The External Data Source, Table, and List Box Controls allow data to be transferred into or out of a Intelligent Agent record while it is running, from an internal or external source. Optionally, returned data can also be mapped to Fields or Variables, and other Fields triggered to perform further actions after the original request has completed. The process of configuring these is managed through the Datasource Wizard.

 

Unlike other Control types, it is possible to interact with Fields on any Page in the Workflow when using these Control types.

 

Before configuring a Field offering the Datasource Wizard, ensure all the required Fields to map data to/from (if required) are added to the Workflow.

 

The wizard is reached through the Advanced Options tab of the Field, by clicking the Begin Configuration button at the centre of the window:

 

 

While the process may differ slightly between the Control types, the general process is driven by the data source type used:

 

 

A powerful bit of functionality that is configured in the Datasource Wizard is the ability to specify Update Links. This means that when an External Data Source has completed its query, or a Table or List Box alter their row selection, it will then trigger another Field on the Page. This can be used to automatically trigger another Field such as a Button or JavaScript - Button when required values have been returned and mapped out to Fields, or a required selection has been made.

 

One of the most common uses for Update Links is to link Table or dynamic List Box to a parent Table or List Box, so that the option selected in the parent Field is then used as the filter for the subsequent Field, and so forth.