Define export fields

You can customize the fields/columns of a default export or create new export fields/columns in Aspen.

To define the fields/columns of an export:

  1. Log on to the District view.
  2. Select Tools > Exports > Export Formats.
  3. Select the export format you want to customize, then click Fields under the Export Formats side-tab.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • To edit an existing field: Click the field position.
    • To create a new field: Select Options > Add. The New Export Format Field page appears.
  1. Use the following table to help you enter the information in the fields:

    Field

    Description

    Field position

    Type the order number in which this column appears on the export.

    Name

    Type a unique name of the field that displays on the export.

    Source field

    Type the name of the field on the table from which you're exporting.

    Default value

    Type a default value for the field. The default value appears when you create new records only.

    Reference map indicator

    Select this checkbox if the Source field points to a field that has a reference table. If so, the state code value will be referenced.

    Minimum length

    Type the minimum number of characters a user can enter in this field.

    If the field does not meet the requirements for minimum and maximum lengths, a warning appears on the validation report.

    Maximum length

    Type the maximum number of characters a user can enter in this field.

    If the field does not meet the requirements for minimum and maximum lengths, a warning appears on the validation report.

    Format type

    Click this drop-down to select one of the following:

    • None
    • Date
    • Numeric
    • Logical

    Format expression

    Type the expression of the format.

    Example expressions for the following format types:

    • Date: yy-mm-dd
    • Numeric: 00.00
    • Logical: checkbox on = 1, checkbox off = 0

    Validation pattern

    Type a regular expression to validate the entered data to ensure the data is consistent. If the data is not valid, a warning appears on the validation report.

    Padding direction

    Click this drop-down to select one of the following to determine the direction padding characters will be added to reach the specified length. These are typically used for alignment purposes and for tables.

    • None
    • Left pad
    • Right pad
    • Truncate only

    Padding character

    Type a single character used for padding. This value must be wrapped in single quotes.

    For example: '  ' or '0'

    Calculation ID

    For complex calculations, type the name of the Java code to calculate the value.

    Validation ID

    For complex validations that compares codes, type the name of the Java code to validate the data.

    Calc parameter

    Type the value required by the calculation and validation.

    Validated source field

    If the Source field is an alias, the read-only field name from the Data Dictionary appears.

    Long name

    Click Search icon. and select where the field is saved in the results.

    Unique key indicator

    Leave this field blank. It currently is not used.

    Writeback indicator

    Leave this field blank. It currently is not used.

    SIFClosed an open-standard specification that allows school software applications from different vendors – such as student information systems and library automation software – to interact and share data Path

    Leave this field blank. It will be used in a future release to structure SIF data.

  1. Click Save.