Managing Data

Controlling Data Flow

There are four tools you can use to control the flow of data:

Table 2. Data Flow Tools

Tool

Description

 

 

Registers

Stores data temporarily. When you scan or enter a string of data, it is

 

usually placed in a register before it is copied into a portable file. You

 

can also use registers to store user response to a prompt, the index of

 

a record in a file, and so on.

 

 

Files

Holds data in the portable until it can be uploaded to a PC. Usually

 

after input data is verified, it is inserted in a portable file. The file

 

expands as more data is added. Files can also be used to hold data-

 

base information downloaded from a computer. This information can

 

then be used to verify scanned data or for other purposes.

 

 

Templates

Combines data stored in different registers or breaks down data in a

 

single register into fields. You can use them to set up records in a file

 

so that the data can easily be transferred to a database or spreadsheet

 

file. You can also use them to access portions of data in a register.

 

 

Fields

Fields are a breakdown of data in a single register. Data is arranged as

 

fields in records in a template. Fields can be set to either a fixed length

 

or a variable length with a separator.

 

 

The following sections describe how to select a register to store or access data, how to select a source or destination file, and how to create a template for breaking down or combining data. The last two sections give examples of using registers, templates, fields, and files to control data flow.

Registers

A register is a temporary holding place for data. Registers can be used both as a source of data and a place where you can place data temporarily.

Using a Register as a Source

When you choose Register as the source, you are given options as shown in Figure 52.

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