18 - Working with Batch Processes: Setting Indicators and Reference Data Code Values

Abstract

Batch processes are different from screen data entry. They are business process steps where the system updates records in a database rather than having users do so directly. Users may enter some information on one or more screens that initiate the batch process, but the users do not update the database a record at a time as they are in screen data entry. An application utilizes these user inputs to control the batch process and perhaps also as default values for some update operations. Batch processes, therefore, rely greatly on business rules. The chapter discusses two rule types in a batch processing code generation environment and adds to the functionality of the rules engine design. With more complex rules, it is also an advantage to have many business rules produced by very similar generated program code. If this program code is examined, the similarities stand out.