Use a parameter file to define values that you want to update without having to edit the Visio template or the

mapping

task. For example, you might use a user-defined parameter for a sales quota that changes quarterly. Or, you might configure a task to update user-defined parameter values in the parameter file at the end of the job, so the next time the job runs, it uses the new values.

You can include user-defined parameters for multiple Visio templates or

mapping

tasks in a single parameter file. You can also use multiple parameter files for different Visio templates or tasks. The

mapping

task reads the parameter file before a task runs to determine the start values for the user-defined parameters used in the task.

User-defined parameter values are treated as String values. When you use a user-defined parameter in an expression, use the appropriate function to convert the value to the necessary datatype. For example, you might use the following expression to define a quarterly bonus for employees:

IIF((EMP_SALES < TO_INTEGER($$SalesQuota), 200, 0)

To use a parameter file, perform the following steps:

Use a user-defined parameter in a Visio template or
mapping
task.
Use two dollar signs to name the parameter, as follows: $$<user-defined_parameter>.
When you use the user-defined parameter in an expression, convert the String parameter value to the appropriate datatype as necessary.
If you use a user-defined parameter in a filter, start the filter with the user-defined parameter.
Use the following format for the parameter file:
[Global]
$$<user-defined_parameter>=value
$$<user-defined_parameter2>=value2
For example:
[Global]
$$SalesQuota=1000
$$Region=NW
The value of a user-defined parameter includes any characters after the equals sign (=), including leading or trailing spaces. User-defined parameter names are case-sensitive.
You can save the file as several different formats, such as *.txt, *.doc, or *.param.
Save the parameter file to a directory local to the Secure Agent to run the task.
Use the following directory:
<Secure Agent installation directory>/apps/Data_Integration_Server/data/userparameters
Enter the parameter file name on the
Schedule
page of the
mapping
task wizard.