sources. It also writes messages
with this subject to TIBCO targets.
You can overwrite the default subject for TIBCO targets when you link the SendSubject
port in a TIBCO target definition in a mapping.

Application Name

Name of an adapter instance.

Repository URL

URL for the TIB/Repository instance you want to connect to. You can enter the server
process variable $PMSourceFileDir for the Repository URL.

Configuration URL

URL for the adapter instance.

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Property

Description

Session Name

Name of the TIBCO session associated with the adapter instance.

Validate Messages

Select Validate Messages when you want the Integration Service to read and write
messages in AE format.

PowerExchange for Web Services Connections
Use a Web Services Consumer application connection for each web service source or target that you want to
access. Use a Web Services Consumer application connection for each Web Services Consumer
transformation as well. Web Services Consumer application connections allow you to control connection
properties, including the endpoint URL and authentication parameters.
To connect to a web service, the Integration Service requires an endpoint URL. If you do not configure a Web
Services Consumer application connection or if you configure one without providing an endpoint URL, the
Integration Service uses the endpoint URL contained in the WSDL file on which the source, target, or Web
Services Consumer transformation is based.
Use the following guidelines to determine when to configure a Web Services Consumer application
connection:
•

Configure a Web Services Consumer application connection with an endpoint URL if the web service you
connect to requires authentication or if you want to use an endpoint URL that differs from the one
contained in the WSDL file.

•

Configure a Web Services Consumer application connection without an endpoint URL if the web service
you connect to requires authentication but you want to use the endpoint URL contained in the WSDL file.

•

You do not need to configure a Web Services Consumer application connection if the web service you
connect to does not require authentication and you want to use the endpoint URL contained in the WSDL
file.

If you need to configure SSL authentication, enter values for the SSL authentication-related properties in the
Web Services Consumer application connection.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a Web Services Consumer application
connection:
Property

Description

User Name

User name that the web service requires. If the web service does not require a user name,
enter PmNullUser.
To define the user name in the parameter file, enter session parameter $ParamName as
the user name, and define the value in the session or workflow parameter file. The
Integration Service interprets user names that start with $Param as session parameters.

142

Use Parameter in
Password

Indicates the web service password is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define the
password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the pmpasswd
CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

Password

Password that the web service requires. If the web service does not require a password,
enter PmNullPasswd.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Property

Description

Code Page

Connection code page. The Repository Service uses the character set encoded in the
repository code page when writing data to the repository.

End Point URL

Endpoint URL for the web service that you want to access. The WSDL file specifies this
URL in the location element.
You can use session parameter $ParamName, a mapping parameter, or a mapping
variable as the endpoint URL. For example, you can use a session parameter,
$ParamMyURL, as the endpoint URL, and set $ParamMyURL to the URL in the parameter
file.

Domain

Domain for authentication.

Timeout

Number of seconds the Integration Service waits for a connection to the web service
provider before it closes the connection and fails the session. Also, the number of
seconds the Integration Service waits for a SOAP response after sending a SOAP request
before it fails the session. Default is 60 seconds.

Trust Certificates
File

File containing the bundle of trusted certificates that the Integration Service uses when
authenticating the SSL certificate of the web services provider. Default is ca-bundle.crt.

Certificate File

Client certificate that a web service provider uses when authenticating a client. You
specify the client certificate file if the web service provider needs to authenticate the
Integration Service.

Certificate File
Password

Password for the client certificate. You specify the certificate file password if the web
service provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Certificate File Type

File type of the client certificate. You specify the certificate file type if the web service
provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service. The file type can be either PEM or
DER.

Private Key File

Private key file for the client certificate. You specify the private key file if the web service
provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Key Password

Password for the private key of the client certificate. You specify the key password if the
web service provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service.

Key File Type

File type of the private key of the client certificate. You specify the key file type if the web
service provider needs to authenticate the Integration Service. PowerExchange for Web
Services requires the PEM file type for SSL authentication.

Authentication Type

Select one of the following authentication types to use when the web service provider
does not return an authentication type to the Integration Service:
- Auto. The Integration Service attempts to determine the authentication type of the web
service provider.
- Basic. Based on a non-encrypted user name and password.
- Digest. Based on a non-encrypted user name and encrypted password.
- NTLM. Based on encrypted user name, password, and domain.

Default is Auto.

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PowerExchange for webMethods Connections
Use a webMethods application connection for each webMethods source and target that you want to access.
Use a webMethods broker connection to read from webMethods source documents and write to webMethods
target documents that do not have special characters. Use a webMethods Integration Server connection to
read webMethods sources documents that have special characters.
Note: You cannot write to webMethods target documents that have special characters.

webMethods Broker Connection
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a webMethods broker connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

Broker Host

Enter the host name of the Broker you want the PowerCenter Integration Service to connect to.
If the port number for the Broker is not the default port number, also enter the port number.
Default port number is 6849.
Enter the host name and port number in the following format:


Broker Name

Enter the name of the Broker. If you do not enter a Broker name, the PowerCenter Integration
Service uses the default Broker.

Client ID

Enter a client ID for the PowerCenter Integration Service to use when it connects to the Broker
during the session. If you do not enter a client ID, the Broker generates a random client ID.
If you select Preserve Client State, enter a client ID.

Client Group

Enter the name of the group to which the client belongs.

Application
Name

Enter the name of the application that will run the Broker Client.

Automatic
Reconnection

Select this option to enable the PowerCenter Integration Service to reconnect to the Broker if
the connection to the Broker is lost.

Preserve Client
State

Select this option to maintain the client state across sessions. The client state is the
information the Broker keeps about the client, such as the client ID, application name, and
client group.
Preserving the client state enables the webMethods Broker to retain documents it sends when
a subscribing client application, such as the PowerCenter Integration Service, is not listening
for documents. Preserving the client state also allows the Broker to maintain the publication ID
sequence across sessions when writing documents to webMethods targets.
If you select this option, configure a Client ID in the application connection. You should also
configure guaranteed storage for your webMethods Broker.
If you do not select this option, the PowerCenter Integration Service destroys the client state
when it disconnects from the Broker.

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Chapter 8: Connection Objects

webMethods Integration Server Connection
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a webMethods Integration Server
connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name for the connection.

User Name

User name of a user with read access in the webMethods Integration Server.

Password

Password for the user name.

Use Parameter
in Password

Enables the PowerCenter Integration Service to parameterize the password. Password for the
webMethods Integration Server user name is a session parameter, $ParamName. Define the
password in the workflow or session parameter file, and encrypt it by using the pmpasswd
CRYPT_DATA option. Default is disabled.

IS Host

Host name and port number of the webMethods Integration Server in the following format:


Certificate Files

Client certificate that the webMethods Integration Server uses to authenticate a client. Specify
the client certificate file if the webMethods Integration Server is configured as HTTPS. Use a
semicolon (;) to separate multiple certificate files.

Certificate File
Type

The file type of the client certificate. You specify the certificate file type if the webMethods
Integration Server needs to authenticate the Integration Service. Supported file type is DER.

Private Key
File

Private key file for the client certificate. Specify the private key file if the webMethods
Integration Server is configured as HTTPS.

Key File Type

File type of the private key of the client certificate. You specify the key file type if the
webMethods Integration Server is configured as HTTPS. Supported file type is DER.

PowerExchange for WebSphere MQ Connections
Use a Message Queue queue connection for each webMethods queue that you want to access.
Before you use PowerExchange for WebSphere MQ to extract data from message queues or load data to
message queues, you can test the queue connections configured in the Workflow Manager.
The following table describes the properties that you configure for a Message Queue queue connection:
Property

Description

Name

Name you want to use for this connection.

Code Page

Code page that is the same as or a a subset of the code page of the queue
manager coded character set identifier (CCSID).

Queue Manager

Name of the queue manager for the message queue.

PowerExchange for WebSphere MQ Connections

145

Property

Description

Queue Name

Name of the message queue.

Connection Retry Period

Number of seconds the Integration Service attempts to reconnect to the WebSphere
MQ queue if the connection fails. If the Integration Service cannot reconnect to the
WebSphere MQ queue in the retry period, the session fails. Default is 0.

Recovery Queue Name

Name of the recovery queue. The recovery queue enables message recovery for a
session that writes to a queue target.

Testing a Queue Connection on Windows
1.

From the command prompt of the WebSphere MQ server machine, go to the \bin
directory.

2.

Use one of the following commands to test the connection for the queue:
•

amqsputc. Use if you installed the WebSphere MQ client on the Integration Service node.

•

amqsput. Use if you installed the WebSphere MQ server on the Integration Service node.
The amqsputc and amqsput commands put a new message on the queue. If you test the connection
to a queue in a production environment, terminate the command to avoid writing a message to a
production queue.
For example, to test the connection to the queue “production,” which is administered by the queue
manager “QM_s153664.informatica.com,” enter one of the following commands:
amqsputc production QM_s153664.informatica.com
amqsput production QM_s153664.informatica.com
If the connection is valid, the command returns a connection acknowledgment. If the connection is
not valid, it returns an WebSphere MQ error message.

3.

If the connection is successful, press Ctrl+C at the prompt to terminate the connection and the
command.

Testing a Queue Connection on UNIX
1.

On the WebSphere MQ Server system, go to the /samp/bin directory.

2.

Use one of the following commands to test the connection for the queue:
•

amqsputc. Use if you installed the WebSphere MQ client on the Integration Service node.

•

amqsput. Use if you installed the WebSphere MQ server on the Integration Service node.
The amqsputc and amqsput commands put a new message on the queue. If you test the connection
to a queue in a production environment, make sure you terminate the command to avoid writing a
message to a production queue.
For example, to test the connection to the queue “production,” which is administered by the queue
manager “QM_s153664.informatica.com,” enter one of the following commands:
amqsputc production QM_s153664.informatica.com
amqsput production QM_s153664.informatica.com
If the connection is valid, the command returns a connection acknowledgment. If the connection is
not valid, it returns an WebSphere MQ error message.

3.

146

If the connection is successful, press Ctrl+C at the prompt to terminate the connection and the
command.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

Connection Object Management
You can create, edit, and delete connection objects.

Creating a Connection Object
1.

In the Workflow Manager, click Connections and select the type of connection you want to create.
The Connection Browser dialog box appears, listing all the source and target connections available for
the selected connection type.

2.

Click New.
If you selected FTP as the connection type, the Connection Object dialog box appears. Go to step 5.
If you selected Relational, Queue, Application, or Loader connection type, the Select Subtype dialog box
appears.

3.

In the Select Subtype dialog box, select the type of database connection you want to create.

4.

Click OK.

5.

Enter the properties for the type of connection object you want to create.
The Connection Object Definition dialog box displays different properties depending on the type of
connection object you create. For more information about connection object properties, see the section
for each specific connection type in this chapter.

6.

Click OK.
The database connection appears in the Connection Browser list.

7.

To add more database connections, repeat steps 2 through 6.

8.

Click OK to save all changes.

Editing a Connection Object
You can change connection information at any time. When you edit a connection object, the Integration
Service uses the updated connection information the next time the session runs.
1.

Open the Connection Browser dialog box for the connection object. For example, click Connections >
Relational to open the Connection Browser dialog box for a relational database connection.

2.

Click Edit.
The Connection Object Definition dialog box appears.

3.

Enter the values for the properties you want to modify.
The connection properties vary depending on the type of connection you select. For more information
about connection properties, see the section for each specific connection type in this chapter.

4.

Click OK.

Deleting a Connection Object
When you delete a connection object, the Workflow Manager invalidates all sessions that use these
connections. To make a session valid, you must edit it and replace the missing connection.
1.

Open the Connection Browser dialog box for the connection object. For example, click Connections >
Relational to open the Connection Browser dialog box for a relational database connection.

2.

Select the connection object you want to delete in the Connection Browser dialog box.

Connection Object Management

147

Tip: Hold the shift key to select more than one connection to delete.
3.

148

Click Delete, and then click Yes.

Chapter 8: Connection Objects

CHAPTER 9

Validation
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflow Validation, 149

•

Worklet Validation, 150

•

Task Validation, 151

•

Session Validation, 152

•

Expression Validation, 153

Workflow Validation
Before you can run a workflow, you must validate it. When you validate the workflow, you validate all task
instances in the workflow, including nested worklets.
When you validate a workflow, you validate worklet instances, worklet objects, and all other nested worklets
in the workflow. You validate task instances and worklets, regardless of whether you have edited them.
The Workflow Manager validates the worklet object using the same validation rules for workflows. The
Workflow Manager validates the worklet instance by verifying attributes in the Parameter tab of the worklet
instance.
If the workflow contains nested worklets, you can select a worklet to validate the worklet and all other
worklets nested under it. To validate a worklet and its nested worklets, right-click the worklet and choose
Validate.
The Workflow Manager validates the following properties:
•

Expressions. Expressions in the workflow must be valid.

•

Tasks. Non-reusable task and Reusable task instances in the workflow must follow validation rules.

•

Scheduler. If the workflow uses a reusable scheduler, the Workflow Manager verifies that the scheduler
exists. The Workflow Manager marks the workflow invalid if the scheduler you specify for the workflow
does not exist in the folder.

The Workflow Manager also verifies that you linked each task properly.
Note: The Workflow Manager validates Session tasks separately. If a session is invalid, the workflow may
still be valid.

149

Example
You have a workflow that contains a non-reusable worklet called Worklet_1. Worklet_1 contains a nested
worklet called Worklet_a. The workflow also contains a reusable worklet instance called Worklet_2.
Worklet_2 contains a nested worklet called Worklet_b.
The Workflow Manager validates links, conditions, and tasks in the workflow. The Workflow Manager
validates all tasks in the workflow, including tasks in Worklet_1, Worklet_2, Worklet_a, and Worklet_b.
You can validate a part of the workflow. Right-click Worklet_1 and choose Validate. The Workflow Manager
validates all tasks in Worklet_1 and Worklet_a.

Validating Multiple Workflows
You can validate multiple workflows or worklets without fetching them into the workspace. To validate
multiple workflows, you must select and validate the workflows from a query results view or a view
dependencies list. When you validate multiple workflows, the validation does not include sessions, nested
worklets, or reusable worklet objects in the workflows. You can save and optionally check in workflows that
change from invalid to valid status.
To validate multiple workflows:
1.

Select workflows from either a query list or a view dependencies list.

2.

Check out the objects you want to validate.

3.

Right-click one of the selected workflows and choose Validate.
The Validate Objects dialog box appears.

4.

Choose to save objects and check in objects that you validate.

Worklet Validation
The Workflow Manager validates worklets when you save the worklet in the Worklet Designer. In addition,
when you use worklets in a workflow, the Integration Service validates the workflow according to the following
validation rules at run time:
•

If the parent workflow is configured to run concurrently, each worklet instance in the workflow must be
configured to run concurrently.

•

Each worklet instance in the workflow can run once.

When a worklet instance is invalid, the workflow using the worklet instance remains valid.
The Workflow Manager displays a red invalid icon if the worklet object is invalid. The Workflow Manager
validates the worklet object using the same validation rules for workflows. The Workflow Manager displays a
blue invalid icon if the worklet instance in the workflow is invalid. The worklet instance may be invalid when
any of the following conditions occurs:
•

The parent workflow or worklet variable you assign to the user-defined worklet variable does not have a
matching datatype.

•

The user-defined worklet variable you used in the worklet properties does not exist.

•

You do not specify the parent workflow or worklet variable you want to assign.

For non-reusable worklets, you may see both red and blue invalid icons displayed over the worklet icon in the
Navigator.

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Chapter 9: Validation

Task Validation
The Workflow Manager validates each task in the workflow as you create it. When you save or validate the
workflow, the Workflow Manager validates all tasks in the workflow except Session tasks. It marks the
workflow as not valid if it detects that any task in the workflow is not valid.
The Workflow Manager verifies that attributes in the tasks follow validation rules. For example, the userdefined event you specify in an Event task must exist in the workflow. The Workflow Manager also verifies
that you linked each task properly. For example, you must link the Start task to at least one task in the
workflow.
When you delete a reusable task, the Workflow Manager removes the instance of the deleted task from each
workflow that contains the task. The Workflow Manager also marks the workflow as not valid when you delete
a reusable task that a workflow uses.
The Workflow Manager verifies that a folder does not contain duplicate task names, and it verfies that a
workflow does not contain duplicate task instances.
You can validate reusable tasks in the Task Developer. Or, you can validate task instances in the Workflow
Designer. When you validate a task, the Workflow Manager validates the task attributes and the links. For
example, the user-defined event you specify in an Event tasks must exist in the workflow.
The Workflow Manager uses the following rules to validate tasks:
•

Assignment. The Workflow Manager validates the expression that you enter for the Assignment task. For
example, the Workflow Manager verifies that you assigned a matching datatype value to the workflow
variable in the assignment expression.

•

Command. The Workflow Manager does not validate the shell command you enter for the Command task.

•

Event-Wait. If you choose to wait for a predefined event, the Workflow Manager verifies that you specified
a file to watch. If you choose to use the Event-Wait task to wait for a user-defined event, the Workflow
Manager verifies that you specified an event.

•

Event-Raise. The Workflow Manager verifies that you specified a user-defined event for the Event-Raise
task.

•

Human Task. The Workflow Manager verifies that a Human task has a potential owner. The task must
also have a business administrator and an escalation user. The Workflow Manager verifies that a task
notification has a recipient. It also verifies that the Human task receives the results of a mapping task in
the workflow.

•

Timer. The Workflow Manager verifies that the variable you specified for the Absolute Time setting has
the Date/Time datatype.

•

Start. The Workflow Manager verifies that you linked the Start task to at least one task in the workflow.

When a task instance is not valid, the workflow running the task instance becomes not valid. When a
reusable task is not valid, it does not affect the validity of the task instance in the workflow. However, if a
Session task instance is not valid, the workflow might still be valid. The Workflow Manager validates sessions
differently.
To validate a task, select the task in the workspace and click Tasks > Validate. Or, right-click the task in the
workspace and choose Validate.

Task Validation

151

Session Validation
The Workflow Manager validates a Session task when you save it. You can also manually validate Session
tasks and session instances. Validate reusable Session tasks in the Task Developer. Validate non-reusable
sessions and reusable session instances in the Workflow Designer.
The Workflow Manager marks a reusable session or session instance invalid if you perform one of the
following tasks:
•

Edit the mapping in a way that might invalidate the session. You can edit the mapping used by a session
at any time. When you edit and save a mapping, the repository might invalidate sessions that already use
the mapping. The Integration Service does not run invalid sessions.
You must reconnect to the folder to see the effect of mapping changes on Session tasks.
When you edit a session based on an invalid mapping, the Workflow Manager displays a warning
message:
The mapping [mapping_name] associated with the session [session_name] is invalid.

•

Delete a database, FTP, or external loader connection used by the session.

•

Leave session attributes blank. For example, the session is invalid if you do not specify the source file
name.

•

Change the code page of a session database connection to an incompatible code page.

If you delete objects associated with a Session task such as session configuration object, Email, or
Command task, the Workflow Manager marks a reusable session invalid. However, the Workflow Manager
does not mark a non-reusable session invalid if you delete an object associated with the session.
If you delete a shortcut to a source or target from the mapping, the Workflow Manager does not mark the
session invalid.
The Workflow Manager does not validate SQL overrides or filter conditions entered in the session properties
when you validate a session. You must validate SQL override and filter conditions in the SQL Editor.
If a reusable session task is invalid, the Workflow Manager displays an invalid icon over the session task in
the Navigator and in the Task Developer workspace. This does not affect the validity of the session instance
and the workflows using the session instance.
If a reusable or non-reusable session instance is invalid, the Workflow Manager marks it invalid in the
Navigator and in the Workflow Designer workspace. Workflows using the session instance remain valid.
To validate a session, select the session in the workspace and click Tasks > Validate. Or, right-click the
session instance in the workspace and choose Validate.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Editing a Session” on page 30

•

“Session Properties Reference” on page 214

Validating Multiple Sessions
You can validate multiple sessions without fetching them into the workspace. You must select and validate
the sessions from a query results view or a view dependencies list. You can save and optionally check in
sessions that change from invalid to valid status.
Note: If you use the Repository Manager, you can select and validate multiple sessions from the Navigator.

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Chapter 9: Validation

To validate multiple sessions:
1.

Select sessions from either a query list or a view dependencies list.

2.

Right-click one of the selected sessions and choose Validate.
The Validate Objects dialog box appears.

3.

Choose whether to save objects and check in objects that you validate.

Expression Validation
The Workflow Manager validates all expressions in the workflow. You can enter expressions in the
Assignment task, Decision task, and link conditions. The Workflow Manager writes any error message to the
Output window.
Expressions in link conditions and Decision task conditions must evaluate to a numerical value. Workflow
variables used in expressions must exist in the workflow.
The Workflow Manager marks the workflow invalid if a link condition is invalid.

Expression Validation

153

CHAPTER 10

Scheduling and Running
Workflows
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflow Schedules, 154

•

Manually Starting a Workflow, 158

Workflow Schedules
You can schedule a workflow to run continuously, repeat at a given time or interval, or you can manually start
a workflow. Each workflow has an associated scheduler. A scheduler is a repository object that contains a set
of schedule settings. You can create a non-reusable scheduler for the workflow. Or, you can create a
reusable scheduler to use the same set of schedule settings for workflows in the folder.
You can change the schedule settings by editing the scheduler. By default, the workflow runs on demand. If
you change schedule settings, the Integration Service reschedules the workflow according to the new
settings. The Integration Service runs a scheduled workflow as configured. The Workflow Manager marks a
workflow invalid if you delete the scheduler associated with the workflow.
If you configure multiple instances of a workflow, and you schedule the workflow run time, the Integration
Service runs all instances at the scheduled time. You cannot schedule workflow instances to run at different
times.
If you choose a different Integration Service for the workflow or restart the Integration Service, it reschedules
all workflows. This includes workflows that are scheduled to run continuously but whose start time has
passed and workflows that are scheduled to run continuously but were unscheduled. You must manually
reschedule workflows whose start time has passed if they are not scheduled to run continuously.
If you delete a folder, the Integration Service removes workflows from the schedule when it receives
notification from the Repository Service. If you copy a folder into a repository, the Integration Service
reschedules all workflows in the folder when it receives the notification.
The Integration Service does not run the workflow in the following situations:

154

•

The prior workflow run fails. When a workflow fails, the Integration Service removes the workflow from
the schedule, and you must manually reschedule it. You can reschedule the workflow in the Workflow
Manager or using pmcmd.

•

The Integration Service process fails during a prior workflow run. When the Integration Services
process fails in a highly available domain and a running workflow is not configured for recovery, the

Integration Service removes the workflow from the schedule. You can reschedule the workflow in the
Workflow Manager or using pmcmd.
•

You remove the workflow from the schedule. You can remove the workflow from the schedule in the
Workflow Manager or using pmcmd.

•

The Integration Service is running in safe mode. In safe mode, the Integration Service does not run
scheduled workflows, including workflows scheduled to run continuously or run on service initialization.
When you enable the Integration Service in normal mode, the Integration Service runs the scheduled
workflows.

Note: The Integration Service schedules the workflow in the time zone of the Integration Service node. For
example, the PowerCenter Client is in the local time zone and the Integration Service is in a time zone two
hours later. If you schedule the workflow to start at 9 a.m., it starts at 9 a.m. in the time zone of the
Integration Service node and 7 a.m. local time.

Scheduling a Workflow
You can schedule a workflow to run continuously, repeat at a given time or interval, or you can manually start
a workflow.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, open the workflow.

2.

Click Workflows > Edit.

3.

Click the Scheduler tab.

4.

Select Non-reusable to create a non-reusable set of schedule settings for the workflow.
-orSelect Reusable to select an existing reusable scheduler for the workflow.

5.

Click the right side of the Scheduler field to edit scheduling settings for the scheduler.

6.

If you select Reusable, choose a reusable scheduler from the Scheduler Browser dialog box.

