
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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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 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.
78 | PT Program Generator (PPG) v5.0 |