Extracting data from a cell, table, or strategic segment

Follow this procedure to obtain data from an input cell, such as a Select process, a single table, or a strategic segment. In this way, you can pare down a large amount of data to a manageable size for subsequent operations, resulting in improved performance.

Procedure

  1. Within a campaign, open a flowchart for editing.
  2. Drag the Extract process Database and spreadsheet icon from the palette to your flowchart.
  3. Double-click the Extract process in the flowchart.

    The process configuration dialog opens.

  4. On the Source tab, select an input cell, a single table, or a strategic segment from the Input list. If you select a strategic segment, associate it with a table by selecting a table from the Select Based On list.
  5. Specify the records to use as input:
    • Choose Select All Records to include all records from the input data source.
    • Choose Select Records With to select records by doing a query.
  6. If you chose Select Records With, create a query by using one of the following methods.
    Note: For complete instructions, see Using queries to select data.
    • Point & Click: Click in the Field Name, Oper, and Value cells to select values to build an expression. Use And/Or to combine expressions. This method provides the easiest way to create a query and helps to avoid syntax errors.
    • Text Builder: Use this tool to write raw SQL or use the provided macros. You can use the Formula Helper within Text Builder to select supplied macros, including logical operators and string functions.

    With either method, you can select fields from the Available Fields list, which includes IBM ® Campaign Generated Fields and Derived Fields.

    Note: If your query includes a table field that has the same name as a Campaign Generated Field, you must qualify the field name. Use the following syntax: <table_name>.<field_name>
  7. On the Extract tab, use the Target Data Source field to select an output location:
    • To store the data in binary format, select IBM Campaign Server.
    • To store the data in a uniquely named table with a UAC_EX prefix, select an available database.
  8. On the Extract tab, select fields from the list of Candidate Fields and add them to the Fields to Extract list. Use the controls to remove or reorder fields. For information about using the Extract tab, see Extract tab reference.
  9. Optionally, use the Cell Size Limit tab to limit the number of IDs generated by the process.
    See Limiting the size of output cells.
  10. Optionally, use the Dimension tab to add existing dimension tables to the extract table and specify the key fields to join on. The extract table becomes a base table for the selected dimension tables and can be used in downstream processes.
    Note: The Dimension tab is not applicable if you are extracting data to the IBM Campaign Server.
  11. Use the General tab as follows.
    1. Process Name: The process name is used as the box label on the flowchart. It is also used in various dialogs and reports to identify the process.
    2. Output Cell Name: This name matches the Process Name by default. It is used in dialogs and reports to identify the output cell (the set of IDs that the process retrieves).
    3. (Optional) Link to Target Cell: Perform this step if your organization pre-defines target cells in a target cell spreadsheet (TCS). To associate the pre-defined target cell with the flowchart process output, click Link to Target Cell, then select a cell from the spreadsheet. The Output Cell Name and Cell Code are inherited from the TCS, and both of those field values are shown in italics to indicate that there is a link relationship. For more information, read about using target cell spreadsheets.
    4. Cell Code: The cell code has a standard format that is determined by your system administrator and is unique when generated.
      See Changing the cell code.
    5. Note: Describe the purpose or result of the process. Common practice is to reference the selection criteria.
  12. Click OK.

Results

The process is now configured. You can test run the process to verify that it returns the results you expect.