7.

Click OK.

To reschedule a workflow on its original schedule, right-click the workflow in the Navigator window and
choose Schedule Workflow.

Unscheduling a Workflow
To remove a workflow from its schedule, right-click the workflow in the Navigator and choose Unschedule
Workflow.
To permanently remove a workflow from a schedule, configure the workflow schedule to run on demand.
Note: When the Integration Service restarts, it reschedules all unscheduled workflows that are scheduled to
run continuously.

Creating a Reusable Scheduler
For each folder, the Workflow Manager lets you create reusable schedulers so you can reuse the same set of
scheduling settings for workflows in the folder. Use a reusable scheduler so you do not need to configure the
same set of scheduling settings in each workflow.
When you delete a reusable scheduler, all workflows that use the deleted scheduler becomes invalid. To
make the workflows valid, you must edit them and replace the missing scheduler.

Workflow Schedules

155

To create a reusable scheduler:
1.

In the Workflow Designer, click Workflows > Schedulers.

2.

Click Add to add a new scheduler.

3.

In the General tab, enter a name for the scheduler.

4.

Configure the scheduler settings in the Scheduler tab.

Configuring Scheduler Settings
Configure the Schedule tab of the scheduler to set run options, schedule options, start options, and end
options for the schedule.
The following table describes the settings on the Schedule tab:
Scheduler Options

Description

Run Options:

Indicates the workflow schedule type.

Run On Integration Service
Initialization/Run On
Demand/Run Continuously

If you select Run On Integration Service Initialization, the Integration Service runs
the workflow as soon as the service is initialized. The Integration Service then
starts the next run of the workflow according to settings in Schedule Options.
If you select Run On Demand, the Integration Service runs the workflow when you
start the workflow manually.
If you select Run Continuously, the Integration Service runs the workflow as soon
as the service initializes. The Integration Service then starts the next run of the
workflow as soon as it finishes the previous run. If you edit a workflow that is set
to run continuously, you must stop or unschedule the workflow, save the
workflow, and then restart or reschedule the workflow.

Schedule Options:
Run Once/Run Every/
Customized Repeat

Required if you select Run On Integration Service Initialization, or if you do not
choose any setting in Run Options.
If you select Run Once, the Integration Service runs the workflow once, as
scheduled in the scheduler.
If you select Run Every, the Integration Service runs the workflow at regular
intervals, as configured.
If you select Customized Repeat, the Integration Service runs the workflow on the
dates and times specified in the Repeat dialog box.
When you select Customized Repeat, click Edit to open the Repeat dialog box.
The Repeat dialog box lets you schedule specific dates and times for the workflow
run. The selected scheduler appears at the bottom of the page.

Start Options: Start Date/
Start Time

Start Date indicates the date on which the Integration Service begins the workflow
schedule.
Start Time indicates the time at which the Integration Service begins the workflow
schedule.

End Options: End On/End
After/Forever

Required if the workflow schedule is Run Every or Customized Repeat.
If you select End On, the Integration Service stops scheduling the workflow in the
selected date.
If you select End After, the Integration Service stops scheduling the workflow after
the set number of workflow runs.
If you select Forever, the Integration Service schedules the workflow as long as
the workflow does not fail.

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Chapter 10: Scheduling and Running Workflows

Customizing Repeat Option
You can schedule the workflow to run once or at an interval. You can customize the repeat option. Click the
Edit button to open the Customized Repeat dialog box.
The following table describes options in the Customized Repeat dialog box:
Repeat
Option

Description

Repeat
Every

Enter the numeric interval you would like the Integration Service to schedule the workflow, and
then select Days, Weeks, or Months, as appropriate.
If you select Days, select the appropriate Daily Frequency settings.
If you select Weeks, select the appropriate Weekly and Daily Frequency settings.
If you select Months, select the appropriate Monthly and Daily Frequency settings.

Weekly

Monthly

Required to enter a weekly schedule. Select the day or days of the week on which you would like
the Integration Service to run the workflow.
Required to enter a monthly schedule.
If you select Run On Day, select the dates on which you want the workflow scheduled on a
monthly basis. The Integration Service schedules the workflow to run on the selected dates. If you
select a numeric date exceeding the number of days within a particular month, the Integration
Service schedules the workflow for the last day of the month, including leap years. For example, if
you schedule the workflow to run on the 31st of every month, the Integration Service schedules
the session on the 30th of the following months: April, June, September, and November.
If you select Run On The, select the week or weeks of the month, then the day of the week on
which you want the workflow to run. For example, if you select Second and Last, then select
Wednesday, the Integration Service schedules the workflow to run on the second and last
Wednesday of every month.

Daily
Frequency

Enter the number of times you would like the Integration Service to run the workflow on any day
the session is scheduled.
If you select Run Once, the Integration Service schedules the workflow once on the selected day,
at the time entered on the Start Time setting on the Time tab.
If you select Run Every, enter Hours and Minutes to define the interval at which the Integration
Service runs the workflow. The Integration Service then schedules the workflow at regular
intervals on the selected day. The Integration Service uses the Start Time setting for the first
scheduled workflow of the day. If you choose an interval that is bigger than the start time, the
workflow runs one time each day. The Integration Service then schedules the workflow at regular
intervals on the selected day.

Editing Scheduler Settings
You can edit scheduler settings for both non-reusable and reusable schedulers.
•

Non-reusable schedulers. When you configure or edit a non-reusable scheduler, check in the workflow
to allow the schedule to take effect.
You can update the schedule manually with the workflow checked out. Right-click the workflow in the
Navigator, and select Schedule Workflow. Note that the changes are applied to the latest checked-in
version of the workflow.

Workflow Schedules

157

•

Reusable schedulers. When you edit settings for a reusable scheduler, the repository creates a new
version of the scheduler and increments the version number by one. To update a workflow with the latest
schedule, check in the scheduler after you edit it.
When you configure a reusable scheduler for a new workflow, you must check in both the workflow and
the scheduler to enable the schedule to take effect. Thereafter, when you check in the scheduler after
revising it, the workflow schedule is updated even if it is checked out.
You need to update the workflow schedule manually if you do not check in the scheduler. To update a
workflow schedule manually, right-click the workflow in the Navigator and select Schedule Workflow. The
new schedule is implemented for the latest version of the workflow that is checked in. Workflows that are
checked out are not updated with the new schedule.

Disabling Workflows
You may want to disable the workflow while you edit it. This prevents the Integration Service from running the
workflow on its schedule. Select the Disable Workflows option on the General tab of the workflow properties.
The Integration Service does not run disabled workflows until you clear the Disable Workflows option. Once
you clear the Disable Workflows option, the Integration Service reschedules the workflow.

Scheduling Workflows During Daylight Savings Time
On Windows, the Integration Service does not run a scheduled workflow during the last hour of Daylight
Saving Time (DST). If a workflow is scheduled to run between 1:00 a.m. and 1:59 a.m. DST, the Integration
Service resumes the workflow after 1:00 a.m. Standard Time (ST). If you try to schedule a workflow during
the last hour of DST or the first hour of ST, you receive an error. Wait until 2:00 a.m. to create a scheduler.

Manually Starting a Workflow
Before you can run a workflow, you must select an Integration Service to run the workflow. You can select an
Integration Service when you edit a workflow or from the Assign Integration Service dialog box. If you select
an Integration Service from the Assign Integration Service dialog box, the Workflow Manager overwrites the
Integration Service assigned in the workflow properties.
You can manually start a workflow configured to run on demand or to run on a schedule. Use the Workflow
Manager, Workflow Monitor, or pmcmd to run a workflow. You can choose to run the entire workflow, part of
a workflow, or a task in the workflow.
You can also use advanced options to override the Integration Service or operating system profile assigned
to the workflow and select concurrent workflow run instances.

Running a Workflow
When you click Workflows > Start Workflow, the Integration Service runs the entire workflow. To run a
workflow from pmcmd, use the startworkflow command.

158

1.

Open the folder containing the workflow.

2.

From the Navigator, select the workflow that you want to start.

Chapter 10: Scheduling and Running Workflows

3.

Right-click the workflow in the Navigator and choose Start Workflow.
The Integration Service runs the entire workflow.
Note: You can also manually start a workflow by right-clicking in the Workflow Designer workspace and
choosing Start Workflow.

Running a Workflow with Advanced Options
Use the advanced options to override the Integration Service or operating system profile assigned to the
workflow and select concurrent workflow run instances.
1.

Open the folder containing the workflow.

2.

From the Navigator, select the workflow that you want to start.

3.

Right-click the workflow in the Navigator and click Start Workflow Advanced.
The Start Workflow - Advanced options dialog box appears.

4.

5.

Configure the following options:
Advanced Options

Description

Integration Service

Overrides the Integration Service configured for the workflow.

Operating System Profile

Overrides the operating system profile assigned to the folder.

Workflow Run Instances

The workflow instances you want to run. Appears if the workflow is
configured for concurrent execution.

Click OK.

Running Part of a Workflow
To run part of the workflow, right-click the task that you want the Integration Service to run and choose Start
Workflow From Task. The Integration Service runs the workflow from the selected task to the end of the
workflow.
1.

Connect to the folder containing the workflow.

2.

In the Navigator, drill down the Workflow node to show the tasks in the workflow.

3.

Right-click the task for which you want the Integration Service to begin running the workflow.

4.

Click Start Workflow From Task.

Running a Task in the Workflow
When you start a task in the workflow, the Workflow Manager locks the entire workflow so another user
cannot start the workflow. The Integration Service runs the selected task. It does not run the rest of the
workflow.
To run a task using the Workflow Manager, select the task in the Workflow Designer workspace. Right-click
the task and choose Start Task.
You can also use menu commands in the Workflow Manager to start a task. In the Navigator, drill down the
Workflow node to locate the task. Right-click the task you want to start and choose Start Task.
To start a task in a workflow from pmcmd, use the starttask command.

Manually Starting a Workflow

159

CHAPTER 11

Sending Email
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Sending Email Overview, 160

•

Configuring Email on UNIX, 161

•

Configuring MAPI on Windows, 162

•

Configuring SMTP on Windows, 164

•

Working with Email Tasks, 164

•

Working with Post-Session Email, 165

•

Suspension Email, 168

•

Using Service Variables to Address Email, 169

•

Tips for Sending Email, 169

Sending Email Overview
You can send email to designated recipients when the Integration Service runs a workflow. For example, if
you want to track how long a session takes to complete, you can configure the session to send an email
containing the time and date the session starts and completes. Or, if you want the Integration Service to
notify you when a workflow suspends, you can configure the workflow to send email when it suspends.
To send email when the Integration Service runs a workflow, perform the following steps:
•

Configure the Integration Service to send email. Before creating Email tasks, configure the Integration
Service to send email.
If you use a grid or high availability in a Windows environment, you must use the same Microsoft Outlook
profile on each node to ensure the Email task can succeed.

•

Create Email tasks. Before you can configure a session or workflow to send email, you need to create an
Email task.

•

Configure sessions to send post-session email. You can configure the session to send an email when
the session completes or fails. You create an Email task and use it for post-session email.
When you configure the subject and body of post-session email, use email variables to include information
about the session run, such as session name, status, and the total number of rows loaded. You can also
use email variables to attach the session log or other files to email messages.

•

160

Configure workflows to send suspension email. You can configure the workflow to send an email when
the workflow suspends. You create an Email task and use it for suspension email.

The Integration Service sends the email based on the locale set for the Integration Service process running
the session.
You can use parameters and variables in the email user name, subject, and text. For Email tasks and
suspension email, you can use service, service process, workflow, and worklet variables. For post-session
email, you can use any parameter or variable type that you can define in the parameter file. For example, you
can use the $PMSuccessEmailUser or $PMFailureEmailUser service variable to specify the email recipient
for post-session email.

Configuring Email on UNIX
The Integration Service uses rmail to send email. On SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 (64-bit), the
Integration Service uses sendmail. To send email, the user who starts Informatica services must have the
rmail or sendmail tool installed in the path.
If you want to send email to more than one person, separate the email address entries with a comma. Do not
put spaces between addresses.

Verifying rmail on UNIX
Before you configure email in a session or workflow, verify that the rmail tool is accessible on UNIX
machines.
1.

Log in to the UNIX system as the PowerCenter user who starts the Informatica services.

2.

Type the following line at the prompt and press Enter:

3.

To indicate the end of the message, enter a period (.) on a separate line and press Enter. Or, type ^D.

rmail ,

You should receive a blank email from the email account of the PowerCenter user. If not, locate the
directory where rmail resides and add that directory to the path.

Verifying rmail on AIX
Before you configure email in a session or workflow, verify that the rmail tool is accessible on AIX.
1.

Log in to the UNIX system as the PowerCenter user who starts the Informatica services.

2.

Type the following lines at the prompt and press Enter:
rmail ,
From 

3.

To indicate the end of the message, type ^D.
You should receive a blank email from the email account of the user you specify in the From line. If not,
locate the directory where rmail resides and add that directory to the path.

Verifying sendmail on Linux
Before you configure email in a session or workflow, verify that the sendmail tool is accessible on Linux
machines. To send email on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 (64-bit), the Integration Service on UNIX uses
sendmail.
1.

Log in to the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 (64-bit) machine as the PowerCenter user who starts the
Informatica Services.

Configuring Email on UNIX

161

2.

Add/usr/sbin to the $PATH environment variable to send emails.

3.

Type the following line at the prompt and press Enter:
sendmail ,

4.

To indicate the end of the message, enter a period (.) on a separate line and press Enter. Or, type ^D.
You should receive a blank email from the email account of the PowerCenter user. If not, locate the
directory where sendmail resides and add that directory to the path.

Configuring MAPI on Windows
The Integration Service on Windows can send email using SMTP or MAPI. By default, the Integration Service
uses Microsoft Outlook to send email using the MAPI interface.
To send email using MAPI on Windows, you must meet the following requirements:
•

Install the Microsoft Outlook mail client on each node configured to run the Integration Service.

•

Run Microsoft Outlook on a Microsoft Exchange Server.

Complete the following steps to configure the Integration Service on Windows to send email:
1.

Configure a Microsoft Outlook profile.

2.

Configure Logon network security.

3.

Create distribution lists in the Personal Address Book in Microsoft Outlook.

4.

Verify the Integration Service is configured to send email using the Microsoft Outlook profile you created
in step 1.

The Integration Service on Windows sends email in MIME format. You can include characters in the subject
and body that are not in 7-bit ASCII. For more information about the MIME format or the MIME decoding
process, see the email documentation.

Step 1. Configure a Microsoft Outlook User
You must set up a profile for a Microsoft Outlook user before you can configure the Integration Service to
send email. The user profile must have a Personal Address Book and a Microsoft Exchange Server.
Note: If you have high availability or if you use a grid, use the same profile for each node configured to run a
service process.
To configure a Microsoft Outlook user:
1.

Open the Control Panel on the node running the Integration Service process.

2.

Double-click the Mail icon.

3.

In the Mail Setup - Outlook dialog box, click Show Profiles.
The Mail dialog box displays the list of profiles configured for the computer.

4.

Click Add.

5.

In the New Profile dialog box, enter a profile name. Click OK.
The E-mail Accounts wizard appears.

162

6.

Select Add a new e-mail account. Click Next.

7.

Select Microsoft Exchange Server for the server type. Click Next.

Chapter 11: Sending Email

8.

Enter the Microsoft Exchange Server name and the mailbox name. Click Next.

9.

Click Finish.

10.

In the Mail dialog box, select the profile you added and click Properties.

11.

In the Mail Setup dialog box, click E-mail Accounts.
The E-mail Accounts wizard appears.

12.

Select Add a new directory or address book. Click Next.

13.

Select Additional Address Books. Click Next.

14.

Select Personal Address Book. Click Next.

15.

Enter the path to a personal address book. Click OK.

16.

Click Close to close the Mail Setup dialog box.

17.

Click OK to close the Mail dialog box.

Step 2. Configure Logon Network Security
You must configure the Logon Network Security before you run the Microsoft Exchange Server.
1.

In Microsoft Outlook, click Tools > E-mail Accounts.
The E-mail Accounts wizard appears.

2.

Select View or change existing e-mail accounts. Click Next.

3.

Select the Microsoft Exchange Server e-mail account. Click Change.

4.

Click More Settings.
The Microsoft Exchange Server dialog box appears.

5.

Click the Security tab.

6.

Set the Logon network security option to Kerberos/NTLM Password Authentication.

7.

Click OK.

Step 3. Create Distribution Lists
When the Integration Service runs on Windows, you can enter one email address in the Workflow Manager. If
you want to send email to multiple recipients, create a distribution list containing these addresses in the
Personal Address Book in Microsoft Outlook. Enter the distribution list name as the recipient when
configuring email.
For more information about working with a Personal Address Book, refer to Microsoft Outlook documentation.

Step 4. Verify the Integration Service Settings
After you create the Microsoft Outlook profile, verify the Integration Service is configured to send email as
that Microsoft Outlook user. You may need to verify the profile with the domain administrator.
1.

From the Administrator tool, click the Properties tab for the Integration Service.

2.

In the Configuration Properties tab, select Edit.

3.

In the MSExchangeProfile field, verify that the name of Microsoft Exchange profile matches the Microsoft
Outlook profile you created.

Configuring MAPI on Windows

163

Configuring SMTP on Windows
The Integration Service can send email using SMTP if authentication is disabled on the SMTP server. To
configure the Integration Service to send email using SMTP on Windows, set the following custom properties:
Property

Description

SMTPServerAddress

The server address for the SMTP outbound mail server, for example,
powercenter.mycompany.com.

SMTPPortNumber

The port number for the SMTP outbound mail server, for example, 25.

SMTPFromAddress

Email address the Service Manager uses to send email, for example,
PowerCenter@MyCompany.com.

SMTPServerTimeout

Amount of time in seconds the Integration Service waits to connect to the SMTP
server before it times out. Default is 20.

If you omit the SMTPServerAddress, SMTPPortNumber, or SMTPFromAddress custom property, the
Integration Service sends email using the MAPI interface.
For more information about setting custom properties for the Integration Service, see the
PowerCenterAdministrator Guide.

Working with Email Tasks
You can send email during a workflow using the Email task on the Workflow Manager. You can create
reusable Email tasks in the Task Developer for any type of email. Or, you can create non-reusable Email
tasks in the Workflow and Worklet Designer.
Use Email tasks in any of the following locations:
•

Session properties. You can configure the session to send email when the session completes or fails.

•

Workflow properties. You can configure the workflow to send email when the workflow is interrupted.

•

Workflows or worklets. You can include an Email task anywhere in the workflow or worklet to send email
based on a condition you define.

Using Email Tasks in a Workflow or Worklet
Use Email tasks anywhere in a workflow or worklet. For example, you might configure a workflow to send an
email if a certain number of rows fail for a session.
For example, you may have a Session task in the workflow and you want the Integration Service to send an
email if more than 20 rows are dropped. To do this, you create a condition in the link, and create a nonreusable Email task. The workflow sends an email if the session fails more than 20 rows are dropped.

Email Address Tips and Guidelines
Consider the following tips and guidelines when you enter the email address in an Email task:
•

164

Enter the email address using 7-bit ASCII characters only.

Chapter 11: Sending Email

•

You can use service, service process, workflow, and worklet variables in the email address.

•

You can send email to any valid email address. On Windows, the mail recipient does not have to have an
entry in the Global Address book of the Microsoft Outlook profile.

•

If the Integration Service is configured to send email using MAPI on Windows, you can send email to
multiple recipients by creating a distribution list in the Personal Address book. All recipients must also be
in the Global Address book. You cannot enter multiple addresses separated by commas or semicolons.

•

If the Integration Service is configured to send email using SMTP on Windows, you can enter multiple
email addresses separated by a semicolon.

•

If the Integration Service runs on UNIX, you can enter multiple email addresses separated by a comma.
Do not include spaces between email addresses.

Creating an Email Task
You can create Email tasks in the Task Developer, Worklet Designer, and Workflow Designer.
1.

In the Task Developer, click Tasks > Create.
The Create Task dialog box appears.

2.

Select an Email task and enter a name for the task. Click Create.
The Workflow Manager creates an Email task in the workspace.

3.

Click Done.

4.

Double-click the Email task in the workspace.
The Edit Tasks dialog box appears.

5.

Click Rename to enter a name for the task.

6.

Enter a description for the task in the Description field.

7.

Click the Properties tab.

8.

Enter the fully qualified email address of the mail recipient in the Email User Name field.

9.

Enter the subject of the email in the Email Subject field. You can use a service, service process,
workflow, or worklet variable in the email subject. Or, you can leave this field blank.

10.

Click the Open button in the Email Text field to open the Email Editor.

11.

Enter the text of the email message in the Email Editor. You can use service, service process, workflow,
and worklet variables in the email text. Or, you can leave the Email Text field blank.
Note: You can incorporate format tags and email variables in a post-session email. However, you cannot
add them to an Email task outside the context of a session.

12.

Click OK twice to save the changes.

Working with Post-Session Email
You can configure a session to send email when it fails or succeeds. You can create separate email tasks for
success and failure email.
The Integration Service sends post-session email at the end of a session, after executing post-session shell
commands or stored procedures. When the Integration Service encounters an error sending the email, it
writes a message to the Log Service. It does not fail the session.

Working with Post-Session Email

165

You can specify a reusable Email that task you create in the Task Developer for either success email or
failure email. Or, you can create a non-reusable Email task for each session property. When you create a
non-reusable Email task for a session, you cannot use the Email task in a workflow or worklet.
You cannot specify a non-reusable Email task you create in the Workflow or Worklet Designer for postsession email.
You can use parameters and variables in the email user name, subject, and text. Use any parameter or
variable type that you can define in the parameter file. For example, you can use the service variable
$PMSuccessEmailUser or $PMFailureEmailUser for the email recipient. Ensure that you specify the values of
the service variables for the Integration Service that runs the session. You can also enter a parameter or
variable within the email subject or text, and define it in the parameter file.

Email Variables and Format Tags
Use email variables and format tags in an email message for post-session emails. You can use some email
variables in the subject of the email. With email variables, you can include important session information in
the email, such as the number of rows loaded, the session completion time, or read and write statistics. You
can also attach the session log or other relevant files to the email. Use format tags in the body of the
message to make the message easier to read.
Note: The Integration Service does not limit the type or size of attached files. However, since large
attachments can cause problems with the email system, avoid attaching excessively large files, such as
session logs generated using verbose tracing. The Integration Service generates an error message in the
email if an error occurs attaching the file.
The following table describes the email variables that you can use in a post-session email:

166

Email Variable

Description

%a

Attach the named file. The file must be local to the Integration Service. The following file
names are valid: %a or %a. The email does
not display the full path for the file. Only the attachment file name appears in the email.
Note: The file name cannot include the greater than character (>) or a line break.

%b

Session start time.

%c

Session completion time.

%d

Name of the repository containing the session.

%e

Session status.

%g

Attach the session log to the message. The Integration Service attaches a session log if you
configure the session to create a log file. If you do not configure the session to create a log
file or if you run a session on a grid, the Integration Service creates a temporary file in the
PowerCenter Services installation directory and attaches the file. If the Integration Service
does not use operating system profiles, verify that the user that starts Informatica Services
has permissions on PowerCenter Services installation directory to create a temporary log
file. If the Integration Service uses operating system profiles, verify that the operating system
user of the operating system profile has permissions on PowerCenter Services installation
directory to create a temporary log file.

%i

Session elapsed time.

%l

Total rows loaded.

Chapter 11: Sending Email

Email Variable

Description

%m

Name of the mapping used in the session.

%n

Name of the folder containing the session.

%r

Total rows rejected.

%s

Session name.

%t

Source and target table details, including read throughput in bytes per second and write
throughput in rows per second. The Integration Service includes all information displayed in
the session detail dialog box.

%u

Repository user name.

%v

Integration Service name.

%w

Workflow name.

%y

Session run mode (normal or recovery).

%z

Workflow run instance name.

Note: The Integration Service ignores %a, %g, and %t when you include them in the email subject. Include these
variables in the email message only.
The following table lists the format tags you can use in an Email task:
Formatting

Format Tag

tab

\t

new line

\n

Post-Session Email
You can configure post-session email to use a reusable or non-reusable Email task.

Using a Reusable Email Task
Complete the following steps to configure post-session email to use a reusable Email task.
1.

Open the session properties and click the Components tab.

2.

Select Reusable in the Type column for the success email or failure email field.

3.

Click the Open button in the Value column to select the reusable Email task.

4.

Select the Email task in the Object Browser dialog box and click OK.

5.

Optionally, edit the Email task for this session property by clicking the Edit button in the Value column.
If you edit the Email task for either success email or failure email, the edits only apply to this session.

6.

Click OK to close the session properties.

Working with Post-Session Email

167

Using a Non-Reusable Email Task
Complete the following steps to configure success email or failure email to use a non-reusable Email task.
1.

Open the session properties and click the Components tab.

2.

Select Non-Reusable in the Type column for the success email or failure email field.

3.

Open the email editor using the Open button.

4.

Edit the Email task and click OK.

5.

Click OK to close the session properties.

Sample Email
The following example shows a user-entered text from a sample post-session email configuration using
variables:
Session complete.
Session name: %s
Integration Service name: %v
%l
%r
%e
%b
%c
%i
%g
The following is sample output from the configuration above:
Session complete.
Session name: sInstrTest
Integration Service name: Node01IS
Total Rows Loaded = 1
Total Rows Rejected = 0
Completed
Start Time: Tue Nov 22 12:26:31 2005
Completion Time: Tue Nov 22 12:26:41 2005
Elapsed time: 0:00:10 (h:m:s)

Suspension Email
You can configure a workflow to send email when the Integration Service suspends the workflow. For
example, when a task fails, the Integration Service suspends the workflow and sends the suspension email.
You can fix the error and recover the workflow.
If another task fails while the Integration Service is suspending the workflow, you do not get the suspension
email again. However, the Integration Service sends another suspension email if another task fails after you
recover the workflow.
Configure suspension email on the General tab of the workflow properties. You can use service, service
process, workflow, and worklet variables in the email user name, subject, and text. For example, you can use
the service variable $PMSuccessEmailUser or $PMFailureEmailUser for the email recipient. Ensure that you
specify the values of the service variables for the Integration Service that runs the session. You can also
enter a parameter or variable within the email subject or text, and define it in the parameter file.

168

Chapter 11: Sending Email

Configuring Suspension Email
Configure a workflow to send an email when the Integration Service suspends the workflow.
1.

In the Workflow Designer, open the workflow.

2.

Click Workflows > Edit to open the workflow properties.

3.

On the General tab, select Suspend on Error.

4.

Click the Browse Emails button to select a reusable Email task.
Note: The Workflow Manager returns an error if you do not have any reusable Email task in the folder.
Create a reusable Email task in the folder before you configure suspension email.

5.

Choose a reusable Email task and click OK.

6.

Click OK to close the workflow properties.

Using Service Variables to Address Email
Use service variables to address email in Email tasks, post-session email, and suspension email. When you
configure the Integration Service, you configure the service variables. You may need to verify these variables
with the domain administrator. You can use the following service variables as the email recipient:
•

$PMSuccessEmailUser. Defines the email address of the user to receive email when a session
completes successfully. Use this variable with post-session email. You can also use it to address email in
standalone Email tasks or suspension email.

•

$PMFailureEmailUser. Defines the email address of the user to receive email when a session completes
with failure or when the Integration Service suspends a workflow. Use this variable with post-session or
suspension email. You can also use it to address email in standalone Email tasks.

When you use one of these service variables, the Integration Service sends email to the address configured
for the service variable. $PMSuccessEmailUser and $PMFailureEmailUser are optional process variables.
Verify that you define a variable before using it to address email.
You might use this functionality when you have an administrator who troubleshoots all failed sessions.
Instead of entering the administrator email address for each session, use the email variable
$PMFailureEmailUser as the recipient for post-session email. If the administrator changes, you can correct all
sessions by editing the $PMFailureEmailUser service variable, instead of editing the email address in each
session.
You might also use this functionality when you have different administrators for different Integration Services.
If you deploy a folder from one repository to another or otherwise change the Integration Service that runs the
session, the new service sends email to users associated with the new service when you use process
variables instead of hard-coded email addresses.

Tips for Sending Email
When the Integration Service runs on Windows, configure a Microsoft Outlook profile for each node.
If you run the Integration Service on multiple nodes in a Windows environment, create a Microsoft Outlook
profile for each node. To use the profile on multiple nodes for multiple users, create a generic Microsoft

Using Service Variables to Address Email

169

Outlook profile, such as “PowerCenter,” and use this profile on each node in the domain. Use the same
profile on each node to ensure that the Microsoft Exchange Profile you configured for the Integration Service
matches the profile on each node.

Use service variables to address email.
Use service variables to address email in Email tasks, post-session email, and suspension email. When the
service variables $PMSuccessEmailUser and $PMFailureEmailUser are configured for the Integration
Service, use them to address email. You can change the email recipient for all sessions the service runs by
editing the service variables. It is easier to deploy sessions into production if you define service variables for
both development and production servers.

Generate and send post-session reports.
Use a post-session success command to generate a report file and attach that file to a success email. For
example, you create a batch file called Q3rpt.bat that generates a sales report, and you are running Microsoft
Outlook on Windows.

Use other mail programs.
If you do not have Microsoft Outlook and you do not configure the Integration Service to send email using
SMTP, use a post-session success command to invoke a command line email program, such as Windmill. In
this case, you do not have to enter the email user name or subject, since the recipients, email subject, and
body text will be contained in the batch file, sendmail.bat.

170

Chapter 11: Sending Email

CHAPTER 12

Workflow Monitor
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflow Monitor Overview, 171

•

Using the Workflow Monitor, 172

•

Customizing Workflow Monitor Options, 175

•

Using Workflow Monitor Toolbars, 177

•

Working with Tasks and Workflows, 178

•

Workflow and Task Status, 181

•

Using the Gantt Chart View, 182

•

Using the Task View, 183

•

Tips for Monitoring Workflows, 185

Workflow Monitor Overview
You can monitor workflows and tasks in the Workflow Monitor. A workflow is a set of instructions that tells an
Integration Service how to run tasks. Integration Services run on nodes or grids. The nodes, grids, and
services are all part of a domain.
With the Workflow Monitor, you can view details about a workflow or task in Gantt Chart view or Task view.
You can also view details about the Integration Service, nodes, and grids.
The Workflow Monitor displays workflows that have run at least once. You can run, stop, abort, and resume
workflows from the Workflow Monitor. The Workflow Monitor continuously receives information from the
Integration Service and Repository Service. It also fetches information from the repository to display historic
information.
The Workflow Monitor consists of the following windows:
•

Navigator window. Displays monitored repositories, Integration Services, and repository objects.

•

Output window. Displays messages from the Integration Service and the Repository Service.

•

Properties window. Displays details about services, workflows, worklets, and tasks.

•

Time window. Displays progress of workflow runs.

•

Gantt Chart view. Displays details about workflow runs in chronological (Gantt Chart) format.

•

Task view. Displays details about workflow runs in a report format, organized by workflow run.

The Workflow Monitor displays time relative to the time configured on the Integration Service node. For
example, a folder contains two workflows. One workflow runs on an Integration Service in the local time zone,

171

and the other runs on an Integration Service in a time zone two hours later. If you start both workflows at 9
a.m. local time, the Workflow Monitor displays the start time as 9 a.m. for one workflow and as 11 a.m. for the
other workflow.
Toggle between Gantt Chart view and Task view by clicking the tabs on the bottom of the Workflow Monitor.
You can view and hide the Output and Properties windows in the Workflow Monitor. To view or hide the
Output window, click View > Output. To view or hide the Properties window, click View > Properties View.
You can also dock the Output and Properties windows at the bottom of the Workflow Monitor workspace. To
dock the Output or Properties window, right-click a window and select Allow Docking. If the window is
floating, drag the window to the bottom of the workspace. If you do not allow docking, the windows float in the
Workflow Monitor workspace.

Using the Workflow Monitor
The Workflow Monitor provides options to view information about workflow runs. After you open the Workflow
Monitor and connect to a repository, you can view dynamic information about workflow runs by connecting to
an Integration Service.
You can customize the Workflow Monitor display by configuring the maximum days or workflow runs the
Workflow Monitor shows. You can also filter tasks and Integration Services in both Gantt Chart and Task
view.
Complete the following steps to monitor workflows:
1.

Open the Workflow Monitor.

2.

Connect to the repository containing the workflow.

3.

Connect to the Integration Service.

4.

Select the workflow you want to monitor.

5.

Select Gantt Chart view or Task view.

Opening the Workflow Monitor
You can open the Workflow Monitor in the following ways:
1.

Select Start > Programs > Informatica PowerCenter [version] > Client > Workflow Monitor from the
Windows Start menu.
-orConfigure the Workflow Manager to open the Workflow Monitor when you run a workflow from the
Workflow Manager.
-orClick Tools > Workflow Monitor from the Designer, Workflow Manager, or Repository Manager.
-orClick the Workflow Monitor icon on the Tools toolbar. When you use a Tools button to open the Workflow
Monitor, PowerCenter uses the same repository connection to connect to the repository and opens the
same folders.
-orFrom the Workflow Manager, right-click an Integration Service or a repository, and select Run Monitor.

You can open multiple instances of the Workflow Monitor on one machine using the Windows Start menu.

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Connecting to a Repository
When you open the Workflow Monitor, you must connect to a repository. Connect to repositories by clicking
Repository > Connect. Enter the repository name and connection information.
After you connect to a repository, the Workflow Monitor displays a list of Integration Services available for the
repository. The Workflow Monitor can monitor multiple repositories, Integration Services, and workflows at
the same time.
Note: If you are not connected to a repository, you can remove the repository from the Navigator. Select the
repository in the Navigator and click Edit > Delete. The Workflow Monitor displays a message verifying that
you want to remove the repository from the Navigator list. Click Yes to remove the repository. You can
connect to the repository again at any time.

Connecting to an Integration Service
When you connect to a repository, the Workflow Monitor displays all Integration Services associated with the
repository. This includes active and deleted Integration Services. To monitor tasks and workflows that run on
an Integration Service, you must connect to the Integration Service. In the Navigator, the Workflow Monitor
displays a red icon over deleted Integration Services.
To connect to an Integration Service, right-click it and select Connect. When you connect to an Integration
Service, you can view all folders that you have permission for. To disconnect from an Integration Service,
right-click it and select Disconnect. When you disconnect from an Integration Service, or when the Workflow
Monitor cannot connect to an Integration Service, the Workflow Monitor displays disconnected for the
Integration Service status.
The Workflow Monitor is resilient to the Integration Service. If the Workflow Monitor loses connection to the
Integration Service, LMAPI tries to reestablish the connection for the duration of the PowerCenter Client
resilience time-out period.
After the connection is reestablished, the Workflow Monitor retrieves the workflow status from the repository.
Depending on your Workflow Monitor advanced settings, you may have to reopen the workflow to view the
latest status of child tasks.
You can also ping an Integration Service to verify that it is running. Right-click the Integration Service in the
Navigator and select Ping Integration Service. You can view the ping response time in the Output window.
Note: You can also open an Integration Service in the Navigator without connecting to it. When you open an
Integration Service, the Workflow Monitor gets workflow run information stored in the repository. It does not
get dynamic workflow run information from currently running workflows.

Filtering Tasks and Integration Services
You can filter tasks and Integration Services in both Gantt Chart view and Task view. Use the Filters menu to
hide tasks and Integration Services you do not want to view in the Workflow Monitor.

Filtering Tasks
You can view all or some workflow tasks. You can filter tasks you do not want to view. For example, if you
want to view only Session tasks, you can hide all other tasks. You can view all tasks at any time.

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To filter tasks:
1.

Click Filters > Tasks.
-orClick Filters > Deleted Tasks.
The Filter Tasks dialog box appears.

2.

Clear the tasks you want to hide, and select the tasks you want to view.

3.

Click OK.
Note: When you filter a task, the Gantt Chart view displays a red link between tasks to indicate a filtered
task. You can double-click the link to view the tasks you hid.

Filtering Integration Services
When you connect to a repository, the Workflow Monitor displays all Integration Services associated with the
repository. You can filter out Integration Services to view only Integration Services you want to monitor.
When you hide an Integration Service, the Workflow Monitor hides the Integration Service from the Navigator
for the Gantt Chart and Task views. You can show the Integration Service again at any time.
You can hide unconnected Integration Services. When you hide a connected Integration Service, the
Workflow Monitor asks if you want to disconnect from the Integration Service and then filter it. You must
disconnect from an Integration Service before hiding it.
To filter Integration Services:
1.

In the Navigator, right-click a repository to which you are connected and select Filter Integration
Services.
The Filter Integration Services dialog box appears.

2.

Select the Integration Services you want to view and clear the Integration Services you want to filter.
Click OK.
If you are connected to an Integration Service that you clear, the Workflow Monitor prompts you to
disconnect from the Integration Service before filtering.

3.

Click Yes to disconnect from the Integration Service and filter it.
-orClick No to remain connected to the Integration Service.
Tip: To filter an Integration Service in the Navigator, right-click it and select Filter Integration Service.

Opening and Closing Folders
You can select which folders to open and close in the Workflow Monitor. When you open a folder, the
Workflow Monitor displays the number of workflow runs that you configured in the Workflow Monitor options.
You can open and close folders in the Gantt Chart and Task views. When you open a folder, it opens in both
views. To open a folder, right-click it in the Navigator and select Open. Or, you can double-click the folder.

Viewing Statistics
You can view statistics about the objects you monitor in the Workflow Monitor. Click View > Statistics. The
Statistics window displays the following information:
•

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Number of opened repositories. Number of repositories you are connected to in the Workflow Monitor.

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•

Number of connected Integration Services. Number of Integration Services you connected to since you
opened the Workflow Monitor.

•

Number of fetched tasks. Number of tasks the Workflow Monitor fetched from the repository during the
period specified in the Time window.

You can also view statistics about nodes and sessions.

Viewing Properties
You can view properties for the following items:
•

Tasks. You can view properties, such as task name, start time, and status.

•

Sessions. You can view properties about the Session task and session run, such as mapping name and
number of rows successfully loaded. You can also view load statistics about the session run. You can also
view performance details about the session run.

•

Workflows. You can view properties such as start time, status, and run type.

•

Links. When you double-click a link between tasks in Gantt Chart view, you can view tasks that you
filtered out.

•

Integration Services. You can view properties such as Integration Service version and startup time. You
can also view the sessions and workflows running on the Integration Service.

•

Grid. You can view properties such as the name, Integration Service type, and code page of a node in the
Integration Service grid. You can view these details in the Integration Service Monitor.

•

Folders. You can view properties such as the number of workflow runs displayed in the Time window.

To view properties for all objects, right-click the object and select Properties. You can right-click items in the
Navigator or the Time window in either Gantt Chart view or Task view.
To view link properties, double-click the link in the Time window of Gantt Chart view. When you view link
properties, you can double-click a task in the Link Properties dialog box to view the properties for the filtered
task.

Customizing Workflow Monitor Options
You can configure how the Workflow Monitor displays general information, workflows, and tasks. You can
configure general tasks such as the maximum number of days or runs that the Workflow Monitor appears.
You can also configure options specific to Gantt Chart and Task view.
Click Tools > Options to configure Workflow Monitor options.
You can configure the following options in the Workflow Monitor:
•

General. Customize general options such as the maximum number of workflow runs to display and
whether to receive messages from the Workflow Manager. See “Configuring General Options” on page
176.

•

Gantt Chart view. Configure Gantt Chart view options such as workspace color, status colors, and time
format. See “Configuring Gantt Chart View Options” on page 176.

•

Task view. Configure which columns to display in Task view. See “Configuring Task View Options” on
page 176.

•

Advanced. Configure advanced options such as the number of workflow runs the Workflow Monitor holds
in memory for each Integration Service. See “Configuring Advanced Options” on page 177.

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Configuring General Options
You can customize general options such as the maximum number of days to display and which text editor to
use for viewing session and workflow logs.
The following table describes the options you can configure on the General tab:
Setting

Description

Maximum Days

Number of tasks the Workflow Monitor displays up to a maximum number of days. Default
is 5.

Maximum Workflow
Runs per Folder

Maximum number of workflow runs the Workflow Monitor displays for each folder. Default
is 200.

Receive Messages
from Workflow
Manager

Select to receive messages from the Workflow Manager. The Workflow Manager sends
messages when you start or schedule a workflow in the Workflow Manager. The Workflow
Monitor displays these messages in the Output window.

Receive
Notifications from
Repository Service

Select to receive notification messages in the Workflow Monitor and view them in the
Output window. You must be connected to the repository to receive notifications.
Notification messages include information about objects that another user creates,
modifies, or delete. You receive notifications about folders and Integration Services. The
Repository Service notifies you of the changes so you know objects you are working with
may be out of date. You also receive notices posted by the user who manages the
Repository Service.

Configuring Gantt Chart View Options
You can configure Gantt Chart view options such as workspace color, status colors, and time format.
The following table describes the options you can configure on the Gantt Chart tab:
Setting

Description

Status Color

Select a status and configure the color for the status. The Workflow Monitor displays tasks
with the selected status in the colors you select. You can select two colors to display a
gradient.

Recovery Color

Configure the color for the recovery sessions. The Workflow Monitor uses the status color
for the body of the status bar, and it uses and the recovery color as a gradient in the status
bar.

Workspace Color

Select a color for each workspace component.

Time Format

Select a display format for the time window.

Configuring Task View Options
You can select the columns you want to display in Task view. You can also reorder the columns and specify
a default column width.

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Configuring Advanced Options
You can configure advanced options such as the number of workflow runs the Workflow Monitor holds in
memory for each Integration Service.
The following table describes the options you can configure on the Advanced tab:
Setting

Description

Expand Running Workflows Automatically

Expands running workflows in the Navigator.

Refresh Workflow Tasks When the
Connection to the Integration Service is Reestablished

Refreshes workflow tasks when you reconnect to the Integration
Service.

Expand Workflow Runs When Opening the
Latest Runs

Expands workflows when you open the latest run.

Hide Folders/Workflows That Do Not Contain
Any Runs When Filtering By Running/
Schedule Runs

Hides folders or workflows under the Workflow Run column in the
Time window when you filter running or scheduled tasks.

Highlight the Entire Row When an Item Is
Selected

Highlights the entire row in the Time window for selected items.
When you disable this option, the Workflow Monitor highlights the
item in the Workflow Run column in the Time window.

Open Latest 20 Runs At a Time

You can open the number of workflow runs. Default is 20.

Minimum Number of Workflow Runs (Per
Integration Service) the Workflow Monitor
Will Accumulate in Memory

Specifies the minimum number of workflow runs for each
Integration Service that the Workflow Monitor holds in memory
before it starts releasing older runs from memory.
When you connect to an Integration Service, the Workflow
Monitor fetches the number of workflow runs specified on the
General tab for each folder you connect to. When the number of
runs is less than the number specified in this option, the Workflow
Monitor stores new runs in memory until it reaches this number.

Using Workflow Monitor Toolbars
The Workflow Monitor toolbars allow you to select tools and tasks quickly. You can perform the following
toolbar operations:
•

Display or hide a toolbar.

•

Create a new toolbar.

•

Add or remove buttons.

By default, the Workflow Monitor displays the following toolbars:
•

Standard. Contains buttons to connect to and disconnect from repositories, print, view print previews,
search the workspace, show or hide the navigator in task view, and show or hide the output window.

•

Integration Service. Contains buttons to connect to and disconnect from Integration Services, ping
Integration Service, and perform workflows operations.

•

View. Contains buttons to configure time increments and show properties, workflow logs, or session logs.

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•

Filters. Contains buttons to display most recent runs, and to filter tasks, Integration Services, and folders.

After a toolbar appears, it displays until you exit the Workflow Monitor or hide the toolbar. You can drag each
toolbar to resize and reposition each toolbar.

Working with Tasks and Workflows
You can perform the following tasks with objects in the Workflow Monitor:
•

Run a task or workflow.

•

Resume a suspended workflow.

•

Restart a task or workflow without recovery.

•

Stop or abort a task or workflow.

•

Schedule and unschedule a workflow.

•

View session logs and workflow logs.

•

View history names.

Opening Previous Workflow Runs
In both the Gantt Chart view and Task View, you can open previous workflow runs.
1.

In the Navigator or Workflow Run List, select the workflow with the runs you want to see.

2.

Right-click the workflow and select Open Latest 20 Runs.
The menu option is disabled when the latest 20 workflow runs are already open.
Up to 20 of the latest runs appear.

Displaying Previous Workflow Runs
In both the Gantt Chart view and Task View, you can display previous workflow runs.
1.

Click on the Display Recent Runs icon.

2.

Select the number of runs you want to display.
The runs appear in the Workflow Run List.

Running a Task, Workflow, or Worklet
The Workflow Monitor displays workflows that have run at least once. In the Workflow Monitor, you can run a
workflow or any task or worklet in the workflow. To run a workflow or part of a workflow, right-click the
workflow or task and select a restart option. When you select restart, the task, workflow, or worklet runs on
the Integration Service you specify in the workflow properties.
You can also run part of a workflow. When you run part of a workflow, the Integration Service runs the
workflow from the selected task to the end of the workflow.
Restart behavior for real-time sessions depends on the real-time source.

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Recovering a Workflow or Worklet
In the workflow properties, you can choose to suspend the workflow or worklet if a session fails. After you fix
the errors that caused the session to fail, recover the workflow in the Workflow Monitor. When you recover a
workflow, the Integration Service recovers the failed session and continues running the rest of the tasks in
the workflow path. Recovery behavior for real-time sessions depends on the real-time source.
The Integration Service appends log events to the existing log events when you recover the workflow. The
Integration Service creates another session log when you recover a session.
To recover a workflow or worklet:
1.

In the Navigator, select the workflow or worklet you want to recover.

2.

Click Tasks > Recover.
The Workflow Monitor displays Integration Service messages about the recover command in the Output
window.

Restarting a Task or Workflow Without Recovery
You can restart a task or workflow without recovery by using a cold start. Cold start is a start mode that the
Integration Service uses to restart a task or workflow without recovery. When you restart a failed task or
workflow that has recovery enabled, the Integration Service does not process recovery data. The Integration
Service clears the state of operation and the recovery file or table before it restarts the task or workflow. You
do not want to recover data if you already cleaned up the target system.
To restart a task or workflow without recovery:
1.

In the Navigator, select the task or workflow you want to restart.

2.

Click Tasks > Cold Start Task or Workflows > Cold Start Workflow.

Stopping or Aborting Tasks and Workflows
You can stop or abort a task, workflow, or worklet in the Workflow Monitor at any time. When you stop a task
in the workflow, the Integration Service stops processing the task and all other tasks in its path. The
Integration Service continues running concurrent tasks. If the Integration Service cannot stop processing the
task, you need to abort the task. When the Integration Service aborts a task, it kills the DTM process and
terminates the task.
Behavior for real-time sessions depends on the real-time source.
To stop or abort workflows, tasks, or worklets in the Workflow Monitor:
1.

In the Navigator, select the task, workflow, or worklet you want to stop or abort.

2.

Click Tasks > Stop.
-orClick Tasks > Abort.
The Workflow Monitor displays the status of the stop or abort command in the Output window.

Scheduling Workflows
You can schedule workflows in the Workflow Monitor. You can schedule any workflow that is not configured
to run on demand. When you try to schedule a run on demand workflow, the Workflow Monitor displays an
error message in the Output window.

