Asynchronous Process
A process that runs independently (in the background) of other processes. Other processes may be started before the asynchronous process has finished.
Bound Query
A query that is connected to an output process definition and cannot be overridden at runtime.
Driver Business Object
A business object that validates, at runtime, that a selected query will be able to drive an output process; for example, a driver business object for a report would create the required index.
Object
Self-contained element that consists of instructions to manipulate data; for example, a business object or query object.
Output Device
Method through which a user views the results of an output process; for example, a computer screen, printer, or PDF file.
Output Format
Format in which the data resulting from an output process displays; for example, comma-delimited, tab-delimited, Excel, HTML, MS Word, or XML.
Output Process
Process-oriented task; for example, a report, MS Word merge, or query.
Parameter
User-supplied value that dynamically customizes output. A parameter can be hard-coded or specified at runtime.
For example, a query that outputs the registrants for a closed event could require the user to supply the event code at runtime.
Process Definition
Set of runtime-specific instructions used to execute an output process.
For example, to create a report process definition you must specify a report template, associate a data source (query), determine the output destination, and specify any parameters necessary to guide the process execution.
Synchronous Process
A process that runs as a result of another process being completed.
Template
A document that dictates the format and/or style of the output of a process definition. Many templates are designed through third-party packages, which are tightly integrated with the iMIS output processing system to produce high-quality output; for example, Microsoft Word documents, email text files, and report file formats.