Performing Operations on Tables and Rules

Many operations can be performed on tables and on the rule definitions in them. These operations are performed using commands and options in the various screens of the Rule Definition facility.

Following is a brief summary of some of the major operations possible within the facility. Additional options and commands are explained following the summary.

Accessing (Editing or Browsing) a Table and its Rules

A table (that is, the rule definitions in the table) can be browsed or edited.

When browsed, the table cannot be modified or updated. When the table is edited, new rule definitions can be added and existing rule definitions can be modified or deleted.

Browsing, however, has the following advantages:

• Access and exit are quicker than in editing.
• Rule lists and definitions that are in use by another user can be viewed.
• Access for browsing might be granted, while though access for editing might be denied due to site security requirements.

To browse a table (and its rule list and rule definitions), use the BROWSE option in the Table List screen.

Specifying the table name in the entry panel or using the SELECT option in the Table List screen provides edit access.

Depending on user profile definitions, if the table requested for editing is in use, access is either granted in Browse mode, or access will not be granted.

Copying a Rule to Another Table

Rules can be copied from one table to another using the COPY option in the Rule List screen. For more information, see Copying Rules to another Table.

Deleting a Table or a Rule

Unneeded rules can be deleted using the DELETE option in the Rule List screen. For more information, see Options of the Rule List Screen. Unneeded tables can be deleted using the DELETE option in the Table List screen. For more information, see Deleting Tables.

Saving Modifications

All changes made to a table and its rule scheduling definitions are kept in memory until the table is exited. Upon exiting the table, the user can choose to save or cancel the changes. For more information, see Exiting the Rule Definition Screen.