Working with Tasks and Workflows

179

When you schedule an unscheduled workflow, the workflow uses its original schedule specified in the
workflow properties. If you want to specify a different schedule for the workflow, you must edit the scheduler
in the Workflow Manager.
To schedule a workflow in the Workflow Monitor:
1.

Right-click the workflow and select Schedule.

2.

The Workflow Monitor displays the workflow status as Scheduled, and displays a message in the Output
window.

Unscheduling Workflows
You can unschedule workflows in the Workflow Monitor.
1.

Right-click the workflow and select Unschedule.

2.

The Workflow Monitor displays the workflow status as Unscheduled and displays a message in the
Output window.

Session and Workflow Logs in the Workflow Monitor
You can view session and workflow logs from the Workflow Monitor. You can view the most recent log, or you
can view past logs.
If you want to view past session or workflow logs, configure the session or workflow to save logs by
timestamp. When you configure the workflow to save log files, the workflow creates a text file and the binary
file that displays in the Log Events window. You can save log files by timestamp or by workflow or session
runs. You can configure how many workflow or session runs to save.
When you open a session or workflow log, the Log Events window sends a request to the Log Agent. The
Log Agent retrieves logs from each node that ran the session or workflow. The Log Events window displays
the logs by node.

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Session and Workflow Logs” on page 201

Viewing Session and Workflow Logs
1.

Right-click a session or workflow in the Navigator or Time window.

2.

Select Get Session Log
-orSelect Get Workflow Log.
The log file opens in the Log Events window.
Tip: When the Workflow Monitor retrieves the session or workflow log, you can press Esc to cancel the
process.

Viewing History Names
If you rename a task, workflow, or worklet, the Workflow Monitor can show a history of names. When you
start a renamed task, workflow, or worklet, the Workflow Monitor displays the current name. To view a list of
historical names, select the task, workflow, or worklet in the Navigator. Right-click and select Show History
Names.

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Workflow and Task Status
The Workflow Monitor displays the status of workflows and tasks.
The following table describes the different statuses for workflows and tasks:
Status Name

Status for

Description

Aborted

Workflows
Tasks

You choose to abort the workflow or task in the Workflow Monitor or through
pmcmd. The Integration Service kills the DTM process and aborts the task.
You can recover an aborted workflow if you enable the workflow for recovery.

Workflows

The Integration Service is in the process of aborting the workflow or task.

Aborting

Tasks
Disabled

Workflows
Tasks

Failed

Workflows

You select the Disabled option in the workflow or task properties. The
Integration Service does not run the disabled workflow or task until you clear
the Disabled option.

Tasks

The Integration Service fails the workflow or task because it encountered
errors. You cannot recover a failed workflow.

Preparing to
Run

Workflows

The Integration Service is waiting for an execution lock for the workflow.

Running

Workflows

The Integration Service is running the workflow or task.

Tasks
Scheduled

Workflows

You schedule the workflow to run at a future date. The Integration Service runs
the workflow for the duration of the schedule.

Stopped

Workflows
Tasks

You choose to stop the workflow or task in the Workflow Monitor or through
pmcmd. The Integration Service stops processing the task and all other tasks
in its path. The Integration Service continues running concurrent tasks. You
can recover a stopped workflow if you enable the workflow for recovery.

Workflows

The Integration Service is in the process of stopping the workflow or task.

Stopping

Tasks
Succeeded

Workflows

The Integration Service successfully completes the workflow or task.

Tasks
Suspended

Workflows
Worklets

Suspending

Workflows
Worklets

Terminated

Terminating

Workflows

The Integration Service suspends the workflow because a task failed and no
other tasks are running in the workflow. This status is available when you
select the Suspend on Error option. You can recover a suspended workflow.
A task fails in the workflow when other tasks are still running. The Integration
Service stops running the failed task and continues running tasks in other
paths. This status is available when you select the Suspend on Error option.

Tasks

The Integration Service shuts down unexpectedly when running this workflow
or task. You can recover a terminated workflow if you enable the workflow for
recovery.

Workflows

The Integration Service is in the process of terminating the workflow or task.

Tasks

Workflow and Task Status

181

Status Name

Status for

Description

Unknown
Status

Workflows

This status displays in the following situations:

Tasks

- The Integration Service cannot determine the status of the workflow or task.
- The Integration Service does not respond to a ping from the Workflow Monitor.
- The Workflow Monitor cannot connect to the Integration Service within the
resilience timeout period.

Unscheduled

Workflows

You remove a workflow from the schedule.

Waiting

Workflows

The Integration Service is waiting for available resources so it can run the
workflow or task. For example, you may set the maximum number of running
Session and Command tasks allowed for each Integration Service process on
the node to 10. If the Integration Service is already running 10 concurrent
sessions, all other workflows and tasks have the Waiting status until the
Integration Service is free to run more tasks.

Tasks

To see a list of tasks by status, view the workflow in the Task view and filter by status. Or, click Edit > List
Tasks in Gantt Chart view.

Using the Gantt Chart View
You can view chronological details of workflow runs with the Gantt Chart view. The Gantt Chart view displays
the following information:
•

Task name. Name of the task in the workflow.

•

Duration. The length of time the Integration Service spends running the most recent task or workflow.

•

Status. The status of the most recent task or workflow.

•

Connection between objects. The Workflow Monitor shows links between objects in the Time window.

Listing Tasks and Workflows
The Workflow Monitor lists tasks and workflows in all repositories you connect to. You can view tasks and
workflows by status, such as failed or succeeded. You can highlight the task in Gantt Chart view by doubleclicking the task in the list.
To view a list of tasks and workflows by status:
1.

Open the Gantt Chart view and click Edit > List Tasks.

2.

In the List What field, select the type of task status you want to list.
For example, select Failed to view a list of failed tasks and workflows.

3.

Click List to view the list.
Tip: Double-click the task name in the List Tasks dialog box to highlight the task in Gantt Chart view.

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Navigating the Time Window in Gantt Chart View
You can scroll through the Time window in Gantt Chart view to monitor the workflow runs. To scroll the Time
window, use one of the following methods:
•

Use the scroll bars.

•

Right-click the task or workflow and click Go To Next Run or Go To Previous Run.

•

Click View > Organize to select the date you want to display.

When you click View > Organize, the Go To field appears above the Time window. Click the Go To field to
view a calendar and select the date you want to display. When you select a date, the Workflow Monitor
displays that date beginning at 12:00 a.m.

Zooming the Gantt Chart View
You can change the zoom settings in Gantt Chart view. By default, the Workflow Monitor shows the Time
window in increments of one hour. You can change the time increments to zoom the Time window.
To zoom the Time window in Gantt Chart view, click View > Zoom, and then select the time increment. You
can also select the time increment in the Zoom button on the toolbar.

Performing a Search
Use the search tool in the Gantt Chart view to search for tasks, workflows, and worklets in all repositories you
connect to. The Workflow Monitor searches for the word you specify in task names, workflow names, and
worklet names. You can highlight the task in Gantt Chart view by double-clicking the task after searching.
To perform a search:
1.

Open the Gantt Chart view and click Edit > Find.
The Find Object dialog box appears.

2.

In the Find What field, enter the keyword you want to find.

3.

Click Find Now.
The Workflow Monitor displays a list of tasks, workflows, and worklets that match the keyword.
Tip: Double-click the task name in the Find Object dialog box to highlight the task in Gantt Chart view.

Opening All Folders
You can open all folders that you have permission for in a repository. To open all the folders in the Gantt
Chart view, right-click the Integration Service you want to view, and select Open All Folders. The Workflow
Monitor displays workflows and tasks in the folders.

Using the Task View
The Task view displays information about workflow runs in a report format. The Task view provides a
convenient way to compare and filter details of workflow runs. Task view displays the following information:
•

Workflow run list. The list of workflow runs. The workflow run list contains folder, workflow, worklet, and
task names. The Workflow Monitor displays workflow runs chronologically with the most recent run at the
top. It displays folders and Integration Services alphabetically.

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183

•

Status message. Message from the Integration Service regarding the status of the task or workflow.

•

Run type. The method you used to start the workflow. You might manually start the workflow or schedule
the workflow to start.

•

Node. Node of the Integration Service that ran the task.

•

Start time. The time that the Integration Service starts running the task or workflow.

•

Completion time. The time that the Integration Service finishes executing the task or workflow.

•

Status. The status of the task or workflow.

You can perform the following tasks in Task view:
•

Filter tasks. Use the Filter menu to select the tasks you want to display or hide.

•

Hide and view columns. Hide or view an entire column in Task view.

•

Hide and view the Navigator. You can hide the Navigator in Task view. Click View > Navigator to hide or
view the Navigator.

To view the tasks in Task view, select the Integration Service you want to monitor in the Navigator.

Filtering in Task View
In Task view, you can view all or some workflow tasks. You can filter tasks in the following ways:
•

By task type. You can filter out tasks you do not want to view. For example, if you want to view only
Session tasks, you can filter out all other tasks.

•

By nodes in the Navigator. You can filter the workflow runs in the Time window by selecting different
nodes in the Navigator. For example, when you select a repository name in the Navigator, the Time
window displays all workflow runs that ran on the Integration Services registered to that repository. When
you select a folder name in the Navigator, the Time window displays all workflow runs in that folder.

•

By the most recent runs. To display by the most recent runs, click Filters > Most Recent Runs and select
the number of runs you want to display.

•

By Time window columns. You can click Filters > Auto Filter and filter by properties you specify in the
Time window columns.

To filter by Time view columns:
1.

Click Filters > Auto Filter.
The Filter button appears in the some columns of the Time Window in Task view.

2.

Click the Filter button in a column in the Time window.

3.

Select the properties you want to filter.
When you click the Filter button in either the Start Time or Completion Time column, you can select a
custom time to filter.

4.

Select Custom for either Start Time or Completion Time.
The Filter Start Time or Custom Completion Time dialog box appears.

5.

Choose to show tasks before, after, or between the time you specify.

6.

Select the date and time. Click OK.

Opening All Folders
You can open all folders that you have permission for in a repository. To open all folders in the Task view,
right-click the Integration Service with the folders you want to view, and select Open All Folders. The
Workflow Monitor displays workflows and tasks in the folders.

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Tips for Monitoring Workflows
Reduce the size of the Time window.
When you reduce the size of the Time window, the Workflow Monitor refreshes the screen faster, reducing
flicker.

Use the Repository Manager to truncate the list of workflow logs.
If the Workflow Monitor takes a long time to refresh from the repository or to open folders, truncate the list of
workflow logs. When you configure a session or workflow to archive session logs or workflow logs, the
Integration Service saves those logs in local directories. The repository also creates an entry for each saved
workflow log and session log. If you move or delete a session log or workflow log from the workflow log
directory or session log directory, truncate the lists of workflow and session logs to remove the entries from
the repository. The repository always retains the most recent workflow log entry for each workflow.

Tips for Monitoring Workflows

185

CHAPTER 13

Workflow Monitor Details
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Workflow Monitor Details Overview, 186

•

Repository Service Details, 187

•

Integration Service Properties, 187

•

Repository Folder Details, 189

•

Workflow Run Properties, 189

•

Worklet Run Properties, 191

•

Command Task Run Properties, 192

•

Session Task Run Properties, 192

•

Performance Details, 196

Workflow Monitor Details Overview
The Workflow Monitor displays information that you can use to troubleshoot and analyze workflows. You can
view details about services, workflows, worklets, and tasks in the Properties window of the Workflow Monitor.
You can view the following details in the Workflow Monitor:

186

•

Repository Service details. View information about repositories, such as the number of connected
Integration Services.

•

Integration Service properties. View information about the Integration Service, such as the Integration
Service Version. You can also view system resources that running workflows consume, such as the
system swap usage at the time of the running workflow.

•

Repository folder details. View information about a repository folder, such as the folder owner.

•

Workflow run properties. View information about a workflow, such as the start and end time.

•

Worklet run properties. View information about a worklet, such as the execution nodes on which the
worklet is run.

•

Command task run properties. View the information about Command tasks in a running workflow, such
as the start and end time.

•

Session task run properties. View information about Session tasks in a running workflow, such as
details on session failures.

•

Performance details. View counters that help you understand the session and mapping efficiency, such
as information on the data cache size for an Aggregator transformation.

Repository Service Details
To view details about a repository, right-click on the repository and choose Properties.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Repository Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Repository Name

Name of the repository.

Is Opened

Yes, if you are connected to the repository. Otherwise, value is No.

User Name

Name of the user connected to the repository. Attribute appears if you are connected to
the repository.

Number of Connected
Integration Services

Number of Integration Services you are connected to in the Workflow Monitor. Attribute
appears if you are connected to the repository.

Is Versioning Enabled

Indicates whether repository versioning is enabled.

Integration Service Properties
When you view Integration Service properties, the following areas appear in the Properties window:
•

Integration Service Details. Displays information about the Integration Service.

•

Integration Service Monitor. Displays system resource usage information about nodes associated with
the Integration Service.

Integration Service Details
To view details about the Integration Service, right-click an Integration Service and choose Properties.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Integration Service Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Integration Service
Name

Name of the Integration Service.

Integration Service
Version

PowerCenter version and build. Appears if you are connected to the Integration Service in
the Workflow Monitor.

Integration Service
Mode

Data movement mode of the Integration Service. Appears if you are connected to the
Integration Service in the Workflow Monitor.

Integration Service
OperatingMode

The operating mode of the Integration Service. Appears if you are connected to the
Integration Service in the Workflow Monitor.

Startup Time

Time the Integration Service started. Startup Time appears in the following format:
MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS AM|PM. Appears if you are connected to the Integration
Service in the Workflow Monitor.

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Attribute Name

Description

Current Time

Current time of the Integration Service.

Last Updated Time

Time the Integration Service was last updated. Last Updated Time appears in the
following format: MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS AM|PM. Appears if you are connected to the
Integration Service in the Workflow Monitor.

Grid Assigned

Grid the Integration Service is assigned to. Attribute appears if the Integration Service is
assigned to a grid. Appears if you are connected to the Integration Service in the
Workflow Monitor.

Node(s)

Names of nodes configured to run Integration Service processes. Appears if you are
connected to the Integration Service in the Workflow Monitor.

Is Connected

Appears if you are not connected to the Integration Service.

Is Registered

Displays one of the following values:
- Yes if the Integration Service is associated with a repository.
- No if the Integration Service is not associated with a repository.

Appears if you are not connected to the Integration Service.

Integration Service Monitor
The Integration Service Monitor displays system resource usage information about nodes associated with the
Integration Service. This window also displays system resource usage information about tasks running on the
node.
To view the Integration Service Monitor, right-click an Integration Service and choose Properties. The
Integration Service Monitor area appears if you are connected to an Integration Service. You can view the
Integration Service type and code page for each node the Integration Service is running on. To view the tool
tip for the Integration Service type and code page, move the pointer over the node name.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Integration Service Monitor area:

188

Attribute Name

Description

Node Name

Name of the node on which the Integration Service is running.

Folder

Folder that contains the running workflow.

Workflow

Name of the running workflow.

Task/Partition

Name of the session and partition that is running. Or, name of Command task that is
running.

Status

Status of the task.

Process ID

Process ID of the task.

CPU %

For a node, this is the percent of CPU usage of processes running on the node. For a
task, this is the percent of CPU usage by the task process.

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Attribute Name

Description

Memory Usage

For a node, this is the memory usage of processes running on the node. For a task, this is
the memory usage of the task process.

Swap Usage

Amount of swap space usage of processes running on the node.

Repository Folder Details
To view information about a repository folder, right-click the folder and choose Properties.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Folder Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Folder Name

Name of the repository folder.

Is Opened

Indicates if the folder is open.

Number of Workflow
Runs Within Time
Window

Number of workflows that have run in the time window during which the Workflow
Monitor displays workflow statistics.

Number of Fetched
Workflow Runs

Number of workflow runs displayed during the time window.

Workflows Fetched
Between

Time period during which the Integration Service fetched the workflows.

Deleted

Indicates if the folder is deleted.

Owner

Repository folder owner.

Appears as, DD/MM/YYYT HH:MM:SS and DD/MM/YYYT HH:MM:SS.

Workflow Run Properties
The Workflow Run Properties window displays information about workflows, such as the name of the
Integration Service assigned to the workflow and workflow run details.
When you view workflow properties, the following areas appear in the Properties window:
•

Workflow details. View information about the workflow.

•

Task progress details. View information about the tasks in the workflow.

•

Session statistics. View information about the session.

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Workflow Details
To view workflow details in the Properties window, right-click on a workflow and choose Get Run Properties.
In the Properties window, you can click Get Workflow Log to view the Log Events window for the workflow.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Workflow Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Task Name

Name of the workflow.

Concurrent Type

-

OS Profile

Name of the operating system profile assigned to the workflow. Value is empty if an
operating system profile is not assigned to the workflow.

Task Type

Task type is Workflow.

Integration Service
Name

Name of the Integration Service assigned to the workflow.

User Name

Name of the user running the workflow.

Start Time

Start time of the workflow.

End Time

End time of the workflow.

Recovery Time(s)

Times of recovery workflows.

Status

Status of the workflow.

Status Message

Message about the workflow status.

Run Type

Method used to start the workflow.

Deleted

Yes if the workflow is deleted from the repository. Otherwise, value is No.

Version Number

Version number of the workflow.

Execution Node(s)

Nodes on which workflow tasks run.

Task Progress Details
The Task Progress Details area displays the Gantt Chart view of Session and Command tasks in a running
workflow.

Session Statistics
The Session Statistics area displays information about sessions, such as the session run time and the
number or rows loaded to the targets.

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The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Session Statistics area:
Attribute Name

Description

Session

Name of the session.

Source Success Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service successfully read from the source.

Source Failed Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service failed to read from the source.

Target Success Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service wrote to the target.

Target Failed Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service failed to write the target.

Total Transformation Errors

Number of transformation errors in the session.

Start Time

Start time of the session.

End Time

End time of the session.

Worklet Run Properties
The Worklet Details Run Properties window displays information about worklets, such as the name of the
Integration Service assigned to the workflow and worklet run details.
When you view worklet properties, the following areas appear in the Properties window:
•

Worklet details. View information about the worklet.

•

Session statistics. View information about the session.

Worklet Details
To view worklet details in the Properties window, right-click on a worklet and choose Get Run Properties.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Worklet Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Instance Name

Name of the worklet instance in the workflow.

Task Type

Task type is Worklet.

Integration Service Name

Name of the Integration Service assigned to the workflow associated with the
worklet.

Start Time

Start time of the worklet.

End Time

End time of the worklet.

Recovery Time(s)

Time of the recovery worklet run.

Status

Status of the worklet.

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Attribute Name

Description

Status Message

Message about the worklet status.

Deleted

Indicates if the worklet is deleted from the repository.

Version Number

Version number of the worklet.

Execution Node(s)

Nodes on which worklet tasks run.

Command Task Run Properties
The Task Run Properties window for Command tasks displays information about Command tasks, such as
the start time and end time. To view command task details in the Properties window, right-click on a
Command task and choose Get Run Properties.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Task Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Instance Name

Command task name.

Task Type

Task type is Command.

Integration Service Name

Name of the Integration Service assigned to the workflow associated with the
Command task.

Node(s)

Nodes on which the commands in the Command task run.

Start Time

Start time of the Command task.

End Time

End time of the Command task.

Recovery Time(s)

Time of the recovery run.

Status

Status of the Command task.

Status Message

Message about the Command task status.

Deleted

Indicates if the Command task is deleted.

Version Number

Version number of the Command task.

Session Task Run Properties
When the Integration Service runs a session, the Workflow Monitor creates session details that provide load
statistics for each target in the mapping. You can view session details when the session runs or after the
session completes.

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When you view session task properties, the following areas display in the Properties window:
•

Failure information. View information about session failures.

•

Task details. View information about the session.

•

Source and target statistics. View information about the number of rows the Integration Service read
from the source and wrote to the target.

•

Partition details. View information about partitions in a session.

•

Performance. View information about session performance.

To view session details, right-click a session in the Workflow Monitor and choose Get Run Properties.
When you load data to a target with multiple groups, such as an XML target, the Integration Service provides
session details for each group.

Failure Information
The Failure Information area displays information about session errors.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Failure Information area:
Attribute Name

Description

First Error Code

Error code for the first error.

First Error

First error message.

Session Task Details
The Task Details area displays information about session task.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Task Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Instance Name

Name of the session.

Task Type

Task type is Session.

Integration Service
Name

Name of the Integration Service assigned to the workflow associated with the session.

Node(s)

Node on which the session is running.

Start Time

Start time of the session.

End Time

End time of the session.

Recovery Time(s)

Time of the recovery session run.

Status

Status of the session.

Status Message

Message about the session status.

Deleted

Indicates if the session is deleted from the repository.

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Attribute Name

Description

Version Number

Version number of the session.

Mapping Name

Name of the mapping associated with the session.

Source Success Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service successfully read from the source.

Source Failed Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service failed to read from the source.

Target Success Rows

1

Number of rows the Integration Service wrote to the target.

Target Failed Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service failed to write the target.

Total Transformation
Errors

Number of transformation errors in the session.

1. For a recovery session, this value lists the number of rows the Integration Service processed after recovery. To
determine the number of rows processed before recovery, see the session log.

Source and Target Statistics
The Source/Target Statistics area displays information about the rows the Integration Service read from the
sources and the rows it loaded to the target.
The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Source/Target Statistics area:
Attribute Name

Description

Transformation Name

Name of the source qualifier instance or the target instance in the mapping. If you
create multiple partitions in the source or target, the Instance Name displays the
partition number. If the source or target contains multiple groups, the Instance Name
displays the group name.

Node

Node running the transformation.

Applied Rows

For sources, shows the number of rows the Integration Service successfully read from
the source. For targets, shows the number of rows the Integration Service successfully
applied to the target.
For example, you have a target table with one column called SALES_ID and five rows
that contain the values 1, 2, 3, 2, and 2. You have a source table with one column
called SALES_ID_IN and five rows that contain the values 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. You mark
rows for update where SALES_ID_IN is 2. The Integration Service applies one row,
which updates three rows in the target. If you mark rows for update where
SALES_ID_IN is 4, the Integration Service applies one row. The Integration Service
does not update any rows at the target as the target does not contain rows with
SALES_ID as 4.
For a recovery session, this value lists the number of rows that the Integration Service
affected or applied to the target after recovery. To determine the number of rows
processed before recovery, see the session log.

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Attribute Name

Description

Affected Rows

For sources, shows the number of rows the Integration Service successfully read from
the source.
For targets, shows the number of rows affected by the specified operation. For
example, you have a table with one column called SALES_ID and five rows that contain
the values 1, 2, 3, 2, and 2. You mark rows for update where SALES_ID is 2. The
Integration Service updates three rows, even though there was one update request. If
you mark rows for update where SALES_ID is 4, the Integration Service updates no
rows.
For a recovery session, this value lists the number of rows that the Integration Service
affected or applied to the target after recovery. To determine the number of rows
processed before recovery, see the session log.

Rejected Rows

Number of rows the Integration Service dropped when reading from the source, or the
number of rows the Integration Service rejected when writing to the target.

Throughput (Rows/
Sec)

Rate at which the Integration Service read rows from the source or wrote data into the
target per second.

Throughput (Bytes/
Sec)

Estimated rate at which the Integration Service read data from the source and wrote
data to the target in bytes per second. Throughput (Bytes/Sec) is based on the
Throughput (Rows/Sec) and the row size. The row size is based on the number of
columns the Integration Service read from the source and wrote to the target, the data
movement mode, column metadata, and if you enabled high precision for the session.
The calculation is not based on the actual data size in each row.

Bytes

Total bytes processed in the PowerCenter Integration Service memory for the source
and target.

Last Error Code

Error message code of the most recent error message written to the session log. If you
view details after the session completes, this field displays the last error code.

Last Error Message

Most recent error message written to the session log. If you view details after the
session completes, this field displays the last error message.

Start Time

Time the Integration Service started to read from the source or write to the target.
The Workflow Monitor displays time relative to the Integration Service.

End Time

Time the Integration Service finished reading from the source or writing to the target.
The Workflow Monitor displays time relative to the Integration Service.

Partition Details
The Partition Details area displays information about partitions in a session. When you create multiple
partitions in a session, the Integration Service provides session details for each partition. Use these details to
determine if the data is evenly distributed among the partitions. For example, if the Integration Service moves
more rows through one target partition than another, or if the throughput is not evenly distributed, you might
want to adjust the data range for the partitions.

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The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Partition Details area:
Attribute Name

Description

Partition Name

Name of the partition.

Node

Node running the partition.

Transformations

Transformations in the partition pipeline.

Process ID

Process ID of the partition.

CPU %

Percent of the CPU the partition is consuming during the current session run.

CPU Seconds

Amount of process time in seconds the CPU is taking to process the data in the
partition during the current session run.

Memory Usage

Amount of memory the partition consumes during the current session run.

Input Rows

Number of input rows for the partition.

Output Rows

Number of output rows for the partition.
For a recovery session, this value lists the number of rows the Integration Service
processed after recovery. To determine the number of rows processed before recovery,
see the session log.

Performance Details
The performance details provide counters that help you understand the session and mapping efficiency. Each
source qualifier and target definition appears in the performance details, along with counters that display
performance information about each transformation. You can view session performance details in the
Workflow Monitor or in the performance details file.
By evaluating the final performance details, you can determine where session performance slows down. The
Workflow Monitor also provides session-specific details that can help tune the following memory settings:
•

Buffer block size

•

Index and data cache size for Aggregator, Rank, Lookup, and Joiner transformations

Viewing Performance Details in the Workflow Monitor
When you configure the session to collect performance details, you can view them in the Workflow Monitor.
When you configure the session to store performance details, you can view the details for previous sessions.
To view performance details in the Workflow Monitor:

196

1.

Right-click a session in the Workflow Monitor and choose Get Run Properties.

2.

Click the Performance area in the Properties window.

Chapter 13: Workflow Monitor Details

The following table describes the attributes that appear in the Performance area:
Attribute Name

Description

Performance Counter

Name of the performance counter.

Counter Value

Value of the performance counter.

When you create multiple partitions, the Performance Area displays a column for each partition. The
columns display the counter values for each partition.
3.

Click OK.

Viewing Performance Details in the Performance Details File
The Integration Service creates a performance detail file for the session when it completes. Use a text editor
to view the performance details file.
1.

Locate the performance details file.
The Integration Service names the file session_name.perf, and stores it in the same directory as the
session log. If there is no session-specific directory for the session log, the Integration Service saves the
file in the default log files directory.

2.

Open the file in any text editor.

Understanding Performance Counters
All transformations have some basic counters that indicate the number of input rows, output rows, and error
rows.
Source Qualifier, Normalizer, and target transformations have additional counters that indicate the efficiency
of data moving into and out of buffers. Use these counters to locate performance bottlenecks.
Some transformations have counters specific to their functionality. For example, each Lookup transformation
has a counter that indicates the number of rows stored in the lookup cache.
When you view the performance details file, the first column displays the transformation name as it appears
in the mapping, the second column contains the counter name, and the third column holds the resulting
number or efficiency percentage. If you use a Joiner transformation, the first column shows two instances of
the Joiner transformation:
•

 [M]. Displays performance details about the master pipeline of the Joiner
transformation.

•

 [D]. Displays performance details about the detail pipeline of the Joiner
transformation.

When you create multiple partitions, the Integration Service generates one set of counters for each partition.
The following performance counters illustrate two partitions for an Expression transformation:
Transformation Name

Counter Name

Counter Value

EXPTRANS [1]

Expression_input rows

8

EXPTRANS [1]

Expression_output rows

8

EXPTRANS [2]

Expression_input rows

16

Performance Details

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Transformation Name

Counter Name

Counter Value

EXPTRANS [2]

Expression_output rows

16

Note: When you increase the number of partitions, the number of aggregate or rank input rows may be
different from the number of output rows from the previous transformation.
The following table describes the Aggegator and Rank Transformation counters/descriptions that may appear
in the Session Performance Details area or in the performance details file:
Counters

Description

Aggregator/Rank_inputrows

Number of rows passed into the transformation.

Aggregator/Rank_outputrows

Number of rows sent out of the transformation.

Aggregator/Rank_errorrows

Number of rows in which the Integration Service encountered an
error.

Aggregator/Rank_readfromcache

Number of times the Integration Service read from the index or
data cache.

Aggregator/Rank_writetocache

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the index or
data cache.

Aggregator/Rank_readfromdisk

Number of times the Integration Service read from the index or
data file on the local disk, instead of using cached data.

Aggregator/Rank_writetodisk

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the index or
data file on the local disk, instead of using cached data.

Aggregator/Rank_newgroupkey

Number of new groups the Integration Service created.

Aggregator/Rank_oldgroupkey

Number of times the Integration Service used existing groups.

The following table describes the Lookup Transformation counters/descriptions that may appear in the
Session Performance Details area or in the performance details file:

198

Counters

Description

Lookup_inputrows

Number of rows passed into the transformation.

Lookup_outputrows

Number of rows sent out of the transformation.

Lookup_errorrows

Number of rows in which the Integration Service encountered an
error.

Lookup_rowsinlookupcache

Number of rows stored in the lookup cache.

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The following table describes the Master and Detail Joiner Transformation counters/descriptions that may
appear in the Session Performance Details area or in the performance details file:
Counters

Description

Joiner_inputMasterRows

Number of rows the master source passed into the
transformation.

Joiner_inputDetailRows

Number of rows the detail source passed into the
transformation.

Joiner_outputrows

Number of rows sent out of the transformation.

Joiner_errorrows

Number of rows in which the Integration Service encountered an
error.

Joiner_readfromcache

Number of times the Integration Service read from the index or
data cache.

Joiner_writetocache

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the index or
data cache.

Joiner_readfromdisk

Number of times the Integration Service read from the index or
data files on the local disk, instead of using cached data.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you use
sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Joiner_writetodisk

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the index or
data files on the local disk, instead of using cached data.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you use
sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Joiner_readBlockFromDisk

Number of times the Integration Service read from the index or
data files on the local disk, instead of using cached data.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you do not
use sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Joiner_writeBlockToDisk

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the index or
data cache.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you do not
use sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Joiner_seekToBlockInDisk

Number of times the Integration Service accessed the index or
data files on the local disk.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you do not
use sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Joiner_insertInDetailCache

Number of times the Integration Service wrote to the detail
cache. The Integration Service generates this counter if you join
data from a single source.
The Integration Service generates this counter when you use
sorted input for the Joiner transformation.

Performance Details

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Counters

Description

Joiner_duplicaterows

Number of duplicate rows the Integration Service found in the
master relation.

Joiner_duplicaterowsused

Number of times the Integration Service used the duplicate rows
in the master relation.

The following table describes All Other Transformation counters/descriptions that may appear in the Session
Performance Details area or in the performance details file:
Counters

Description

Transformation_inputrows

Number of rows passed into the transformation.

Transformation_outputrows

Number of rows sent out of the transformation.

Transformation_errorrows

Number of rows in which the Integration Service encountered an
error.

If you have multiple source qualifiers and targets, evaluate them as a whole. For source qualifiers and
targets, a high value is considered 80-100 percent. Low is considered 0-20 percent.

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CHAPTER 14

Session and Workflow Logs
This chapter includes the following topics:
•

Session and Workflow Logs Overview, 201

•

Log Events, 202

•

Log Events Window, 204

•

Working with Log Files, 205

•

Workflow Logs, 209

•

Session Logs, 210

•

Log Events, 212

Session and Workflow Logs Overview
The Service Manager provides accumulated log events from each service in the domain and for sessions and
workflows. To perform the logging function, the Service Manager runs a Log Manager and a Log Agent. The
Log Manager runs on the master gateway node. The Integration Service generates log events for workflows
and sessions. The Log Agent runs on the nodes to collect and process log events for sessions and
workflows.
Log events for workflows include information about tasks performed by the Integration Service, workflow
processing, and workflow errors. Log events for sessions include information about the tasks performed by
the Integration Service, session errors, and load summary and transformation statistics for the session.
You can view log events for workflows with the Log Events window in the Workflow Monitor. The Log Events
window displays information about log events including severity level, message code, run time, workflow
name, and session name. For session logs, you can set the tracing level to log more information. All log
events display severity regardless of tracing level.
The following steps describe how the Log Manager processes session and workflow logs:
1.

The Integration Service writes binary log files on the node. It sends information about the sessions and
workflows to the Log Manager.

2.

The Log Manager stores information about workflow and session logs in the domain configuration
database. The domain configuration database stores information such as the path to the log file location,
the node that contains the log, and the Integration Service that created the log.

3.

When you view a session or workflow in the Log Events window, the Log Manager retrieves the
information from the domain configuration database to determine the location of the session or workflow
logs.

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4.

The Log Manager dispatches a Log Agent to retrieve the log events on each node to display in the Log
Events window.

To access log events for more than the last workflow run, you can configure sessions and workflows to
archive logs by time stamp. You can also configure a workflow to produce text log files. You can archive text
log files by run or by time stamp. When you configure the workflow or session to produce text log files, the
Integration Service creates the binary log and the text log file.
You can limit the size of session logs for long-running and real-time sessions. You can limit the log size by
configuring a maximum time frame or a maximum file size. When a log reaches the maximum size, the
Integration Service starts a new log.

Log Events
You can view log events in the Workflow Monitor Log Events window and you can view them as text files. The
Log Events window displays log events in a tabular format.

Log Codes
Use log events to determine the cause of workflow or session problems. To resolve problems, locate the
relevant log codes and text prefixes in the workflow and session log.
The Integration Service precedes each workflow and session log event with a thread identification, a code,
and a number. The code defines a group of messages for a process. The number defines a message. The
message can provide general information or it can be an error message.
Some log events are embedded within other log events. For example, a code CMN_1039 might contain
informational messages from Microsoft SQL Server.

Message Severity
The Log Events window categorizes workflow and session log events into severity levels. It prioritizes error
severity based on the embedded message type. The error severity level appears with log events in the Log
Events window in the Workflow Monitor. It also appears with messages in the workflow and session log files.
Note: If you cannot view all the workflow log messages when the error severity level is at warning, change
the error severity level of the workflow log. Change the log level from warning to info in the advanced
properties of the PowerCenter Integration Service process.
The following table describes message severity levels:

202

Severity Level

Description

FATAL

Fatal error occurred. Fatal error messages have the highest severity level.

ERROR

Indicates the service failed to perform an operation or respond to a request from a client
application. Error messages have the second highest severity level.

WARNING

Indicates the service is performing an operation that may cause an error. This can cause
repository inconsistencies. Warning messages have the third highest severity level.

Chapter 14: Session and Workflow Logs

Severity Level

Description

INFO

Indicates the service is performing an operation that does not indicate errors or problems.
Information messages have the third lowest severity level.

TRACE

Indicates service operations at a more specific level than Information. Tracing messages are
generally record message sizes. Trace messages have the second lowest severity level.

DEBUG

Indicates service operations at the thread level. Debug messages generally record the
success or failure of service operations. Debug messages have the lowest severity level.

Writing Logs
The Integration Service writes the workflow and session logs as binary files on the node where the service
process runs. It adds a .bin extension to the log file name you configure in the session and workflow
properties.
When you run a session on a grid, the Integration Service creates one session log for each DTM process.
The log file on the primary node has the configured log file name. The log file on a worker node has
a .w extension:
.w.bin
For example, if you run the session s_m_PhoneList on a grid with three nodes, the session log files use the
names, s_m_PhoneList.bin, s_m_PhoneList.w1.bin, and s_m_PhoneList.w2.bin.
When you rerun a session or workflow, the Integration Service overwrites the binary log file unless you
choose to save workflow logs by time stamp. When you save workflow logs by time stamp, the Integration
Service adds a time stamp to the log file name and archives them.
To view log files for more than one run, configure the workflow or session to create log files.
A workflow or session continues to run even if there are errors while writing to the log file after the workflow
or session initializes. If the log file is incomplete, the Log Events window cannot display all the log events.
The Integration Service starts a new log file for each workflow and session run. When you recover a workflow
or session, the Integration Service appends a recovery.time stamp extension to the file name for the recovery
run.
For real-time sessions, the Integration Service overwrites the log file when you restart a session in cold start
mode or when you restart a JMS or WebSphere MQ session that does not have recovery data. The
Integration Service appends the log file when you restart a JMS or WebSphere MQ session that has recovery
data.
To convert the binary file to a text file, use the infacmd convertLog or the infacmd GetLog command.

Passing Session Events to an External Library
You can pass session event messages to an external procedure to handle. You write the procedure
according to how you want to handle the events and compile it into a shared library. The shared library must
implement a set of functions in the Session Log Interface provided by PowerCenter. In the Administrator tool,
you configure the Integration Service to use the shared library to handle the session logs.
The Session Log Interface lets you pass session event messages, but not workflow event messages, to an
external shared library.

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203

Log Events Window
View log events in the Log Events window. The Log Events window displays the following information for
each session and workflow:
•

Severity. Lists the type of message, such as informational or error.

•

Time stamp. Date and time the log event reached the Log Agent.

•

Node. Node on which the Integration Service process is running.

•

Thread. Thread ID for the workflow or session.

•

Process ID. Windows or UNIX process identification numbers. Displays in the Output window only.

•

Message Code. Message code and number.

•

Message. Message associated with the log event.

By default, the Log Events window displays log events according to the date and time the Integration Service
writes the log event on the node. The Log Events window displays logs consisting of multiple log files by
node name. When you run a session on a grid, log events for the partition groups are ordered by node name
and grouped by log file.
You can perform the following tasks in the Log Events window:
•

Save log events to file. Click Save As to save log events as a binary, text, or XML file.

•

Copy log event text to a file. Click Copy to copy one or more log events and paste them into a text file.

•

Sort log events. Click a column heading to sort log events.

•

Search for log events. Click Find to search for text in log events.

•

Refresh log events. Click Refresh to view updated log events during a workflow or session run.

Note: When you view a log larger than 2 GB, the Log Events window displays a warning that the file might be
too large for system memory. If you continue, the Log Events window might shut down unexpectedly.

Searching for Log Events
Search for log events based on any information in the Log Events window. For example, you can search for
text in a message or search for messages based on the date and time of the log event.
To search for log events:
1.

Open the Workflow Monitor.

2.

Connect to a repository in the Navigator.

3.

Select an Integration Service.

4.

Right-click a workflow and select Get Workflow Log.
The Log Events window displays.

5.

In the Log Events window, click Find.
The Query Area appears.

6.

Enter the text you want to find.

7.

Optionally, click Match Case if you want the query to be case sensitive.

8.

Select Message to search text in the Message field.
-orSelect All Fields to search text in all fields.

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9.

Click Find Next to search for the next instance of the text in the Log Events. Or, click Find Previous to
search for the previous instance of the text in the Log Events.

Keyboard Shortcuts for the Log Events Window
The following table lists shortcuts that you can use to search for Log Events:
To

Press

Open the Query Area.

Ctrl+ F

Find next instance of the text.

F3

Find the previous instance of the text.

Shift+F3

Working with Log Files
Configure a workflow or session to write log events to log files in the workflow or session properties. The
Integration Service writes information about the workflow or session run to a text file in addition to writing log
events to a binary file. If you configure workflow or session properties to create log files, you can open the
text files with any text editor or import the binary files to view logs in the Log Events window.
By default, the Integration Service writes log files based on the Integration Service code page. If you enable
the LogInUTF8 option in the Advanced Properties for the Integration Service, the Integration Service writes to
the logs using the UTF-8 character set. If you configure the Integration Service to run in ASCII mode, it sorts
all character data using a binary sort order even if you select a different sort order in the session properties.
Optimize performance by disabling the option to create text log files.

Writing to Log Files
When you create a workflow or session log, you can configure log options in the workflow or session
properties. You can configure the following information for a workflow or session log:
•

Write Backward Compatible Log File. Select this option to create a text file for workflow or session logs.
If you do not select the option, the Integration Service creates the binary log only.

•

Log File Directory. The directory where you want the log file created. By default, the Integration Service
writes the workflow log file in the directory specified in the service process variable, $PMWorkflowLogDir.
It writes the session log file in the directory specified in the service process variable, $PMSessionLogDir.
If you enter a directory name that the Integration Service cannot access, the workflow or session fails.
The following table shows the default location for each type of log file and the associated service process
variables:
Log File Type

Default Directory (Service Process
Variable)

Default Value for Service Process
Variable

Workflow logs

$PMWorkflowLogDir

$PMRootDir/WorkflowLogs

Session logs

$PMSessionLogDir

$PMRootDir/SessLogs

Working with Log Files

205

•

Name. The name of the log file. You must configure a name for the log file or the workflow or session is
invalid. You can use a service, service process, or user-defined workflow or worklet variable for the log file
name.

Note: The Integration Service stores the workflow and session log names in the domain configuration
database. If you want to use Unicode characters in the workflow or session log file names, the domain
configuration database must be a Unicode database.

Archiving Log Files
By default, when you configure a workflow or session to create log files, the Integration Service creates one
log file for the workflow or session. The Integration Service overwrites the log file when you run the workflow
again.
To create a log file for more than one workflow or session run, configure the workflow or session to archive
logs in the following ways:
•

By run. Archive text log files by run. Configure a number of text logs to save.

•

By time stamp. Archive binary logs and text files by time stamp. The Integration Service saves an
unlimited number of logs and labels them by time stamp. When you configure the workflow or session to
archive by time stamp, the Integration Service always archives binary logs.

Note: When you run concurrent workflows with the same instance name, the Integration Service appends a
timestamp to the log file name, even if you configure the workflow to archive logs by run.

Archiving Logs by Run
If you archive log files by run, specify the number of text log files you want the Integration Service to create.
The Integration Service creates the number of historical log files you specify, plus the most recent log file. If
you specify five runs, the Integration Service creates the most recent workflow log, plus historical logs zero to
four, for a total of six logs. You can specify up to 2,147,483,647 historical logs. If you specify zero logs, the
Integration Service creates only the most recent workflow log file.
The Integration Service uses the following naming convention to create historical logs:
.n
where n=0 for the first historical log. The variable increments by one for each workflow or session run.
If you run a session on a grid, the worker service processes use the following naming convention for a
session:
.n.w

Archiving Log Files by Time Stamp
When you archive logs by time stamp, the Integration Service creates an unlimited number of binary and text
file logs. The Integration Service adds a time stamp to the text and binary log file names. It appends the year,
month, day, hour, and minute of the workflow or session completion to the log file. The resulting log file name
is .yyyymmddhhmi, where:

206

•

yyyy = year

•

mm = month, ranging from 01-12

•

dd = day, ranging from 01-31

•

hh = hour, ranging from 00-23

•

mi = minute, ranging from 00-59

Chapter 14: Session and Workflow Logs

Binary logs use the .bin suffix.
To prevent filling the log directory, periodically purge or back up log files when using the time stamp option.
If you run a session on a grid, the worker service processes use the following naming convention for
sessions:
.yyyymmddhhmi.w
.yyyymmddhhmi.w.bin
When you archive text log files, view the logs by navigating to the workflow or session log folder and viewing
the files in a text reader. When you archive binary log files, you can view the logs by navigating to the
workflow or session log folder and importing the files in the Log Events window. You can archive binary files
when you configure the workflow or session to archive logs by time stamp. You do not have to create text log
files to archive binary files. You might need to archive binary files to send to Informatica Global Customer
Support for review.

Session Log Rollover
You can limit the size of session log files for real-time sessions. Configure a maximum log file size for the
session log. When the session log reaches a maximum size, the Integration Service creates a new log file
and writes the session logs to the new log file. When the session log is contained in multiple log files, each
file is a partial log.
Configure the session log to roll over to a new file after the log file reaches a maximum size. Or, configure the
session log to roll over to a new file after a maximum period of time. The Integration Service saves the
previous log files.
You can configure the maximum number of partial log files to save for the session. The Integration Service
saves one more log file that the number of files you configure. The Integration Service does not purge the
first session log file. The first log file contains details about the session initialization.
The Integration Service names each partial session log file with the following syntax:
.part.n
Configure the following attributes on the Advanced settings of the Config Object tab:
•

Session Log File Max Size. The maximum number of megabytes for a log file. Configure a maximum
size to enable log file rollover by file size. When the log file reaches the maximum size, the Integration
Service creates a new log file. Default is zero.

•

Session Log File Max Time Period. The maximum number of hours that the Integration Service writes to
a session log. Configure the maximum time period to enable log file rollover by time. When the period is
over, the Integration service creates another log file. Default is zero.

•

Maximum Partial Session Log Files. Maximum number of session log files to save. The Integration
Service overwrites the oldest partial log file if the number of log files has reached the limit. If you configure
a maximum of zero, then the number of session log files is unlimited. Default is one.

Note: You can configure a combination of log file maximum size and log file maximum time. You must
configure one of the properties to enable session log file rollover. If you configure only maximum partial
session log files, log file rollover is not enabled.

Configuring Workflow Log File Information
You can configure workflow log information on the workflow Properties tab.
1.

Select the Properties tab of a workflow.

Working with Log Files

207

2.

Enter the following workflow log options:
Option Name

Description

Write Backward
Compatible Workflow
Log File

Writes workflow logs to a text log file. Select this option if you want to create a log
file in addition to the binary log for the Log Events window.

Workflow Log File
Name

Enter a file name or a file name and directory. You can use a service, service
process, or user-defined workflow or worklet variable for the workflow log file
name.
The Integration Service appends this value to that entered in the Workflow Log
File Directory field. For example, if you have $PMWorkflowLogDir\ in the Workflow
Log File Directory field, enter “logname.txt” in the Workflow Log File Name field,
the Integration Service writes logname.txt to the $PMWorkflowLogDir\ directory.

Workflow Log File
Directory

Location for the workflow log file. By default, the Integration Service writes the log
file in the process variable directory, $PMWorkflowLogDir.
If you enter a full directory and file name in the Workflow Log File Name field,
clear this field.

Save Workflow Log By

You can create workflow logs according to the following options:
- By Runs. The Integration Service creates a designated number of workflow logs.
Configure the number of workflow logs in the Save Workflow Log for These Runs
option. The Integration Service does not archive binary logs.
- By time stamp. The Integration Service creates a log for all workflows, appending a
time stamp to each log. When you save workflow logs by time stamp, the Integration
Service archives binary logs and workflow log files.

You can also use the $PMWorkflowLogCount service variable to create the
configured number of workflow logs for the Integration Service.
Save Workflow Log for
These Runs

3.

Number of historical workflow logs you want the Integration Service to create.
The Integration Service creates the number of historical logs you specify, plus the
most recent workflow log.

Click OK.

Configuring Session Log File Information
You can configure session log information on the session Properties tab and the Config Object tab.
1.

208

Select the Properties tab of a session.

Chapter 14: Session and Workflow Logs

2.

Enter the following session log options:
Option Name

Description

Write Backward
Compatible Session
Log File

Writes session logs to a log file. Select this option if you want to create a log file
in addition to the binary log for the Log Events window.

Session Log File Name

By default, the Integration Service uses the session name for the log file name:
s_mapping name.log. For a debug session, it uses DebugSession_mapping
name.log.
Enter a file name, a file name and directory, or use the $PMSessionLogFile
session parameter. The Integration Service appends information in this field to
that entered in the Session Log File Directory field. For example, if you have “C:
\session_logs\” in the Session Log File Directory File field and then enter
“logname.txt” in the Session Log File field, the Integration Service writes the
logname.txt to the C:\session_logs\ directory.
You can also use the $PMSessionLogFile session parameter to represent the
name of the session log or the name and location of the session log.

Session Log File
Directory

Location for the session log file. By default, the Integration Service writes the log
file in the process variable directory, $PMSessionLogDir.
If you enter a full directory and file name in the Session Log File Name field, clear
this field.

3.

Click the Config Object tab.

4.

Enter the following session log options:
Option Name

Description

Save Session
Log By

You can create session logs according to the following options:
- Session Runs. The Integration Service creates a designated number of session log files.
Configure the number of session logs in the Save Session Log for These Runs option. The
Integration Service does not archive binary logs.
- Session Time Stamp. The Integration Service creates a log for all sessions, appending a
time stamp to each log. When you save a session log by time stamp, the Integration Service
archives the binary logs and text log files.

You can also use the $PMSessionLogCount service variable to create the configured
number of session logs for the Integration Service.
Save Session
Log for These
Runs

5.

Number of historical session logs you want the Integration Service to create.
The Integration Service creates the number of historical logs you specify, plus the most
recent session log.

Click OK.

Workflow Logs
Workflow logs contain information about the workflow runs. You can view workflow log events in the Log
Events window of the Workflow Monitor. You can also create an XML, text, or binary log file for workflow log
events.

Workflow Logs

209

A workflow log contains the following information:
•

Workflow name

•

Workflow status

•

Status of tasks and worklets in the workflow

•

Start and end times for tasks and worklets

•

Results of link conditions

•

Errors encountered during the workflow and general information

•

Some session messages and errors

Workflow Log Events Window
Use the Log Events window in the Workflow Monitor to view log events for a workflow. The Log Events
window displays all log events for a workflow. Select a log event to view more information about the log
event.

Workflow Log Sample
A workflow log file provides the same information as the Log Events window for a workflow. You can view a
workflow log file in a text editor.
The following sample shows a section of a workflow log file:
INFO : LM_36435 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Starting execution of workflow
[Wk_Java] in folder [EmployeeData] last saved by user [ellen].
INFO : LM_36330 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Start task instance [Start]:
Execution started.
INFO : LM_36318 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Start task instance [Start]:
Execution succeeded.
INFO : LM_36505 : (3060|3184) Link [Start --> s_m_jtx_hier_useCase]: empty expression
string, evaluated to TRUE.
INFO : LM_36388 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase] is waiting to be started.
INFO : LM_36682 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase]: started a process with pid [148] on node [garnet].
INFO : LM_36330 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:20 2006] : (3060|3184) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase]: Execution started.
INFO : LM_36488 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:22 2006] : (3060|3180) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase] : [TM_6793 Fetching initialization properties from the
Integration Service. : (Mon Apr 03 15:10:21 2006)]
INFO : LM_36488 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:22 2006] : (3060|3180) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase] : [DISP_20305 The [Preparer] DTM with process id [148] is
running on node [garnet].
: (Mon Apr 03 15:10:21 2006)]
INFO : LM_36488 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:22 2006] : (3060|3180) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase] : [PETL_24036 Beginning the prepare phase for the session.]
INFO : LM_36488 [Mon Apr 03 15:10:22 2006] : (3060|3180) Session task instance
[s_m_jtx_hier_useCase] : [TM_6721 Started [Connect to Repository].]

Session Logs
Session logs contain information about the tasks that the Integration Service performs during a session, plus
load summary and transformation statistics. By default, the Integration Service creates one session log for
each session it runs. If a workflow contains multiple sessions, the Integration Service creates a separate

210

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session log for each session in the workflow. When you run a session on a grid, the Integration Service
creates one session log for each DTM process.
In general, a session log contains the following information:
•

Allocation of heap memory

•

Execution of pre-session commands

•

Creation of SQL commands for reader and writer threads

•

Start and end times for target loading

•

Errors encountered during the session and general information

•

Execution of post-session commands

•

Load summary of reader, writer, and DTM statistics

•

Integration Service version and build number

RELATED TOPICS:
•

“Log Options Settings” on page 39

Log Events Window
Use the Log Events window in the Workflow Monitor to view log events for a session. The Log Events window
displays all log events for a session. Select a log event to view more information about the log event.

Session Log File Sample
A session log file provides most of the same information as the Log Events window for a session. The
session log file does not include severity or DTM prepare messages.
The following sample shows a section of a session log file:
DIRECTOR> PETL_24044 The Master DTM will now connect and fetch the prepared session
from the Preparer DTM.
DIRECTOR> PETL_24047 The Master DTM has successfully fetched the prepared session from
the Preparer DTM.
DIRECTOR> DISP_20305 The [Master] DTM with process id [2968] is running on node
[sapphire].
: (Mon Apr 03 16:19:47 2006)
DIRECTOR> TM_6721 Started [Connect to Repository].
DIRECTOR> TM_6722 Finished [Connect to Repository]. It took [0.656233] seconds.
DIRECTOR> TM_6794 Connected to repository [HR_80] in domain [StonesDomain] user [ellen]
DIRECTOR> TM_6014 Initializing session [s_PromoItems] at [Mon Apr 03 16:19:48 2006]
DIRECTOR> TM_6683 Repository Name: [HR_80]
DIRECTOR> TM_6684 Server Name: [Copper]
DIRECTOR> TM_6686 Folder: [Snaps]
DIRECTOR> TM_6685 Workflow: [wf_PromoItems]
DIRECTOR> TM_6101 Mapping name: m_PromoItems [version 1]
DIRECTOR> SDK_1805 Recovery cache will be deleted when running in normal mode.
DIRECTOR> SDK_1802 Session recovery cache initialization is complete.
The session log file includes the Integration Service version and build number.
DIRECTOR> TM_6703 Session [s_PromoItems] is run by 32-bit Integration Service
[sapphire], version [8.1.0], build [0329].

Tracing Levels
The amount of detail that logs contain depends on the tracing level that you set. You can configure tracing
levels for each transformation or for the entire session. By default, the Integration Service uses tracing levels
configured in the mapping.

Session Logs

211

Setting a tracing level for the session overrides the tracing levels configured for each transformation in the
mapping. If you select a normal tracing level or higher, the Integration Service writes row errors into the
session log, including the transformation in which the error occurred and complete row data. If you configure
the session for row error logging, the Integration Service writes row errors to the error log instead of the
session log. If you want the Integration Service to write dropped rows to the session log also, configure the
session for verbose data tracing.
Set the tracing level on the Config Object tab in the session properties.
The following table describes the session log tracing levels:
Tracing Level

Description

None

Integration Service uses the tracing level set in the mapping.

Terse

Integration Service logs initialization information, error messages, and notification of rejected
data.

Normal

Integration Service logs initialization and status information, errors encountered, and skipped
rows due to transformation row errors. Summarizes session results, but not at the level of
individual rows.

Verbose
Initialization

In addition to normal tracing, the Integration Service logs additional initialization details,
names of index and data files used, and detailed transformation statistics.

Verbose Data

In addition to verbose initialization tracing, the Integration Service logs each row that passes
into the mapping. Also notes where the Integration Service truncates string data to fit the
precision of a column and provides detailed transformation statistics.
When you configure the tracing level to verbose data, the Integration Service writes row data
for all rows in a block when it processes a transformation.

You can also enter tracing levels for individual transformations in the mapping. When you enter a tracing
level in the session properties, you override tracing levels configured for transformations in the mapping.

Log Events
The Integration Service generates log events when you run a session or workflow. You can view log events in
the following types of log files:
•

Most recent session or workflow log

•

Archived binary log files

•

Archived text log files

Viewing the Log Events Window
You can view the session or workflow log in the Log Events window for the last run workflow.

212

1.

In the Workflow Monitor, right-click the workflow or session.

2.

Select Get Session Log or Get Workflow Log.

Chapter 14: Session and Workflow Logs

Viewing an Archived Binary Log File
You can view archived binary log files in the Log Events window.
1.

If you do not know the session or workflow log file name and location, check the Log File Name and Log
File Directory attributes on the Session or Workflow Properties tab.
If you are running the Integration Service on UNIX and the binary log file is not accessible on the
Windows machine where the PowerCenter client is running, you can transfer the binary log file to the
Windows machine using FTP.

2.

In the Workflow Monitor, click Tools > Import Log.

3.

Navigate to the session or workflow log file directory.

4.

Select the binary log file you want to view.

5.

Click Open.

Viewing a Text Log File
You can view text log files in any text editor.
1.

If you do not know the session or workflow log file name and location, check the Log File Name and Log
File Directory attributes on the Session or Workflow Properties tab.

2.

Navigate to the session or workflow log file directory.
The session and workflow log file directory contains the text log files and the binary log files. If you
archive log files, check the file date to find the latest log file for the session.

3.

Open the log file in any text editor.

Log Events

213

APPENDIX A

Session Properties Reference
This appendix includes the following topics:
•

General Tab, 214

•

Properties Tab, 215

•

Mapping Tab (Transformations View), 218

•

Mapping Tab (Partitions View), 222

•

Components Tab, 222

•

Metadata Extensions Tab, 224

General Tab
The following table describes settings on the General tab:
General Tab Options

Description

Rename

You can enter a new name for the session task with the Rename
button.

Description

You can enter a description for the session task in the Description field.

Mapping name

Name of the mapping associated with the session task.

Resources

You can associate an object with an available resource.

Fail Parent if This Task Fails

Fails the parent worklet or workflow if this task fails.
Appears only in the Workflow Designer.

Fail Parent if This Task Does Not Run

Fails the parent worklet or workflow if this task does not run.
Appears only in the Workflow Designer.

Disable This Task

Disables the task.
Appears only in the Workflow Designer.

Treat the Input Links as AND or OR

Runs the task when all or one of the input link conditions evaluate to
True.
Appears only in the Workflow Designer.

214

Properties Tab
On the Properties tab, you can configure the following settings:
•

General Options. General Options settings allow you to configure session log file name, session log file
directory, parameter file name and other general session settings.

•

Performance. The Performance settings allow you to increase memory size, collect performance details,
and set configuration parameters.

General Options Settings
The following table describes the General Options settings on the Properties tab:
General
Options
Settings

Description

Write
Backward
Compatible
Session Log
File

Writes the session log to a file.

Session Log
File Name

Enter a file name, a file name and directory, or use the $PMSessionLogFile session parameter.
The Integration Service appends information in this field to that entered in the Session Log File
Directory field. For example, if you have “C:\session_logs\” in the Session Log File Directory
File field and then enter “logname.txt” in the Session Log File field, the Integration Service
writes the logname.txt to the C:\session_logs\ directory.

Session Log
File Directory

Location for the session log file. By default, the Integration Service writes the log file in the
service process variable directory, $PMSessionLogDir.
If you enter a full directory and file name in the Session Log File Name field, clear this field.

Parameter File
Name

The name and directory for the parameter file. Use the parameter file to define session
parameters and override values of mapping parameters and variables.
You can enter a workflow or worklet variable as the session parameter file name if you
configure a workflow to run concurrently, and you want to use different parameter files for the
sessions in each workflow run instance.

Enable Test
Load

You can configure the Integration Service to perform a test load.
With a test load, the Integration Service reads and transforms data without writing to targets.
The Integration Service generates all session files and performs all pre- and post-session
functions, as if running the full session.
Enter the number of source rows you want to test in the Number of Rows to Test field.

Number of
Rows to Test

Enter the number of source rows you want the Integration Service to test load.

$Source
Connection
Value

The database connection you want the Integration Service to use for the $Source connection
variable. You can select a relational or application connection object, or you can use the
$DBConnectionName or $AppConnectionName session parameter if you want to define the
connection value in a parameter file.

Properties Tab

215

General
Options
Settings

Description

$Target
Connection
Value

The database connection you want the Integration Service to use for the $Target connection
variable. You can select a relational or application connection object, or you can use the
$DBConnectionName or $AppConnectionName session parameter if you want to define the
connection value in a parameter file.

Treat Source
Rows As

Indicates how the Integration Service treats all source rows. If the mapping for the session
contains an Update Strategy transformation or a Custom transformation configured to set the
update strategy, the default option is Data Driven.
When you select Data Driven and you load to either a Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle
database, you must use a normal load. If you bulk load, the Integration Service fails the
session.

Commit Type

Determines if the Integration Service uses a source- or target-based, or user-defined commit.
You can choose source- or target-based commit if the mapping has no Transaction Control
transformation or only ineffective Transaction Control transformations. By default, the
Integration Service performs a target-based commit.
A user-defined commit is enabled by default if the mapping has effective Transaction Control
transformations.

Commit
Interval

In conjunction with the selected commit interval type, indicates the number of rows. By default,
the Integration Service uses a commit interval of 10,000 rows.
This option is not available for user-defined commit.

Commit On
End of File

By default, this option is enabled and the Integration Service performs a commit at the end of
the file. Clear this option if you want to roll back open transactions.
This option is enabled by default for a target-based commit. You cannot disable it.

Rollback
Transactions
on Errors
Recovery
Strategy

The Integration Service rolls back the transaction at the next commit point when it encounters a
non-fatal writer error.

Choose one of the following recovery strategies:
- Resume from the last checkpoint. The Integration Service saves the session state of operation
and maintains target recovery tables.
- Restart. The Integration Service runs the session again when it recovers the workflow.
- Fail session and continue the workflow. The Integration Service cannot recover the session, but it
continues the workflow. This is the default session recovery strategy.

Java Classpath

If you enter a Java Classpath in this field, the Java Classpath is added to the beginning of the
system classpath when the Integration Service runs the session. Use this option if you use
third-party Java packages, built-in Java packages, or custom Java packages in a Java
transformation.
You can use service process variables to define the classpath. For example, you can use
$PMRootDir to define a classpath within the $PMRootDir folder.

216

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference

Performance Settings
The following table describes the Performance settings on the Properties tab:
Performance
Settings

Description

DTM Buffer Size

Amount of memory allocated to the session from the DTM process.
By default, the Integration Service determines the DTM buffer size at run time. The
Workflow Manager allocates a minimum of 12 MB for DTM buffer memory.
You can specify auto or a numeric value. If you enter 2000, the Integration Service
interprets the number as 2000 bytes. Append KB, MB, or GB to the value to specify other
units. For example, you can specify 512MB.
Increase the DTM buffer size in the following circumstances:
- A session contains large amounts of character data and you configure it to run in Unicode
mode. Increase the DTM buffer size to 24MB.
- A session contains n partitions. Increase the DTM buffer size to at least n times the value for
the session with one partition.
- A source contains a large binary object with a precision larger than the allocated DTM buffer
size. Increase the DTM buffer size so that the session does not fail.

Collect Performance
Data

Collects performance details when the session runs. Use the Workflow Monitor to view
performance details while the session runs.

Write Performance
Data to Repository

Writes performance details for the session to the PowerCenter repository. Write
performance details to the repository to view performance details for previous session
runs. Use the Workflow Monitor to view performance details for previous session runs.

Incremental
Aggregation

The Integration Service performs incremental aggregation.

Reinitialize
Aggregate Cache

Overwrites existing aggregate files for an incremental aggregation session.

Enable High
Precision

Processes the Decimal datatype to a precision of 28.

Session Retry On
Deadlock

The Integration Service retries target writes on deadlock for normal load. You can
configure the Integration Service to set the number of deadlock retries and the deadlock
sleep time period.

Pushdown
Optimization

The Integration Service analyzes the transformation logic, mapping, and session
configuration to determine the transformation logic it can push to the database. Select one
of the following pushdown optimization values:
- None. The Integration Service does not push any transformation logic to the database.
- To Source. The Integration Service pushes as much transformation logic as possible to the
source database.
- To Target. The Integration Service pushes as much transformation logic as possible to the
target database.
- Full. The Integration Service pushes as much transformation logic as possible to both the
source database and target database.
- $$PushdownConfig. The $$PushdownConfig mapping parameter allows you to run the same
session with different pushdown optimization configurations at different times.

Default is None.

Properties Tab

217

Performance
Settings

Description

Allow Temporary
View for Pushdown

Allows the Integration Service to create temporary views in the database when it pushes
the session to the database. The Integration Service must create a view in the database if
the session contains an SQL override, a filtered lookup, or an unconnected lookup.

Allow Temporary
Sequence for
Pushdown

Allows the Integration Service to create temporary sequence objects in the database. The
Integration Service must create a sequence object in the database if the session contains
a Sequence Generator transformation.

Session Sort Order

Sort order for the session. The session properties display all sort orders associated with
the Integration Service code page. You can configure the following values for the sort
order:
- 0. BINARY
- 2. SPANISH
- 3. TRADITIONAL_SPANISH
- 4. DANISH
- 5. SWEDISH
- 6. FINNISH

When the Integration Service runs in Unicode mode, it sorts character data in the session
using the selected sort order. When the Integration Service runs in ASCII mode, it ignores
this setting and uses a binary sort order to sort character data.

Mapping Tab (Transformations View)
The Transformations view of the Mapping tab contains the following nodes:

218

•

Start Page. Describes the nodes on the Mapping tab.

•

Pushdown Optimization. Displays the Pushdown Optimization Viewer where you can view and configure
pushdown groups.

•

Connections. Displays the source, target, lookup, stored procedure, FTP, external loader, and queue
connections. You can choose connection types and connection values. You can also edit connection
object values.

•

Memory Properties. Displays memory attributes that you configured on other tabs in the session
properties. Configure memory attributes such as DTM buffer size, cache sizes, and default buffer block
size.

•

Files, Directories, and Commands. Displays file names and directories for the session. This includes
session logs reject file, and target file names and directories.

•

Sources. Displays the mapping sources and settings that you can configure in the session.

•

Targets. Displays the mapping target and settings that you can configure in the session.

•

Transformations. Displays the mapping transformations and settings that you can configure in the
session.

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference

Sources Node
The Sources node lists the mapping sources and displays the settings. If you want to view and configure the
settings of a specific source, select the source from the list. You can configure the following settings:
•

Readers. Displays the reader that the Integration Service uses with each source instance. The Workflow
Manager specifies the necessary reader for each source instance.

•

Connections. Displays the source connections. You can choose connection types and connection values.
You can also edit connection object values.

•

Properties. Displays source and source qualifier properties. For relational sources, you can override
properties that you configured in the Mapping Designer.
For file sources, you can override properties that you configured in the Source Analyzer. You can also
configure the following session properties for file sources:
File Source
Options

Description

Source File
Directory

Enter the directory name in this field. By default, the Integration Service looks in the
service process variable directory, $PMSourceFileDir, for file sources.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Source Filename field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Source Filename field
when it runs the session.
You can also use the $InputFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Source Filename

Enter the file name, or file name and path. Optionally use the $InputFileName session
parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Source File Directory field
when it runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\data\” in the Source File
Directory field, then enter “filename.dat” in the Source Filename field. When the
Integration Service begins the session, it looks for “C:\data\filename.dat”.
By default, the Workflow Manager enters the file name configured in the source
definition.

Source Filetype

You can configure multiple file sources using a file list.
Indicates whether the source file contains the source data, or a list of files with the
same file properties. Select Direct if the source file contains the source data. Select
Indirect if the source file contains a list of files.
When you select Indirect, the Integration Service finds the file list then reads each
listed file when it executes the session.

Targets Node
The Targets node lists the mapping targets and displays the settings. To view and configure the settings of a
specific target, select the target from the list. You can configure the following settings:
•

Writers. Displays the writer that the Integration Service uses with each target instance. For relational
targets, you can choose a relational writer or a file writer. Choose a file writer to use an external loader.
After you override a relational target to use a file writer, define the file properties for the target. Click Set
File Properties and choose the target to define.

•

Connections. Displays the target connections. You can choose connection types and connection values.
You can also edit connection object values.

Mapping Tab (Transformations View)

219

•

Properties. Displays different properties for different target types. For relational targets, you can override
properties that you configured in the Mapping Designer. You can also configure the following session
properties for relational targets:
Relational Target
Property
Target Load Type

Description

You can choose Normal or Bulk.
If you select Normal, the Integration Service loads targets normally.
You can choose Bulk when you load to DB2, Sybase, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL
Server. If you specify Bulk for other database types, the Integration Service reverts
to a normal load. Loading in bulk mode can improve session performance, but limits
the ability to recover because no database logging occurs.
Choose Normal mode if the mapping contains an Update Strategy transformation.
If you choose Normal and the Microsoft SQL Server target name includes spaces,
configure the following connection environment SQL in the connection object:
SET QUOTED_IDENTIFIER ON

Insert

The Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for insert.

Update (as Update)

The Integration Service updates all rows flagged for update.

Update (as Insert)

The Integration Service inserts all rows flagged for update.

Update (else Insert)

The Integration Service updates rows flagged for update if they exist in the target,
and inserts remaining rows marked for insert.

Delete

The Integration Service deletes all rows flagged for delete.

Truncate Table

The Integration Service truncates the target before loading.

Reject File Directory

Reject-file directory name. By default, the Integration Service writes all reject files to
the service process variable directory, $PMBadFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Reject Filename field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject Filename field
when it runs the session.
You can also use the $BadFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Reject Filename

File name or file name and path for the reject file. By default, the Integration Service
names the reject file after the target instance name: target_name.bad. Optionally,
use the $BadFileName session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject File Directory field
when it runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\reject_file\” in the Reject File
Directory field, and enter “filename.bad” in the Reject Filename field, the Integration
Service writes rejected rows to C:\reject_file\filename.bad.

220

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference

For file targets, you can override properties that you configured in the Target Designer. You can also
configure the following session properties for file targets:
File Target
Property

Description

Merge Partitioned
Files

When selected, the Integration Service merges the partitioned target files into one file
when the session completes, and then deletes the individual output files. If the
Integration Service fails to create the merged file, it does not delete the individual
output files.
You cannot merge files if the session uses FTP, an external loader, or a message
queue.

Merge File
Directory

Enter the directory name in this field. By default, the Integration Service writes the
merged file in the service process variable directory, $PMTargetFileDir.
If you enter a full directory and file name in the Merge File Name field, clear this field.

Merge File Name

Name of the merge file. Default is target_name.out. This property is required if you
select Merge Partitioned Files.

Create Directory if
Not Exists

Creates the target directory if it does not exist.

Output File
Directory

Enter the directory name in this field. By default, the Integration Service writes output
files in the service process variable directory, $PMTargetFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Output Filename field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Output Filename field
when it runs the session.
You can also use the $OutputFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Output Filename

Enter the file name, or file name and path. By default, the Workflow Manager names
the target file based on the target definition used in the mapping: target_name.out.
If the target definition contains a slash character, the Workflow Manager replaces the
slash character with an underscore.
When you use an external loader to load to an Oracle database, you must specify a file
extension. If you do not specify a file extension, the Oracle loader cannot find the flat
file and the Integration Service fails the session.
Enter the file name, or file name and path. Optionally use the $OutputFileName
session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Output File Directory field when
it runs the session.
Note: If you specify an absolute path file name when using FTP, the Integration
Service ignores the Default Remote Directory specified in the FTP connection. When
you specify an absolute path file name, do not use single or double quotes.

Mapping Tab (Transformations View)

221

File Target
Property

Description

Reject File
Directory

Enter the directory name in this field. By default, the Integration Service writes all
reject files to the service process variable directory, $PMBadFileDir.
If you specify both the directory and file name in the Reject Filename field, clear this
field. The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject Filename field
when it runs the session.
You can also use the $BadFileName session parameter to specify the file directory.

Reject Filename

Enter the file name, or file name and path. By default, the Integration Service names
the reject file after the target instance name: target_name.bad. Optionally use the
$BadFileName session parameter for the file name.
The Integration Service concatenates this field with the Reject File Directory field when
it runs the session. For example, if you have “C:\reject_file\” in the Reject File Directory
field, and enter “filename.bad” in the Reject Filename field, the Integration Service
writes rejected rows to C:\reject_file\filename.bad.

Transformations Node
On the Transformations node, you can override transformation properties that you configure in the Designer.
The attributes you can configure depends on the type of transformation you select.

Mapping Tab (Partitions View)
In the Partitions view of the Mapping tab, you can configure partitions. You can configure partitions for nonreusable sessions in the Workflow Designer and for reusable sessions in the Task Developer.
The following nodes are available in the Partitions view:
•

Partition Properties. Configure partitions with the Partition Properties node.

•

KeyRange. Configure the partition range for key-range partitioning. Select Edit Keys to edit the partition
key.

•

HashKeys. Configure hash key partitioning. Select Edit Keys to edit the partition key.

•

Partition Points. Select a partition point to configure attributes. You can add and delete partitions and
partition points, configure the partition type, and add keys and key ranges.

•

Non-Partition Points. The Non-Partition Points node displays mapping objects as icons. The Partition
Points node lists the non-partition points in the tree. You can select a non-partition point and add
partitions.

Components Tab
In the Components tab, you can configure pre-session shell commands, post-session commands, email
messages if the session succeeds or fails, and variable assignments.

222

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference

The following table describes the Components tab options:
Components
Tab Option

Description

Task

Configure pre- or post-session shell commands, success or failure email messages, and
variable assignments.

Type

Select None if you do not want to configure commands and emails in the Components tab.
For pre- and post-session commands, select Reusable to call an existing reusable Command
task as the pre- or post-session shell command. Select Non-Reusable to create pre- or postsession shell commands for this session task.
For success or failure emails, select Reusable to call an existing Email task as the success or
failure email. Select Non-Reusable to create email messages for this session task.

Value

Use to configure commands, emails, or variable assignments.

The following table describes the tasks available in the Components tab:
Components Tab Tasks

Description

Pre-Session Command

Shell commands that the Integration Service performs at the beginning of a
session.

Post-Session Success
Command

Shell commands that the Integration Service performs after the session completes
successfully.

Post-Session Failure
Command

Shell commands that the Integration Service performs if the session fails.

On Success Email

Integration Service sends On Success email message if the session completes
successfully.

On Failure Email

Integration Service sends On Failure email message if the session fails.

Pre-session variable
assignment

Assign values to mapping parameters, mapping variables, and session parameters
before a session runs. Read-only for reusable sessions.

Post-session on success
variable assignment

Assign values to parent workflow and worklet variables after a session completes
successfully. Read-only for reusable sessions.

Post-session on failure
variable assignment

Assign values to parent workflow and worklet variables after a session fails. Readonly for reusable sessions.

Components Tab

223

Metadata Extensions Tab
The following table describes the configuration options for the Metadata Extensions tab:
Metadata
Extensions Tab
Options

Description

Extension Name

Name of the metadata extension. Metadata extension names must be unique in a domain.

Datatype

Datatype: numeric (integer), string, boolean, or XML.

Value

Value of the metadata extension.
For a numeric metadata extension, the value must be an integer.
For a boolean metadata extension, choose true or false.
For a string or XML metadata extension, click the button in the Value field to enter a value
of more than one line. The Workflow Manager does not validate XML syntax.

224

Precision

Maximum length for string or XML metadata extensions.

Reusable

Select to make the metadata extension apply to all objects of this type (reusable). Clear to
make the metadata extension apply to this object only (non-reusable).

Description

Description of the metadata extension.

Appendix A: Session Properties Reference

APPENDIX B

Workflow Properties Reference
This appendix includes the following topics:
•

General Tab, 225

•

Properties Tab, 226

•

Scheduler Tab, 227

•

Variables Tab, 229

•

Events Tab, 230

General Tab
You can change the workflow name and enter a comment for the workflow on the General tab. By default, the
General tab appears when you open the workflow properties.
The following table describes the settings on the General tab:
General Tab Options

Description

Name

Name of the workflow.

Comments

Comment that describes the workflow.

Integration Service

Integration Service that runs the workflow by default. You can also assign an
Integration Service when you run the workflow.

Suspension Email

Email message that the Integration Service sends when a task fails and the Integration
Service suspends the workflow.

Disabled

Disables the workflow from the schedule. The Integration Service stops running the
workflow until you clear the Disabled option.

Suspend on Error

The Integration Service suspends the workflow when a task in the workflow fails.

Web Services

Creates a service workflow. Click Config Service to configure service information.

225

General Tab Options

Description

Configure Concurrent
Execution

Enables the Integration Service to run more than one instance of the workflow at a
time. You can run multiple instances of the same workflow name, or you can configure
a different name and parameter file for each instance.
Click Configure Concurrent Execution to configure instance names.

Service Level

Determines the order in which the Load Balancer dispatches tasks from the dispatch
queue when multiple tasks are waiting to be dispatched. Default is “Default.”
You create service levels in the Administrator tool.

Properties Tab
Configure parameter file name and workflow log options on the Properties tab.
The following table describes the settings on the Properties tab:
Properties Tab
Options

Description

Parameter File
Name

Designates the name and directory for the parameter file. Use the parameter file to define
workflow variables.

Write Backward
Compatible
Workflow Log File

Select to write workflow log to a file.

Workflow Log File
Name

Enter a file name, or a file name and directory. Required.

Workflow Log File
Directory

Designates a location for the workflow log file. By default, the Integration Service writes
the log file in the service variable directory, $PMWorkflowLogDir.

The Integration Service appends information in this field to that entered in the Workflow
Log File Directory field. For example, if you have “C:\workflow_logs\” in the Workflow Log
File Directory field, then enter “logname.txt” in the Workflow Log File Name field, the
Integration Service writes logname.txt to the C:\workflow_logs\ directory.

If you enter a full directory and file name in the Workflow Log File Name field, clear this
field.
Save Workflow Log
By

If you select Save Workflow Log by Timestamp, the Integration Service saves all workflow
logs, appending a timestamp to each log.
If you select Save Workflow Log by Runs, the Integration Service saves a designated
number of workflow logs. Configure the number of workflow logs in the Save Workflow
Log for These Runs option.
You can also use the $PMWorkflowLogCount service variable to save the configured
number of workflow logs for the Integration Service.

226

Appendix B: Workflow Properties Reference

Properties Tab
Options

Description

Save Workflow Log
For These Runs

Number of historical workflow logs you want the Integration Service to save.
The Integration Service saves the number of historical logs you specify, plus the most
recent workflow log. Therefore, if you specify 5 runs, the Integration Service saves the
most recent workflow log, plus historical logs 0–4, for a total of 6 logs.
You can specify up to 2,147,483,647 historical logs. If you specify 0 logs, the Integration
Service saves only the most recent workflow log.

Enable HA
Recovery

Enable workflow recovery. Not available for web service workflows.

Automatically
recover terminated
tasks

Recover terminated tasks without user intervention. You must have high availability and
the workflow must still be running. Not available for web service workflows.

Maximum automatic
recovery attempts

When you automatically recover terminated tasks you can choose the number of times the
Integration Service attempts to recover the task. Default is 5.

Scheduler Tab
The Scheduler Tab lets you schedule a workflow to run continuously, run at a given interval, or manually start
a workflow.
You can configure the following types of scheduler settings:
•

Non-Reusable. Create a non-reusable scheduler for the workflow.

•

Reusable. Choose a reusable scheduler for the workflow.

The following table describes the settings on the Scheduler Tab:
Scheduler Tab Options
Non-Reusable/Reusable

Description
Indicates the scheduler type.
If you select Non Reusable, the scheduler can only be used by the current workflow.
If you select Reusable, choose a reusable scheduler. You can create reusable
schedulers by selecting Schedulers.

Scheduler

Select a set of scheduler settings for the workflow.

Description

Enter a description for the scheduler.

Summary

Read-only summary of the selected scheduler settings.

Edit Scheduler Settings
Click the Edit Scheduler Settings button to configure the scheduler. The Edit Scheduler dialog box appears.

Scheduler Tab

227

The following table describes the settings on the Edit Scheduler dialog box:
Scheduler Options

Description

Run Options: Run On
Integration Service
Initialization/Run On
Demand/Run Continuously

If you select Run On Integration Service Initialization, the Integration Service
runs the workflow as soon as the Integration Service is initialized.

Indicates the workflow schedule type.

If you select Run On Demand, the Integration Service only runs the workflow
when you start the workflow.
If you select Run Continuously, the Integration Service starts the next run of
the workflow as soon as it finishes the first run.

Schedule Options: Run
Once/Run Every/Customized
Repeat

Required if you select Run On Integration Service Initialization in Run
Options.
Also required if you do not choose any setting in Run Options.
If you select Run Once, the Integration Service runs the workflow once, as
scheduled in the scheduler.
If you select Run Every, the Integration Service runs the workflow at regular
intervals, as configured.
If you select Customized Repeat, the Integration Service runs the workflow on
the dates and times specified in the Repeat dialog box.

Edit

Required if you select Customized Repeat in Schedule Options. Opens the
Repeat dialog box, allowing you to schedule specific dates and times for the
workflow to run. The selected scheduler appears at the bottom of the page.

Start Date

Required if you select Run On Integration Service Initialization in Run
Options.
Also required if you do not choose any setting in Run Options.
Indicates the date on which the Integration Service begins scheduling the
workflow.

Start Time

Required if you select Run On Integration Service Initialization in Run
Options.
Also required if you do not choose any setting in Run Options.
Indicates the time at which the Integration Service begins scheduling the
workflow.

End Options: End On/End After/
Forever

Required if the workflow schedule is Run Every or Customized Repeat.
If you select End On, the Integration Service stops scheduling the workflow in
the selected date.
If you select End After, the Integration Service stops scheduling the workflow
after the set number of workflow runs.
If you select Forever, the Integration Service schedules the workflow as long
as the workflow does not fail.

Customizing Repeat Option
You can schedule the workflow to run once, run at an interval, or customize the repeat option. Click the Edit
button on the Edit Scheduler dialog box to configure Customized Repeat options.

228

Appendix B: Workflow Properties Reference

The following table describes options in the Customized Repeat dialog box:
Repeat
Option

Description

Repeat
Every

Enter the numeric interval you want to schedule the workflow, then select Days, Weeks, or Months,
as appropriate.
If you select Days, select the appropriate Daily Frequency settings.
If you select Weeks, select the appropriate Weekly and Daily Frequency settings.
If you select Months, select the appropriate Monthly and Daily Frequency settings.

Weekly

Monthly

Required to enter a weekly schedule. Select the day or days of the week on which you want to
schedule the workflow.
Required to enter a monthly schedule.
If you select Run On Day, select the dates on which you want the workflow scheduled on a monthly
basis. The Integration Service schedules the workflow on the selected dates. If you select a numeric
date exceeding the number of days within a particular month, the Integration Service schedules the
workflow for the last day of the month, including leap years. For example, if you schedule the
workflow to run on the 31st of every month, the Integration Service schedules the session on the
30th of the following months: April, June, September, and November.
If you select Run On The, select the week or weeks of the month, then the day of the week on which
you want the workflow to run. For example, if you select Second and Last, then select Wednesday,
the Integration Service schedules the workflow on the second and last Wednesday of every month.

Daily

Enter the number of times you would like the Integration Service to run the workflow on any day the
session is scheduled.
If you select Run Once, the Integration Service schedules the workflow once on the selected day, at
the time entered on the Start Time setting on the Time tab.
If you select Run Every, enter Hours and Minutes to define the interval at which the Integration
Service runs the workflow. The Integration Service then schedules the workflow at regular intervals
on the selected day. The Integration Service uses the Start Time setting for the first scheduled
workflow of the day. If you choose an interval that is bigger than the start time, the workflow runs one
time each day. The Integration Service then schedules the workflow at regular intervals on the
selected day.

Variables Tab
Before using workflow variables, you must declare them on the Variables tab.
The following table describes the settings on the Variables tab:
Variable Options

Description

Name

Name of the workflow variable.

Datatype

Datatype of the workflow variable.

Persistent

Indicates whether the Integration Service maintains the value of the variable from the
previous workflow run.

Is Null

Indicates whether the workflow variable is null.

Variables Tab

229

Variable Options

Description

Default

Default value of the workflow variable.

Description

Optional details about the workflow variable.

Events Tab
Before using the Event-Raise task, declare a user-defined event on the Events tab.
The following table describes the settings on the Events tab:

230

Events Tab Options

Description

Events

Name of the event you declare.

Description

Details to describe the event.

Appendix B: Workflow Properties Reference

INDEX

A
aborted
status 181
aborting
Control tasks 50
status 181
tasks in Workflow Monitor 179
Absolute Time
specifying 56
Timer task 56
active sources
constraint-based loading 83
definition 88
row error logging 88
transaction generators 88
XML targets 88
adding
tasks to workflows 21
Additional Concurrent Pipelines
restricting pre-built lookup cache 37
advanced settings
session properties 37
aggregate caches
reinitializing 217
AND links
input type 47
Append if Exists
flat file target property 89
append to document
flushing XML 103
application connections
CPI-C 135
JMS 130
JNDI 130
PeopleSoft 133
RFC/BAPI 137
Salesforce 134
SAP ALE IDoc Reader 136
SAP ALE IDoc Writer 137
SAP NetWeaver 134
SAP NetWeaver BI 138
SAP R/3 135
TIB/Rendezvous 140
TIBCO 140
Web Services 142
webMethods 144
arrange
workflows vertically 4
workspace objects 9
assigning
Integration Services 23
Assignment tasks
creating 48
definition 48
description 44

Assignment tasks (continued)
using Expression Editor 16

B
Backward Compatible Session Log
configuring 208
Backward Compatible Workflow Log
configuring 207
buffer block size
configuring for sessions 37
bulk loading
commit interval 85
data driven session 85
DB2 guidelines 86
Oracle guidelines 85
relational targets 85
session properties 78, 85, 219
test load 76

C
caches
configuring concurrent lookup caches for sessions 37
configuring lookup in sessions 37
configuring maximum numeric memory limit for sessions 37
specifying maximum memory by percentage 37
caching
XML properties 104
certified messages
configuring TIB/Rendezvous application connections 140
checking in
versioned objects 11
checking out
versioned objects 11
COBOL sources
error handling 67
numeric data handling 69
code page compatibility
multiple file sources 71
targets 73
code pages
connection objects 115
database connections 73, 115
delimited source 65
delimited target 92
fixed-width source 64
fixed-width target 92
relaxed validation 115
cold start
tasks and workflows in Workflow Monitor 179
color themes
selecting 6

231

colors
setting 5
workspace 5
command
file targets 91
generating file list 64
generating source data 63
processing target data 91
Command property
configuring flat file sources 62
configuring flat file targets 89
Command tasks
creating 49
definition 49
description 44
executing commands 50
Fail Task if Any Command Fails 50
making reusable 35
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 192
multiple UNIX commands 50
promoting to reusable 49
using parameters and variables 34
using variables in 49
Command Type
configuring flat file sources 62
comments
adding in Expression Editor 17
commit
flushing XML 103
commit interval
bulk loading 85
commit type
configuring 215
comparing objects
sessions 13
tasks 13
workflows 13
worklets 13
Components tab
properties 222
concurrent workflows
scheduling 154
Config Object tab
overview 36
session properties 36
configuring
in Web Services Consumer application connections 116
connect string
examples 112
syntax 112
connection environment SQL
configuring 118
connection objects
assigning permissions 117
code pages 115
configuring in sessions 110
deleting 147
overriding connection attributes 114
owner 117
Connection Retry Period (property)
database connections 120
WebSphere MQ 145
connection settings
applying to all session instances 32
connection variables
defining for Lookup transformations 114
defining for Stored Procedure transformations 114
specifying $Source and $Target 113

232

Index

connections
configuring for sessions 110
copy as 122
copying a relational database connection 122
external loader 124
FTP 123
multiple targets 105
overriding connection attributes 114
overriding for Lookup transformations 114
overriding for Stored Procedure transformations 114
relational database 120, 127
replacing a relational database connection 122
sources 59
targets 75
connectivity
connect string examples 112
constraint-based loading
active sources 83
configuring 82
configuring for sessions 37
enabling 85
key relationships 83
target connection groups 83
Update Strategy transformations 83
Control tasks
definition 50
description 44
options 50
copying
repository objects 12
counters
overview 197
CPI-C application connections
configuring 135
creating
Assignment tasks 48
Command tasks 49
Decision tasks 52
Email tasks 165
external loader connections 124
metadata extensions 15
reserved words file 87
reusable scheduler 155
sessions 29, 30
tasks 45
workflows 20
custom properties
overriding Integration Service properties for sessions 37
customization
of toolbars 8
of windows 8
workspace colors 5
customized repeat
daily 157
editing 156
monthly 157
options 157
repeat every 157
weekly 157

D
data driven
bulk loading 85
database connections
configuring 120, 127
configuring for PowerChannel 127

database connections (continued)
connection retry period 120
copying a relational database connection 122
domain name 120, 127
packet size 120, 127
replacing a relational database connection 122
resilience 119
use trusted connection 120, 127
using IBM DB2 client authentication 111
using Oracle OS Authentication 111
databases
configuring a connection 120
connection requirements 120, 124, 127
connections 120
environment SQL 118
selecting code pages 115
datatypes
Decimal 94
Double 94
Float 94
Integer 94
Money 94
numeric 94
padding bytes for fixed-width targets 94
Real 94
date time
format 3
dates
configuring 3
formats 3
DB2
bulk loading guidelines 86
commit interval 85
deadlock retries
PM_RECOVERY table 82
session 217
target connection groups 87
Decision tasks
creating 52
decision condition variable 51
definition 51
description 44
example 51
using Expression Editor 16
Default Remote Directory
for FTP connections 123
deleting
connection objects 147
workflows 21
delimited flat files
code page, sources 65
code page, targets 92
escape character, sources 65
numeric data handling 69
quote character, sources 65
quote character, targets 92
row settings 65
session properties, sources 65
session properties, targets 92
delimiter
session properties, sources 65
session properties, targets 92
directories
run-time creation 89
workspace file 4
disabled
status 181

disabling
tasks 47
workflows 158
displaying
Expression Editor 17
Integration Services in Workflow Monitor 174
domain name
database connections 120, 127
dropping
indexes 82
DTD file
schema reference 102
DTM Buffer Pool Size
session property 217
duplicate group row handling
XML targets 102
dynamic partitioning
session option 42

E
editing
metadata extensions 16
scheduling 157
sessions 30
workflows 21
email
attaching files 166, 169
configuring a user on Windows 162, 169
configuring the Integration Service on UNIX 161
configuring the Integration Service on Windows 162
distribution lists 163
format tags 166
logon network security on Windows 163
MIME format 162
multiple recipients 163
on failure 165
on success 165
overview 160
post-session 165
rmail 161
sending using MAPI 162
sending using SMTP 164
sendmail 161
service variables 169
specifying a Microsoft Outlook profile 163
suspending workflows 168
text message 164
tips 169
user name 164
using other mail programs 169
using service variables 169
variables 166
workflows 164
worklets 164
Email tasks
creating 165
description 44
overview 164
empty strings
XML target files 101
enabling
enhanced security 7
past events in Event-Wait task 56
end options
end after 156
end on 156

Index

233

end options (continued)
forever 156
endpoint URL
in Web Service application connections 142
enhanced security
enabling 7
environment SQL
configuring 118
guidelines for entering 119
error handling
COBOL sources 67
configuring 34
fixed-width file 67
pre- and post-session SQL 33
error handling settings
session properties 40
errors
pre-session shell command 35
stopping session on 40
validating in Expression Editor 17
escape characters
in XML targets 101
Event-Raise tasks
configuring 55
declaring user-defined event 54
definition 53
description 44
in worklets 26
Event-Wait tasks
definition 53
description 44
for predefined events 56
for user-defined events 55
waiting for past events 56
working with 55
events
in worklets 26
predefined events 53
user-defined events 53
ExportSessionLogLibName
passing log events to an external library 203
Expression Editor
adding comments 17
displaying 17
syntax colors 17
using 16
validating 153
validating expressions using 17
expressions
validating 17
external loader
connections 124

F
Fail Task if Any Command Fails
in Command Tasks 50
failed
status 181
failing workflows
failing parent workflows 47, 50
using Control task 50
file list
generating with command 64
multiple XML targets 104
file mode
SAP R/3 application connections 135

234

Index

file mode connections
RFC 135
file sources
Integration Service handling 67, 69
numeric data handling 69
session properties 62
file targets
session properties 89
file-based ledger
TIB/Rendezvous application connections, configuring 140
filtering
deleted tasks in Workflow Monitor 173
Integration Services in Workflow Monitor 174
tasks in Gantt Chart view 173
tasks in Task View 184
Find in Workspace tool
overview 8
Find Next tool
overview 8
fixed-width files
code page, sources 64
code page, targets 92
error handling 67
multibyte character handling 67
null characters, sources 64
null characters, targets 92
numeric data handling 69
padded bytes in fixed-width targets 94
source session properties 64
target session properties 92
writing to 94
flat file definitions
escape character, sources 65
Integration Service handling, targets 93
quote character, sources 65
quote character, targets 92
session properties, sources 62
session properties, targets 89
flat files
code page, sources 64
code page, targets 92
creating footer 89
creating headers 89
delimiter, sources 65
delimiter, targets 92
Footer Command property 89
generating source data 63
generating with command 63
Header Command property 89
Header Options property 89
multibyte data 96
null characters, sources 64
null characters, targets 92
numeric data handling 69
precision, targets 94, 96
processing with command 91
shift-sensitive target 96
writing targets by transaction 95
flushing data
appending to document 103
create new documents 103
ignore commit 103
fonts
format options 5
setting 5
footer
creating in file targets 89

Footer Command
flat file targets 89
format
date time 3
format options
color themes 6
colors 5
date and time 3
fonts 5
orthogonal links 5
resetting 5
schedule 3
solid lines for links 5
Timer task 3
FTP
connection names 123
connection properties 123
connections for ABAP integration 134
creating connections 123
defining connections 123
defining default remote directory 123
defining host names 123
resilience 123
retry period 123
Use SFTP 123

G
Gantt Chart
configuring 176
filtering 173
listing tasks and workflows 182
navigating 183
opening and closing folders 174
organizing 183
overview 171
searching 183
time increments 183
time window, configuring 176
using 182
general options
arranging workflow vertically 4
configuring 4
in-place editing 4
launching Workflow Monitor 4
open editor 4
panning windows 4
reload task or workflow 4
repository notifications 4
session properties 214
show background in partition editor and DBMS based optimization 4
show expression on a link 4
show full name of task 4
General tab in session properties
in Workflow Manager 214
generating certificates
client certificate file 116
private key file 116
globalization
database connections 73
overview 73
targets 73
grid
enabling sessions to run 43

H
Hadoop HDFS application connections
properties 129
header
creating in file targets 89
Header Command
flat file targets 89
Header Options
flat file targets 89
heterogeneous sources
defined 58
heterogeneous targets
overview 105
high availability
WebSphere MQ, configuring 145
high precision
enabling 217
history names
in Workflow Monitor 180
host names
for FTP connections 123

I
IBM DB2
connect string example 112
connection with client authentication 111
IBM DB2 EE
connecting with client authentication 124
external loader connections 124
IBM DB2 EEE
connecting with client authentication 124
external loader connections 124
icons
Workflow Monitor 172
worklet validation 150
ignore commit
flushing XML 103
in-place editing
enabling 4
incremental aggregation
configuring 217
indexes
dropping for target tables 82
recreating for target tables 82
indicator files
predefined events 55
Informix
connect string syntax 112
input link type
selecting for task 47
Input Type
flat file source property 62
Integration Service
assigning workflows 23
connecting in Workflow Monitor 173
filtering in Workflow Monitor 174
handling file targets 93
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 187
online and offline mode 173
pinging in Workflow Monitor 173
removing from the Navigator 3
selecting 23
tracing levels 211
truncating target tables 80
using FTP 123

Index

235

Integration Service (continued)
using SFTP 123
version in session log 211
Integration Service handling
file targets 93
fixed-width targets 94, 96
multibyte data to file targets 97
shift-sensitive data, targets 97
Integration Service Monitor
system resource usage 188
Is Transactional
MSMQ connection property 131

