The configuration layer is a customized set of metadata
that can be used to configure data sources and variables more easily
for a report. This metadata is determined by the document designer
and stored in the template to be used during document generation.
The metadata itself does not configure a data source, but provides
a method of labeling and storage for quick identification of the values
you want directly from the user interface of Rational® Publishing Engine or
for a data source that incorporates Rational Reporting for Document
Generation.
The configuration layer has this name because it is a layer of metadata
that exists between the design and document generation stages and
also can be implemented in data sources that incorporate Rational Reporting for Document
Generation.
Configuration metadata is a mechanism for applying labels to sets
of information, whether it is a static list you create as a value
set in the Central Management component or as a dynamic value like
a URL to a set of data from your data source.
For example, when you use Rational Quality Manager as
a data source, you might reference test plans from a project in your
template. Rather than configuring the URL every time you want to select
a test plan, you can create configuration metadata that gives distinguishable
names for your to select during document generation.
Configuration layer task overview
To use the
configuration layer with the
Rational Publishing Engine user
interface or the user interface for a data source that incorporates
Rational Reporting for Document
Generation:
- Optional: To use static metadata in the
metadata, create a value set and save it in
the Central Management component.
- In your template, create a variable or data source schema.
- Add configuration metadata to the variable or data
source and select the value set for it. You can either:
- Use static metadata: Select only a value set. You are not required
to enter any information in the Data Connection section.
- Use dynamic metadata: Specify values only for the Data Connection
fields. You are not required to define a value set.
- Configure and generate your document or
import the template into your integrated product.
When you are configuring
and generating your document:
- Continue through the wizard to the Set template variables or Set
template data sources page.
- Select the variable or data source schema.
- In the drop-down menu, select Configuration Layer.
- In the Configuration field, select one
of the values that you specified as the static or dynamic metadata.
In the Properties view for the variable or data source schema, this
selection displays for the value property.
- If you selected dynamic metadata, you are required to authenticate
with the data source.
- Complete the document generation.