IPA users, tasks, and user tasks

I know of a few clients who were automating this in PFI/PFX. It was easy, because you could write to the LOGAN and PRODLINE tables using either SQL or using some sort of COBOL calling program.

I'd imagine that the setup is still the same for the LSF side, but perhaps someone who does IPA on regularly can tell you how to extend that process to update the Landmark side.

I have done this for HR approvers but what criteria/settings would you use to auto-setup RQ approvers? If you can define who would approve with what Task/Filter then it would be easy to automate the user setup. It's a matter of comparing who should be setup with who is already setup and updating the PFI tables in IPA/Landmark.

> but what criteria/settings would you use to auto-setup RQ approvers

that is a burning question. The data is not naturally in lawson. the main issue seems to be how do you determine who is a manager or director for any given requesting location. there is no natural place to store this info. The data warehouse folks claim to be able to produce a spreadsheet with all the relevant info - only a claim at this point with no evidence.

So...suppose you have a CSV with the all the needed data (from this magical data warehouse routine).... which way would you go? we're going to assume that users are in IPA and that the tasks are defined as well. how to maintain the other tables? spreadsheet designer? a new flow? use of the utilities available in IPA/configuration console?

If "IF" they produce a Spreadsheet CSV file, you can read that into IPA and assign the records to an array variable.
Then use a Landmark Transaction (query) to retrieve your current approval setup and assign to another array variable.
Then use a JavaScript Expression (with an Assign) to compare the two array variables and create new array variables (oldApprovers & new Approvers) and then use these (with a DataIterator) to delete or add the approver setup.

just for giggles....how many hours do think it would take to produce such a flow? you think that would be easier than spreadsheet designer given a CSV?

btw....so...we still don't know anyone who is doing it automatically already?

say something Kwane...you ALWAYS have good ideas and are never at a loss for words

The power of my good ideas is knowing when Other people have better ones. David Williams is by far more an expert than I at this.

As far as clients who have done it, I can think of two who I have consulted for who have done so. As I wasn't involved with the automation (it was setup before my involvement), I don't have a ton of details, other than what I recall seeing in a review.

With that said, David W is correct in the basic approach, as this is essentially what I recall seeing. the key is what will be the trigger to both distinguish user as an approver, and does the automation process need to be event- or schedule-based?

4 hours should be enough. I don't know anyone doing this for Requisition approvals and have only done it for HR in the past. I have created Design Studio forms to make the data entry easier. It would then trigger a flow to do the actual updates.

Steve, David is on the money, as usual. I'd take his counsel here, and turn it into either a plan to execute or an engagement for David, since it would most likely be a simple task for him to accomplish (barring complicated requirements from the client), and quick turn around for the client... Which is always for your reputation with the client.