Database mapping template

This section contains instructions on how to create mapping templates to load data from various databases. PLAN uses the Microsoft Data Connection Object to import data. Currently the following types are supported:

• Microsoft Access database file
• Microsoft ODBC Data Source
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Microsoft SQL Server database file
• Oracle

PLAN supports a variety of OLE DB data providers. The number of available options depends on which items are installed on your computer.

Mapping templates are XML files. The currently used template is part of the PLAN document; if you send this document to a colleague, for example, the template will be sent with it. When you create a template, you can choose to save a copy of it as a file on your computer; for information about managing saved templates, see Manage mapping templates.

To create a template, click on on the right-hand side of the screen. Template names can be up to 50 characters long and can contain any characters except for = / \ + ; : < > @ ? | “. The mapping template window contains the following tabs:

• DB Connection
• Query Parameters
• Settings
• Project Properties
• Summary Variables
• Periodic Variables