Report Writer > Setup > Data Dictionary Import

Data Dictionary Import

You use this program to create the Report Writer data dictionary from the standard SYSPRO data dictionary.

The SYSPRO Report Writer data dictionary defines the data structures that can be used by the Report Writer. It contains details of all the tables, columns and the logical links, keys and comments between them.

Custom form table information for SQL databases can be imported into the Report Writer data dictionary using the Custom Form Design program.

Report Writer Data Dictionary Wizard

An easy-to-use Wizard guides you through the process of setting up your Report Writer data dictionary. The wizard displays a number of screens, some of which provide you with information; others which require that you make certain selections.

Field Description
<Back Display the previous screen.
Next> Display the next screen.
Cancel Exit from the Wizard, without saving any selections you made.
Select the modules you wish to have installed in the Report Data Dictionary  
Available modules

All the modules listed in this list box may be added into the data dictionary.

Once a module is added into the data dictionary, it is then removed from the available modules list box and is displayed under the contents of the data dictionary list box.

This list is empty if all modules have previously been imported into the data dictionary.
Add

This allows you to individually select a module to import into your data dictionary and add the highlighted module in the Available modules list box to the Contents of data dictionary list box.
Add All

This allows you to add all available modules for importation into your data dictionary by adding all the Available modules to the Contents of data dictionary list box.
Remove

This enables you to deselect individual modules from the import by highlighting a module in the Contents of data dictionary list box and moving it back to the Available modules list box.

A warning is displayed, informing you that any existing reports that use tables from these modules cannot be edited or printed. You can either cancel the Remove or continue.

This function is only available if one or more columns have already been imported into the data dictionary.
Remove All

This enables you to deselect all modules from the import by removing all modules in the Contents of data dictionary list box and transferring them back to the Available modules list box.

A warning is displayed, informing you that any existing reports that use tables from these modules cannot be edited or printed. You can either cancel the Remove or continue.

[Note]

If you have User-Defined Columns in any of the standard SYSPRO tables, then caution must be exercised when using either the Remove or Remove All functions as these user-defined columns will also be removed. It is recommended that you first use the Data Dictionary Column Listing program to produce a hard copy printout of these user-defined columns.

This function is only available if one or more columns have already been imported into the data dictionary.
Contents of data dictionary

All the modules listed in this list box are available in the data dictionary and can be imported.

Once a module is removed from the data dictionary, it is removed from the contents of the data dictionary list box and is displayed under the available modules list box.

This list is empty if you have not imported any modules into your data dictionary.
Update Single Module

This function is enabled when a module is highlighted under the Contents of data dictionary list box.

Select this to update only the selected module with the latest Standard SYSPRO Data Dictionary Contents.
Before creating the new columns against each table, you can elect to remove any existing columns (for those tables) to be imported Your selections determine which fields must be removed or remain within the data dictionary, before the actual import takes place.
I do not want any columns to be removed

Select this to update existing columns and import new columns to the tables.

No existing columns are deleted.

This is the default selection.
I only want standard SYSPRO columns to be removed

Select this to remove the standard SYSPRO columns, but keep any user defined columns.

The user-defined columns are ignored, but all the SYSPRO standard columns are deleted before being rebuilt.
I want to remove all existing columns

Select this to remove all existing columns from the tables and replace them with only the standard SYSPRO columns.

All the columns are deleted, including any user-defined columns, before being rebuilt.
I want all imported tables to be set to Read only

Select this to prohibit operators from creating reports that change your data in any way, as access to the Data Dictionary is set to Read Only.

Once the files have been imported, the status can be changed as required using the Browse on Data Dictionary Tables program.
Finish This function imports the selected Data Dictionary by transferring the contents of selected tables from the standard SYSPRO data dictionary to the Report Writer data dictionary. The data type against each field is also transferred to each column in the Report Writer data dictionary.

Notes and warnings

Note

  • This Import must be run before you can use the Report Writer. This is so that the report writer data dictionary can be created from the standard data dictionary.

  • The Report Writer module uses its own data dictionary and not the standard data dictionary. Once you have created the report writer data dictionary, you can amend this dictionary as required. You should never amend the standard data dictionary.

  • See also Custom Form Design - Notes and warnings.

Restrictions and limits

  • The maximum size of a numeric field is 15 digits before the decimal and a maximum of 6 digits after the decimal (15.6). This number can be positive or negative.