Merging two datasets

[StephenBrisbane]

Hi there

We have two datasets working inside our version of HPRM8.1, one is a 'legacy' dataset with records from up until 2012, then a newer one from 2013 onwards with better security and functionality. This decision was made as the legacy dataset had been irreversibly stuffed by a series of staff.

We now need to merge these two datasets into one which covers all our history at one click. Or perhaps a better way to put this would be migrating the legacy dataset into the new one. Assuming we would need a field in the newer dataset to reference the record number from the older merged/decomissioned dataset, could you please explain the step-by-step process for merging these datasets?

[Jason Boswell · Accepted solution]

You have a few options here;

1. Run Dataport to export data from the legacy dataset. This export file can then be imported into the target dataset. You will find the majority of the data will be transferred but not all. For example the audit history has to be imported into Notes or Movement history.

2. Create a SDK tool which connects to legacy dataset, extracts all data you need on a record to memory and then creates objects as necessary in the target dataset. This method would give you the closest possible representation in the new dataset however it would require SDK skills and take some time to create the SDK tool. For an intro to integration with SDK, see http://www.hprm.info/blog?tag=.Net%20SDK

3. You could also use ControlPoint, this is a product from HPE which can extract data from legacy datasources and then create records in a target repository. This would require little effort however you would need to purchase ControlPoint. Controlpoint would also be useful if you needed to clean up and create records from your filesystem, exchange, sharepoint or other repositories.

Hope this information is useful.

[StephenBrisbane]

Excellent response, thanks. Could I please ask somebody to email with me pricing for ControlPoint based on our current profile? We are running RM8.1.

[Steve Macukat]

If the old dataset has unique record numbers there is nothing preventing you using them in the new dataset. Failing that add a prefix to the old number.

Also import your old barcode numbers into the "Foreign Barcode" field. That way you don't need to print new barcodes.