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Managing Data
78 PT Program Generator (PPG) v5.0
Controlling Data Flow
There are four tools you can use to control the flow of data:
Table 2. Data Flow Tools
The following sections describe how to select a register to store or access data,
how to select a source or destination file, and how to create a template for
breaking down or combining data. The last two sections give examples of
using registers, templates, fields, and files to control data flow.
Registers
A register is a temporary holding place for data. Registers can be used both as a
source of data and a place where you can place data temporarily.
Using a Register as a Source
When you choose Register as the source, you are given options as shown in
Figure 52.
Tool Description
Registers Stores data temporarily. When you scan or enter a string of data, it is
usually placed in a register before it is copied into a portable file. You
can also use registers to store user response to a prompt, the index of
a record in a file, and so on.
Files
Holds data in the portable until it can be uploaded to a PC. Usually
after input data is verified, it is inserted in a portable file. The file
expands as more data is added. Files can also be used to hold data-
base information downloaded from a computer. This information can
then be used to verify scanned data or for other purposes.
Templates
Combines data stored in different registers or breaks down data in a
single register into fields. You can use them to set up records in a file
so that the data can easily be transferred to a database or spreadsheet
file. You can also use them to access portions of data in a register.
Fields
Fields are a breakdown of data in a single register. Data is arranged as
fields in records in a template. Fields can be set to either a fixed length
or a variable length with a separator.
2342.book Page 78 Thursday, July 22, 2004 8:35 AM