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Mapping
Using a combination of drag-and-drop and simple programming in C# or VB.NET, Xe allows the user to create file transformations based on a source file definition and a target file definition.
Once the source and target file definitions have been loaded, the Mapper GUI allows the fields or data elements to be mapped from the source file definition into the target file definition and displays a visual representation of the mapping on the GUI.
Behind the scenes, the Mapper creates a script file which is used to convert the mapping into a DLL. This DLL can then be executed against the source file in order to create the required target file.
Each individual map is compiled into a unique DLL to be used at runtime, removing the need for the mapping script to be compiled afresh each time.
Counters
Xe provides the ability to set up counters, which are available throughout each individual mapping process. Counters allow a running total to be maintained, for example, which can then be mapped at the end of the mapping process.
Stream processing
Xe mapping makes use of stream processing to create and validate sequence numbering such as Interchange Control References. Values of such numbers are maintained by Xe for future use, thus ensuring that sequential numbering can be controlled for each individual trading partner.
Index file
The Index file underpins Xe's extended range of functionality and supports the following features:
- Any-to-any file format mapping
- Multiple maps from the same source document
When the mapping script and DLL have been generated and the map is ready to be applied to a source file, the Mapper will auto-create an index specifically for the map being created.
This will ensure that the appropriate parameters are used to transform the source file into the target file.
The role of the index is to control what is input to the mapping process, which definition files are used and which map DLL is executed.
Command Line Application
The Command Line version of Xe enables you to integrate the Mapper component of Xe with ODEX Enterprise or to run it as a stand-alone feature. The Command Line version allows you to do two things:
Generate a mapping script
Generate a DLL from a map and run it to create a transformation
Once tables have been defined (if necessary) and a map script has been created, a mapping DLL can be generated using the command line application XeCmd.
Once a map script has been created, a mapping DLL generated and an index put together, the map can be executed using the same Xe command line application that was used to generate the map.
When running Xe from the command line using XeCmd, a configuration file is required.
The configuration file includes all the mandatory information Xe requires to be able to execute a map, such as the source file and destination file, as well as optional parameters that can be used to alter Xe's behaviour.
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