› Batch Class Management › Table extraction › Table validation rules

Table validation rules

This topic provides an overview of table validation rules in Transact.

For information about validation rules for index fields, see Validation rules.

To create and configure table validation rules, the following prerequisites must be in place:

  • You need a batch class with a document type configured. For detailed steps, see Add new document type.

  • The TABLE_EXTRACTION plugin must be added to the Extraction module and turned on.

  • You need a table with table columns configured. For help, see Table extraction.

Configure table validation rules

Table validation rules use regular expressions to determine if extracted table data is correct or as a way to force operator review under certain conditions.

When table data is extracted from a document, Transact runs the extracted value against the rules for that column. If the extracted value meets the conditions of the table validation rule, the value is automatically validated. If it does not meet the table validation rule, the value is flagged for review.

These rules are set at the document type level.

  1. From the Batch Class Management screen, select and open your batch class.
  2. Go to Document Types > <your document type> > Tables > <your table> > Table Validation Rules.
  3. Click Add.

    A new rule will be added as a row on the grid. The grid is broken up into the following columns.

    Column

    Description

    Rule

    This field displays the rule as you are creating it. This field is view-only and cannot be edited.

    Description

    In this mandatory field you describe the validation rule, limited to 255 characters.

    Set Rule

    This field contains an interactive editor.

    • The first drop-down list contains all columns mapped in Table Columns, plus the option to enter a value.
    • The middle field is enabled when the first drop-down list is set to Enter Value. This field becomes a text field that you can use to validate a column against a specific dataset.
    • The second drop-down list contains a list of logical operators that can be used to configure the validation rule.

      • + (add)
      • * (multiply)
      • - (subtract)
      • / (division, returns the quotient)
      • % (modulo operator, returns the remainder after division)
      • <= (less than or equal to)
      • >= (greater than or equal to)
      • != (does not equal)
      • == (equals)

  4. Create the rule in the Set Rule field.
    1. From the left drop-down list, select a column. If Enter Value is selected, enter a value in the middle text field.
    2. From the right drop-down list, select a logical operator.
    3. Repeat to refine the validation rule.
  5. Enter an intuitive description in the Description field.
  6. When you are satisfied, click Apply.

Configure the validation rule operator

When creating multiple table validation rules, you can specify whether all rules must be satisfied for a field to be validated, or only one rule. To do so, change the Validation Rule Operator on the Tables page.

  1. With your batch class open, go to Document Types > <your document type> > Tables.
  2. Select the Validation Rule Operator for your table.

    • AND: All rules must be satisfied (default).

    • OR: Only one rule must be satisfied.

  3. Click Apply.

Best Practices

  • To prevent disrupting the workflow, create and test table validation rules in a non-production environment.

  • After creating table validation rules, do not rename your Table Columns. This requires reconfiguring the rules.

  • Be careful not to create too many validation rules. Always ask: Is the rule a "need to have" or "nice to have"? We recommend that you not overload the validation process.

  • Remember to notify operators when you create or modify table validation rules.