J
Java Classpath
session property 215
Java transformation
session level classpath 215
JMS application connections
configuring 130
JMS Connection Factory Name (property) 130
JMS Destination (property) 130
JMS Destination Type (property) 130
JMS Password (property) 130
JMS Recovery Destination (property) 130
JMS User Name (property) 130
properties 130
JMS Connection Factory Name (property)
JMS application connections 130
JMS Destination (property)
JMS application connections 130
JMS Destination Type (property)
JMS application connections 130
JMS Password (property)
JMS application connections 130
JMS Recovery Destination (property)
JMS application connections 130
JMS User Name (property)
JMS application connections 130
JNDI application connections
configuring 130

K
keyboard shortcuts
Workflow Manager 17
keys
constraint-based loading 83

L
launching
Workflow Monitor 4, 172
Ledger File (property)
TIB/Rendezvous application connections, configuring 140
line sequential buffer length
configuring for sessions 37
sources 66
links
AND 47
condition 27
example link condition 28
linking tasks concurrently 27
linking tasks sequentially 27

236

Index

links (continued)
loops 27
OR 47
orthogonal 5
show expression on a link 4
solid lines 5
specifying condition 27
using Expression Editor 16
working with 27
List Tasks
in Workflow Monitor 182
log files
archiving 206
real-time sessions 203
session log 215
using a shared library 203
writing 205
log options
session properties 39
logs
session log rollover 207
lookup caches
configuring concurrent for sessions 37
configuring in sessions 37
Lookup transformation
resilience 119
loops
invalid workflows 27

M
MAPI
sending email using 162
Maximum Days
Workflow Monitor 176
maximum memory limit
configuring for session caches 37
percentage of memory for session caches 37
Maximum Partial Session Log Files
configuring session log rollover 207
session config object 37
Maximum Workflow Runs
Workflow Monitor 176
Merge Command
flat file targets 89
Merge File Directory
flat file target property 89
Merge File Name
flat file target property 89
Merge Type
flat file target property 89
merging target files
session properties 219
Message Queue queue connections
configuring for WebSphere MQ 145
metadata extensions
configuring 15
creating 15
deleting 16
editing 16
overview 14
session properties 224
Microsoft Outlook
configuring an email user 162, 169
configuring the Integration Service 162
Microsoft SQL Server
commit interval 85

Microsoft SQL Server (continued)
connect string syntax 112
connect string syntax with SSL encryption 112
MIME format
email 162
monitoring
command tasks 192
failed sessions 193
folder details 189
Integration Service details 187
Repository Service details 187
session details 192
targets 194
tasks details 190
worklet details 191
MSMQ queue connections
configuring 131
Is Transactional 131
multibyte data
character handling 67
writing to files 96
multiple sessions
validating 152
multiple XML output
example 104
generating 103

N
navigating
workspace 7
Netezza connections
configuring 132
non-reusable tasks
inherited changes 47
promoting to reusable 46
normal loading
session properties 78, 219
Normal tracing levels
definition 211
null characters
file targets 92
fixed-width targets 98
Integration Service handling 68
session properties, targets 92
null data
XML target files 101
numeric values
reading from sources 69

O
objects
viewing older versions 11
older versions of objects
viewing 11
on commit
append to document 103
create new documents 103
ignore commit 103
options 103
operating system profile
override 159
optimizing
data flow 197

options (Workflow Manager)
format 3, 5
general 3
miscellaneous 3
solid lines for links 5
OR links
input type 47
Oracle
bulk loading guidelines 85
commit intervals 85
connect string syntax 112
connection with OS Authentication 111
temporary tablespace 112
Oracle external loader
connecting with OS Authentication 124
external loader connections 124
Output File Name property
flat file targets 89
output files
session properties 99, 219
targets 89
Output Type property
flat file targets 89
overriding
tracing levels in sessions 40
owner
connection object 117
owner name
truncating target tables 80

P
$PMWorkflowCount
archiving log files 207
$PMSuccessEmailUser
definition 169
tips 169
$PMWorkflowLogDir
archiving workflow logs 207
definition 205
$PMSessionLogDir
archiving session logs 208
$PMSessionLogCount
archiving session logs 208
$PMFailureEmailUser
definition 169
tips 169
packet size
database connections 120, 127
page setup
configuring 7
partial log file
configuring session log rollover 207
partitionable
XML source option 69
partitioning options
configuring dynamic 42
configuring number 42
session properties 42
PeopleSoft application connections
configuring 133
performance
data, collecting 217
data, writing to repository 217
performance counters
overview 197

Index

237

performance detail files
understanding counters 197
viewing 196
performance details
in performance details file 196
in Workflow Monitor 196
viewing 196
performance settings
session properties 217
permissions
connection object 117
connection objects 117
database 117
editing sessions 30
pinging
Integration Service in Workflow Monitor 173
pipeline partitioning
merging target files 219
reject file 106
session properties 222
pipelines
active sources 88
data flow monitoring 197
PM_RECOVERY table
deadlock retries 82
PmNullPasswd
reserved word 111
PmNullUser
IBM DB2 client authentication 111
Oracle OS Authentication 111
reserved word 111
post-session command
session properties 222
post-session email
overview 165
session properties 222
post-session shell command
configuring non-reusable 34
configuring reusable 35
creating reusable Command task 35
using 34
post-session SQL commands
entering 33
PowerCenter Repository Reports
viewing in Workflow Manager 24
PowerChannel
configuring a database connection 127
PowerChannel database connections
configuring 127
PowerExchange for Hadoop
application connection objects 129
sessions 129
Pre 85 Timestamp Compatibility option
setting 37
pre- and post-session SQL
entering 33
guidelines 33
Pre-Build Lookup Cache
restricting concurrent pipelines 37
pre-session shell command
configuring non-reusable 34
configuring reusable 35
creating reusable Command task 35
errors 35
session properties 222
using 34
pre-session SQL commands
entering 33

238

Index

precision
flat files 96
writing to file targets 94
predefined events
waiting for 56
predefined variables
in Decision tasks 51
preparing to run
status 181
printing
page setup 7
Private Key File Name
SFTP 123
Private Key File Password
SFTP 123
properties
Hadoop HDFS application connections 129
XML caching 104
Properties tab in session properties
in Workflow Manager 215
Public Key File Name
SFTP 123

Q
queue connections
MSMQ 131
testing WebSphere MQ 145
WebSphere MQ 145
quoted identifiers
reserved words 87

R
real-time sessions
log files 203
session logs 203
truncating target tables 80
recovery queue name
WebSphere MQ connections 145
recreating
indexes 82
reject file
changing names 106
column indicators 107
locating 106
pipeline partitioning 106
reading 106
row indicators 107
session properties 78, 89, 219
viewing 106
Reject File Name
flat file target property 89
relational connections
Netezza 132
relational databases
copying a relational database connection 122
replacing a relational database connection 122
relational sources
session properties 60
relational targets
session properties 77, 78, 219
Relative time
specifying 56
Timer task 56

reload task or workflow
configuring 4
removing
Integration Service 3
renaming
repository objects 10
repeat options
customizing 157
repositories
adding 10
connecting in Workflow Monitor 173
entering descriptions 10
repository folder
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 189
repository notifications
receiving 4
repository objects
comparing 13
configuring 10
rename 10
Repository Service
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 187
notification in Workflow Monitor 176
notifications 4
Request Old (property)
TIB/Rendezvous application connections, configuring 140
reserved words
generating SQL with 87
reswords.txt 87
reserved words file
creating 87
resilience
database connection 119
FTP 123
WebSphere MQ, configuring 145
restarting tasks
in Workflow Monitor 178
restarting tasks and workflows without recovery
in Workflow Monitor 179
retry period
FTP 123
reusable tasks
inherited changes 47
reverting changes 47
reverting changes
tasks 47
RFC file mode connections
configuring 135
RFC stream mode connections
configuring 135
RFC/BAPI application connections
configuring 137
rmail
configuring 161
row error logging
active sources 88
row indicators
reject file 107
run options
run continuously 156
run on demand 156
service initialization 156
running
status 181
workflows 158

S
$Source connection value
setting 113, 215
$Source
how Integration Service determines value 113
multiple sources 113
session properties 215
Salesforce application connections
accessing Sandbox 134
configuring 134
SAP ALE IDoc Reader application connections
configuring 136
SAP ALE IDoc Writer application connections
configuring 137
SAP NetWeaver application connections
configuring 134
SAP NetWeaver BI application connections
configuring 138
SAP R/3
ABAP integration 134
ALE integration 136
SAP R/3 application connections
configuring 135
stream and file mode sessions 135
stream mode sessions 135
scheduled
status 181
scheduling
concurrent workflows 154
configuring 156
creating reusable scheduler 155
disabling workflows 158
editing 157
end options 156
error message 155
run every 156
run once 156
run options 156
schedule options 156
start date 156
start time 156
workflows 154, 227
searching
versioned objects in the Workflow Manager 12
Workflow Manager 8
Workflow Monitor 183
sendmail
configuring 161
server handling
XML sources 70
XML targets 100
service process variables
in Command tasks 34
service variables
email 169
session command settings
session properties 222
session configuration objects
creating 43
session properties 36
understanding 36
using in a session 43
session events
passing to an external library 203
Session Log File Max Size
configuring session log rollover 207
session config object 37

Index

239

Session Log File Max Time Period
configuring session log rollover 207
session config object 37
session log files
archiving 206
time stamp 206
session log rollover
description 207
session logs
changing locations 208
changing name 208
duplicate XML rows 102
enabling and disabling 208
generating using UTF-8 205
Integration Service version and build 211
location 205, 215
naming 205
real-time sessions 203
sample 211
saving 39
tracing levels 211
viewing in Workflow Monitor 180
XML targets 104
session on grid settings
session properties 43
session properties
advanced settings 37
buffer sizes 37
Components tab 222
Config Object tab overview 36
constraint-based loading 37, 85
delimited files, sources 65
delimited files, targets 92
email 165
error handling settings 40
fixed-width files, sources 64
fixed-width files, targets 92
general settings 214
General tab 214
log option settings 39
lookup caches 37
Metadata Extensions tab 224
null character, targets 92
on failure email 165
on success email 165
output files, flat file 219
partitioning options settings 42
Partitions View 222
performance settings 217
post-session email 165
Properties tab 215
reject file, flat file 89, 219
reject file, relational 78, 219
relational sources 60
relational targets 77
session command settings 222
session on grid settings 43
source connections 59
sources 59
table name prefix 86
target connections 75
target load options 78, 85, 219
targets 75
Transformation node 222
transformations 222
XML output filename 99
XML sources 69
XML targets 99

240

Index

session statistics
viewing in the Workflow Monitor 190
sessions
apply attributes to all instances 31
configuring for multiple source files 71
creating 29, 30
definition 29
description 44
editing 30
email 160
monitoring counters 197
monitoring details 192
multiple source files 71
overriding connection attributes 114
overriding source table name 62, 219
overriding target table name 86
overview 29
properties reference 214
task progress details 190
test load 76
truncating target tables 80
validating 152
viewing details in the Workflow Monitor 193
viewing failure information in the Workflow Monitor 193
viewing performance details 196
viewing statistics in the Workflow Monitor 190
Set File Properties
description 62, 89
SFTP
authentication methods 123
configuring connection 123
defining Private Key File Name 123
defining Private Key File Password 123
defining Public Key File Name 123
shared library
passing log events to an external library 203
shell commands
executing in Command tasks 50
make reusable 35
post-session 34
pre-session 34
using Command tasks 49
using parameters and variables 34, 49
shortcuts
keyboard 17
SMTP
sending email using 164
source commands
generating file list 63
generating source data 63
Source File Name
description 62
Source File Type
description 62
source filename
XML sources option 69
source files
configuring for multiple files 71
session properties 62, 219
wildcard characters 64
source filetype
XML source option 69
source location
session properties 62, 219
source tables
overriding table name 62, 219
sources
code page 65

sources (continued)
code page, flat file 64
commands 63
connections 59
delimiters 65
dynamic files names 64
generating file list 64
generating with command 63
line sequential buffer length 66
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 194
multiple sources in a session 71
null characters 64, 68
overriding source table name 62, 219
overriding SQL query, session 61
resilience 119
session properties 59
wildcard characters 64
special characters
parsing 101
SQL
configuring environment SQL 118
guidelines for entering environment SQL 119
overriding query at session level 61
SQL query
overriding at session level 61
start date and time
scheduling 156
Start tasks
definition 19
starting
selecting a service 23
start from task 159
starting part of a workflow 159
starting tasks 159
starting workflows using Workflow Manager 158
Workflow Monitor 172
workflows 158
statistics
for Workflow Monitor 174
viewing 174
status
aborted 181
aborting 181
disabled 181
failed 181
in Workflow Monitor 181
preparing to run 181
running 181
scheduled 181
stopped 181
stopping 181
succeeded 181
suspended 181
suspending 181
tasks 181
terminated 181
terminating 181
unknown status 181
unscheduled 181
waiting 181
workflows 181
stop on
pre- and post-session SQL errors 33
stop on errors
session property 40
stopped
status 181

stopping
in Workflow Monitor 179
status 181
using Control tasks 50
stream mode
SAP R/3 application connections 135
stream mode connections
RFC 135
subseconds
trimming for pre-8.5 compatibility 37
succeeded
status 181
suspended
status 181
suspending
email 168
status 181
Sybase ASE
commit interval 85
connect string example 112
Sybase IQ external loader
connections 124
system resource usage
Integration Service Monitor 188

T
$Target
how Integration Service determines value 113
multiple targets 113
session properties 215
$Target connection value
setting 113, 215
table name prefix
target owner 86
table names
overriding source table name 62, 219
overriding target table name 86
table owner name
session properties 61
targets 86
target commands
processing target data 91
target connection groups
constraint-based loading 83
description 87
target directories
creating at run time 89
target load order
constraint-based loading 83
target owner
table name prefix 86
target properties
bulk mode 78
test load 78
update strategy 78
using with source properties 79
target tables
overriding table name 86
truncating 80
truncating, real-time sessions 80
targets
code page 92
code page compatibility 73
code page, flat file 92
commands 91
connections 75

Index

241

targets (continued)
database connections 73
delimiters 92
duplicate group row handling 102
file writer 75
globalization features 73
heterogeneous 105
load, session properties 78, 85, 219
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 194
multiple connections 105
multiple types 105
null characters 92
output files 89
overriding target table name 86
processing with command 91
relational settings 78, 219
relational writer 75
resilience 119
session properties 75, 77
setting DTD/schema reference 102
truncating tables 80
truncating tables, real-time sessions 80
writers 75
Task Developer
creating tasks 45
displaying and hiding tool name 4
Task view
configuring 176
displaying 183
filtering 184
hiding 176
opening and closing folders 174
overview 171
using 183
tasks
aborted 181
aborting 181
adding in workflows 21
arranging 9
Assignment tasks 48
cold start 179
Command tasks 49
configuring 46
Control task 50
copying 12
creating 45
creating in Task Developer 45
creating in Workflow Designer 45
Decision tasks 51
disabled 181
disabling 47
email 164
Event-Raise tasks 53
Event-Wait tasks 53
failed 181
failing parent workflow 47
in worklets 26
inherited changes 47
instances 47
list of 44
monitoring details 190
non-reusable 21
overview 44
preparing to run 181
promoting to reusable 46
restarting in Workflow Monitor 178
restarting without recovery in Workflow Monitor 179
reusable 21

242

Index

tasks (continued)
reverting changes 47
running 181
show full name 4
starting 159
status 181
stopped 181
stopping 181
stopping and aborting in Workflow Monitor 179
succeeded 181
Timer tasks 56
using Tasks toolbar 21
validating 151
temporary tablespace
Oracle 112
Teradata
connect string example 112
Teradata external loader
connections 124
terminated
status 181
terminating
status 181
test load
bulk loading 76
enabling 215
file targets 76
number of rows to test 215
relational targets 76
TIB/Adapter SDK application connections
properties 141
TIB/Rendezvous application connections
configuring 140
properties 140
TIBCO application connections
configuring 140
time
configuring 3
formats 3
time increments
Workflow Monitor 183
time stamps
session log files 206
session logs 208
workflow log files 206
workflow logs 207
Workflow Monitor 171
time window
configuring 176
Timer tasks
absolute time 56
definition 56
description 44
relative time 56
subseconds in variables 56
tool names
displaying and hiding 4
toolbars
adding tasks 21
using 8
Workflow Manager 8
Workflow Monitor 177
tracing levels
Normal 211
overriding in the session 40
session 211
setting 211
Verbose Data 211

tracing levels (continued)
Verbose Initialization 211
transaction environment SQL
configuring 118, 119
transaction generator
active sources 88
effective and ineffective 88
transformations
session properties 222
Transformations node
properties 222
Transformations view
session properties 218
Treat Error as Interruption
effect on worklets 24
Treat Source Rows As
bulk loading 85
using with target properties 79
Treat Source Rows As property
overview 60
truncating
Table Name Prefix 80
target tables 80

U
UNIX systems
email 161
unknown status
status 181
unscheduled
status 181
unscheduling
workflows 155
update strategy
target properties 78
Update Strategy transformation
constraint-based loading 83
using with target and source properties 79
URL
adding through business documentation links 17
user-defined events
declaring 54
example 53
waiting for 55

V
validating
expressions 17, 153
multiple sessions 152
tasks 151
validate target option 99
workflows 149
worklets 150
XML source option 69
variables
email 166
in Command tasks 49
Verbose Data tracing level
configuring session log 211
Verbose Initialization tracing level
configuring session log 211
versioned objects
Allow Delete without Checkout option 6
checking in 11

versioned objects (continued)
checking out 11
comparing versions 11
searching for in the Workflow Manager 12
viewing 11
viewing multiple versions 11
viewing
older versions of objects 11
reject file 106

W
waiting
status 181
web links
adding to expressions 17
Web Services application connections
configuring 142
endpoint URL 142
webMethods application connections
configuring 144
WebSphere MQ queue connections
configuring 145
testing 145
wildcard characters
configuring source files 64
windows
customizing 8
displaying and closing 8
docking and undocking 8
fonts 5
Navigator 2
Output 2
overview 2
panning 4
reloading 4
Workflow Manager 2
Workflow Monitor 171
workspace 2
Windows Start Menu
accessing Workflow Monitor 172
Windows systems
email 162
logon network security 163
Workflow Composite Report
viewing 24
Workflow Designer
creating tasks 45
displaying and hiding tool name 4
workflow log files
archiving 206
configuring 207
time stamp 206
workflow logs
changing locations 207
changing name 207
enabling and disabling 207
locating 205
naming 205
viewing in Workflow Monitor 180
Workflow Manager
adding repositories 10
arrange 9
checking out and in versioned objects 11
configuring for multiple source files 71
connections overview 110
copying 12

Index

243

Workflow Manager (continued)
CPI-C connection 135
customizing options 3
database connections 127
date and time formats 3
display options 3
entering object descriptions 10
external loader connections 124
FTP connections 123
general options 4
Hadoop HDFS application connections 129
JMS connections 130
JNDI connections 130
messages to Workflow Monitor 176
MSMQ queue connections 131
Netezza connections 132
overview 1
PeopleSoft connections 133
printing the workspace 7
relational database connections 120
RFC file mode connection 135
RFC stream mode connection 135
RFC/BAPI connections 137
Salesforce connections 134
SAP ALE IDoc Reader connections 136
SAP ALE IDoc Writer connections 137
SAP NetWeaver BI connections 138
SAP NetWeaver connections 134
SAP R/3 connections 135
searching 8
searching for versioned objects 12
SFTP connections 123
TIB/Rendezvous connections 140
TIBCO connections 140
toolbars 8
tools 2
validating sessions 152
versioned objects 11
viewing reports 24
Web Services connections 142
webMethods connections 144
WebSphere MQ connections 145
windows 2, 8
zooming the workspace 10
Workflow Monitor
advanced options 177
closing folders 174
cold start tasks or workflows 179
configuring 175
connecting to Integration Service 173
connecting to repositories 173
customizing columns 176
deleted Integration Services 173
deleted tasks 173
disconnecting from an Integration Service 173
displaying services 174
filtering deleted tasks 173
filtering services 174
filtering tasks in Task View 173, 184
Gantt Chart view 171
Gantt chart view options 176
general options 176
hiding columns 176
hiding services 174
icon 172
launching 172
launching automatically 4
listing tasks and workflows 182

244

Index

Workflow Monitor (continued)
Maximum Days 176
Maximum Workflow Runs 176
monitor modes 173
navigating the Time window 183
notification from Repository Service 176
opening folders 174
overview 171
performing tasks 178
pinging the Integration Service 173
receive messages from Workflow Manager 176
resilience to Integration Service 173
restarting tasks or workflows without recovery 179
restarting tasks, workflows, and worklets 178
searching 183
Start Menu 172
starting 172
statistics 174
stopping or aborting tasks and workflows 179
switching views 171
Task view 171
task view options 176
time 171
time increments 183
toolbars 177
viewing command task details 192
viewing folder details 189
viewing history names 180
viewing Integration Service details 187
viewing performance details 196
viewing repository details 187
viewing session details 192
viewing session failure information 193
viewing session logs 180
viewing session statistics 190
viewing source details 194
viewing target details 194
viewing task progress details 190
viewing workflow details 189
viewing workflow logs 180
viewing worklet details 191
workflow and task status 181
workflow properties
configuring 225
Events tab 230
General tab 225
Metadata Extension tab 15
Properties tab 226
Schedule tab 227
suspension email 168
Variables tab 229
workflow tasks
reusable and non-reusable 46
workflows
aborted 181
aborting 181
adding tasks 21
assigning Integration Service 23
branches 19
cold start workflows 179
copying 12
creating 20
definition 19
deleting 21
developing 19, 20
disabled 181
disabling 158
editing 21

workflows (continued)
email 164
events 19
fail parent workflow 47
failed 181
guidelines 19
links 19
monitor 19
override Integration Service 159
override operating system profile 159
overview 19
preparing to run 181
properties reference 225
restarting in Workflow Monitor 178
restarting without recovery in Workflow Monitor 179
run type 190
running 158, 181
scheduled 181
scheduling 154
scheduling concurrent instances 154
selecting a service 19
starting 158
starting with advanced options 159
status 181
stopped 181
stopping 181
stopping and aborting in Workflow Monitor 179
succeeded 181
suspended 181
suspending 181
suspension email 168
terminated 181
terminating 181
unknown status 181
unscheduled 181
unscheduling 155
using tasks 44
validating 149
viewing details in the Workflow Monitor 189
viewing reports 24
waiting 181
Workflow Monitor maximum days 176
Worklet Designer
displaying and hiding tool name 4
worklets
adding tasks 26
configuring properties 25
create non-reusable worklets 25
create reusable worklets 25
declaring events 26
developing 25
email 164
fail parent worklet 47
monitoring details in the Workflow Monitor 191
overview 24
restarting in Workflow Monitor 178
status 181

worklets (continued)
suspended 181
suspending 24, 181
validating 150
waiting 181
workspace
colors 5
colors, setting 5
file directory 4
fonts, setting 5
navigating 7
printing 7
zooming 10
writing
multibyte data to files 96
to fixed-width files 94

X
XML
duplicate row handling 102
flushing data 103
performance 103
special characters 101
XML file
creating multiple XML files 104
XML sources
numeric data handling 69
partitionable option 69
server handling 70
session properties 69
source filename 69
source filetype option 69
source location 69
validate option 69
XML targets
active sources 88
duplicate group row handling 102
file list of multiple targets 104
in sessions 99
outputting multiple files 103
server handling 100
session log entry 104
session properties 99
setting DTD/schema reference 102
validate option 99
XMLWarnDupRows
writing to session log 102

Z
zooming
Workflow Manager 10

Index

245



---

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Author                          : Informatica
Create Date                     : 2014:06:19 18:57:19-08:00
Modify Date                     : 2014:06:19 18:57:19-08:00
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Title                           : Informatica PowerCenter - 9.6.1 - Workflow Basics Guide - (English)
Subject                         : Workflow Basics Guide
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Language                        : EN

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