Data Model

Emakin uses XML data standards to use, update in the process, or internal process data needed to make the process work. This format allows for performing advanced query (XPath or XQuery) methods and creating multiple and nested data layouts to support all kinds of processes.

The data model defines the model of XML data. You can define your own model or import existing models from external systems to use when needed.

The data model is created automatically while the form is being designed.

When the control is deleted from the form, the data is not deleted from the model; if you want, you can delete the data records from the data model section.

The data model consists of two types of an object:

Elements

Defines a data element.

You can configure the following properties for an element:

Target Schema
Select containing external schema to use as a type or a reference. This field is only valid when using external data types.

If the type of field is selected as a container, you can create child elements if it is needed.

Use
Select how an element is used as a type or an element reference. This field is only valid when using external data types.

Type
Type of an element. Selected as a choice of container, string, number, date time, date, time, check, check or custom-defined type.

Reference
Reference elements will appear. It lists other elements grouped.

Name
Name of an element.

Is List Item
Check this field to allow multiple instances of this element.

Minimum Occurs
Defines at least how many elements should be created. Visible only when "Yes, use multiple copies" under "Is List Item" is checked.

Types

Defines a custom data type to use as an element later. Many processes use the same data type in different places, like the "Person" element with "Name" and "Surname" child.

You can configure the following for a type:

Name
Name of type to identity.

Technical Details

The data model is actually an XML schema designed for easy composing. You can use provided data model designer or use any XML schema editor to build your model.

What is XML schema?

XML schema is the description of a type of XML document, typically expressed in terms of constraints on the structure and content of documents of that type. Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XML_schema for more information.

In Emakin, XML schema is used to generate and check the process data model. You can define your schema or import any number of other schemas by importing as a namespace.

Importing External Data Types

If you have an external system and need to use its data types in your model; you can add it as a new namespace and provide XML Schema Location to load. Loaded schema sets are stored in "External XML Schemas".

You can learn how to define data models by watching this video :