Introduction
An Excel matrix allows you to import data organized as one X and one Y axis to create logic that can return hundreds of results, like a very large decision table. Once imported, you should test it exactly as you would test a decision table to ensure it returns the values you expect it to.
Prerequisites
- The Excel file must exist.
- The sheet or sheets you want to import must be formatted to have one X and one Y axis.
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Quick Steps |
| 1 |
Click the Create New Item icon, then select the Object Type |
| 2 |
Select the Rule Type |
| 3 |
Enter the Entity |
| 4 |
Enter the Excel File Name |
| 5 |
Enter the Rule Name for the sheet you want to import |
| 6 |
Add the Data Starting Cell, then click OK |
| 7 |
Add the Row Parameter |
| 8 |
Enter the details, then click OK |
| 9 |
Add the Column Parameter |
| 10 |
Enter the details, then click OK |
| 11 |
Enter the Return Type, then click Finish |
| 12 |
Open the scenario |
| 13 |
Enter the values for the test, then run the test |
| 14 |
View the diagram |
| 15 |
Save the scenario |
Detailed Steps
Step 1. Click the Create New Item icon, then select the Object Type.
This opens a dropdown list from which you can select an object to begin its item wizard. The item wizard creates a file or files.
The Object Type identifies the file the wizard will create. In this case, it is Rule.
Step 2. Select the Rule Type.
The Rule Type identifies the type of rule the wizard will create. In this case, it is Excel Matrix.
Step 3. Enter the Entity.
Enter the entity you want to use for the rule.
Step 4. Enter the Excel File Name.
Click the Choose File button and open the file from a local or network location.
Step 5. Enter the Rule Name for the sheet you want to import.
Enter the name of the rule file Xelence will create. Each sheet will be its own separate file. You can enter your own text or select an existing file to create a new version.
You can configure any or all of the sheets from the file. This example just uses one.
Step 6. Add the Data Starting Cell, then click OK.
Click the ... button and select the intersection of the first X and Y values.
Step 7. Add the Row Parameter.
Click the ... button to enter the details.
Step 8. Enter the details, then click OK.
The important properties are:
- Name: Programmatic ID of the input value.
- Description: Optional description.
- Data Type: This is the type of data the row/column parameter takes in (string, int, etc.).
Step 9. Add the Column Parameter.
Click the ... button to enter the details.
Step 10. Enter the details, then click OK.
Enter the Name and Data Type. Description is optional.
Step 11. Enter the Return Type, then click Finish.
In this example, the return type is a decimal.
Step 12. Open the scenario.
Click the Navigate to Scenario icon to open the scenario.
Step 13. Enter the values for the test, then run the test.
Enter the Input value and Expected Value for the case.
Click the Run Test icon, then Current Rule to execute the rule with the input value(s) you entered.
Xelence provides the following options for running the test:
Only Result: Displays only the result.
Current Rule: Displays the result and diagram for this rule.
Step 14. View the diagram.
Click the View Test Result icon to view the diagram.
Step 15. Save the scenario.
Close the diagram window and save the scenario.
What are the improvements over S3 Version 6?
This is an identical process.
Related Article
Convert an Excel File into a Matrix and Test the Rule
This post is part of the Rules topic. Click here to open the Rules Overview.
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