I was just wondering if there has ever been any discussion with Blackbaud about the possibility of having Import-O-Matic import profiles be a part of the Raisers Edge Queue Service?  That would allow users to run an 'On-Demand' queue that would export data and import it using IOM instead of the Raisers Edge Import function.

In my specific situation, I cannot use the RE Import function to import relationship alias's but I can with IOM.

Hi Patrick,

Have you heard about our IOM scheduler module that allows you to schedule Import-O-Matic imports? Might be just what you're looking for. Some details (and a link to the request form) here: http://www.omaticsoftware.com/Forums/tabid/108/aft/284/Default.aspx#705

Jeff

Hi Jeff - I've looked into the scheduler but in this very specific scenario, it would not work. At the very beginning of the entire process, there has to be some minimal human procedure.

Hi Patrick,

Perhaps the forthcoming IOM API could take care of that procedure? What does it need to do?

Jeff

It's complicated but we enter parent information, with child/student relationships, through batch. Because we cannot enter the student ID using the 'relationship alias' in a batch, we put it in 'relationship notes.' When a batch is committed, I run a queue that exports the information into a Crystal Report, where it is manipulated and dumped into a comma-delimited file. In a perfect scenario, it would export the data, manipulate it, and import it back in the right place. But because Raisers Edge won't allow an import of 'relationship alias' I have to use Import-O-Matic in that step. Then, because I cannot using Import-O-Matic to 'delete' the relationship notes (using that carrot ^ character) I then have to run a Raisers Edge import to remove that ID from relationship notes.

Do you happen to have the RE7 VBA module? I think a few lines of code in the Batch_BeforePostRecord() event might eliminate all of this. :)

We do have the VBA module for Raisers Edge but I couldn't tell you how to use it. I've not had a chance to play around with it yet.

We do have the VBA module for Raisers Edge but I couldn't tell you how to use it.

Oh, don't worry, I know how to use it. :)

Yes, I think some VBA scripting could avoid all of that exporting, manipulating, and re-importing (based on what I know so far). If you'd like to work with our customization team to do that, just let us know. To your original question issue though, I think the forthcoming IOM API would definitely be able to help you set fields you can't set in batch currently.