Create a New Data Source

Data sources contain information for retrieving a subset of data from the TMS database. (If you are new to the Data Sources module, we recommend that you see the About Data Sources topic.) Below, we describe how to build a new data source.

Structure your data source according to one of the four Types. You can change the data source's type at any time if your needs for the data source change.To create a generic data source, follow these steps.

How to Create a Data Source Record

To create a Data Source Record, follow these steps.

1. Go to Data Sources > New to open the Data Sources New screen.

2. Start by selecting the Segment that this data source should be part of.

3. Fill in a Name for the data source, such as "Resource WO Count".

4. Fill in a Description of this data source, "WO Count by Month and Resource".

5. In the Type drop-down menu, select from one of the four values in the list. This value is related to querying for data sources more than a set value for the data source, meaning it can be changed later. See the Data Source Types topic for more information on the data source types.

6. Select a Module for this data source. This value is what TMS uses to generate the list of Available Fields on the Report Layout tab, once you save the data source. This, too, can be changed later. Select Work Orders.

7. Both Category and Sub Category are optional fields, but aid in searching for a data source. Select a combination for these fields, if necessary. Select Management Reports and Misc. Management Reports.

8. Select a Status for the data source from the drop-down menu.

9. Since you have selected a module already, the Saved Query drop-down menu is enabled (it is disabled when no module is selected). You can choose to select a query from the list, which will pre-populate the Filter drop zone on the Data Source Editor tab. Or, you can leave this field blank.

10. The Use On-The-Fly Ad-Hoc Query check box is optional and does two things: disables the Saved Query drop-down menu and causes the user to be prompted with a module query screen in a child window, when a report is run with this data source. You can check this option or leave it unchecked.

11. Click the Save button.

Once the new data source is saved, the screen changes to the Data Source Edit screen, and the Data Source Editor and Security tabs appear. At this time, you can define the data fields your data source will utilize. Before you begin modifying the data source with the editor for the first time, see the topic About the Data Source Editor. Once you are familiar with its functions, review the three topics about modifying your data source according to one of the four types.