Data Transformation Engine Getting Started

Chapter 1 - Introduction
1
8
Defining Transformation Rules
Complete definitions of data objects and the rules for their transformation are embodied in a Mercator
map. Map objects are created using the Map Designer, where a graphical metaphor makes complex
transformations easier to define and maintain. Maps are analyzed, compiled, and tested using the
development environment.
A map object can represent either a simple transformation (common to many applications), or a full
mapping solution.
Transform data without pre-formatting or pre-processing. You can transform data from any source to
any target. And you can use a graphical environment for full mapping, providing a complete
transformation solution that requires no programming to complete the job. Data transformations
involving multiple input sources and/or multiple output targets can be handled in a single transformation
map. There is no need to break up a unit of work into multiple steps.
With transformation rules, you can go beyond simple reformatting and construct an entirely new
business object. If required, you can create rules to route newly formed business objects to appropriate
targets based on the data content. When dealing with complex objects, you may develop rules to filter,
scrub, calculate, validate, parse, substitute, expand, change character set or otherwise convert data from