Target Map

Based on the concept of the Hourglass that shows the complete path from the source system to the target system, let's explore the Target Map and understand how we transition from the complex target system to a simpler interface.

The Target Map serves as the conduit for delivering data to the target system, which comprises numerous tables or structures. At this stage, we are primarily concerned with metadata and not the specifics of these tables. The metadata describes the data that needs to be delivered, whether it's in the form of database tables, parameter lists for procedure calls, or any other representation.

Discussions about the intricate technical structures are avoided as they are numerous and not conducive to conversations regarding business data migration. Instead, our focus is on Business Objects. 

These interface fields represent the data we need to receive in order to process the Business Object in the Target Map and deliver the corresponding data to the target system. Now, how do we achieve that? Suppose we are at a particular position within a given Business Object. To deliver one row of data, we create a target object within the Target Map, specifically on the corresponding business entity. We inform the Target Map that this target object is responsible for delivering one row to the designated structure in the target system. When we create this target object, the Target Map automatically retrieves the fields associated with that structure in the target system, providing us with a list of these target fields.

These target fields represent the specific fields within the structure where data will be inserted or modified. While the details of value assignments are beyond the scope of this discussion, rest assured that you have access to all the necessary value types to complete this task.

Suppose, for instance, that another business entity needs to deliver a row to a different structure in the target system. This scenario is handled similarly. We create another target object that resides within the corresponding business entity, and it will be responsible for delivering data to the designated structure. Once again, we are presented with a list of target fields for value assignment.

It is also possible for multiple Business Objects to deliver rows to the same table or structure in the target system, or for a single business object to deliver multiple rows to the same structure. These scenarios are fully supported. Through the target objects, we establish a true many-to-many relationship between the Business Objects in the target map and the structures in the target system to which we need to deliver data.

This subject of this article is also available as a video: