SiMX data extraction and processing tools and solutions

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Q.

What is TARGET?

A.

SiMX Target is a component based software platform for rapid development of robust and easy to manage data processing applications. It serves as a foundation for SIMX end-user products, which include a number of individual problem focused components (TextConverter, DbConverter, Target Reports, etc.) as well as two suites (Data Processing Suite and Application Development Suite) where those components are used as building blocks for visual assembly of sophisticated data processing applications. The platform empowers a wide range of users including non-programmers and professional programmers alike to easily build and maintain a wide range of data processing applications.

Q.

What databases work with TextConverter and TARGET Reports?

A.

Use any conventional database or flat file format (ORACLE, SQL Server, MySQL, DB2, Access, Excel, FoxPro, and more). The applications connects to databases through standard ODBC, OLEDB drivers.

Q.

What services and support are available from SiMX?

A.

Extraction Translation and Loading (ETL), data analysis, processing automation, reporting, and database driven web application development. If you have something else in mind, it never hurts to ask.

Q.

What operating systems can TextConverter and TARGET Reports run on?

A.

Microsoft Windows. If you have a requirement for a Linux runtime for a large ongoing project, contact us for a quote on a custom build.

Q.

Can TextConverter and TARGET Reports connect to databases running on non-Microsoft operating systems, such as Linux?

A.

Yes. TextConverter and TARGET Reports can connect to anything that can be accessed through OLEDB or ODBC.

Q.

Is there a limit to the size of a TextConverter or TARGET Reports project?

A.

No. The only limitations are those of your Operating system or hardware.

Q.

Can Report Manager be run unattended? (for example lights out or at night)

A.

Yes. Report Manager includes a task scheduler. Simply select "Task Scheduler..." from the "File" menu.

Q.

The Product Key you sent me does not work. What should I do?

A.

If you entered the key by hand, we recommend that you use Copy/Paste instead. It is very easy to make mistakes when typing a long string by hand (the letter "l" might be confused for number "1", the letter "O" might be confused for the number "0"). If the key still does not work, please contact us. Hint: you can use Ctrl-C to copy and Ctrl-V to paste.

Q.

Does TARGET Reports work with Excel, Access, DBF, or CSV files?

A.

Yes. It works with all of the above.

Q.

How can I select a data source in TARGET Reports?

A.

In the main editing pane, click on a report element. Use the database icon (gray cylinder) to open the data connection dialog. This will bring up the database connectivity dialog allowing you to connect using OLEDB, ODBC, or a flat data file.

Q.

Why can't I download?

A.

Please make sure you entered all the required information in the form (or that you are logged in to the website) and that you have checked the products you wish to download. If the problem persists, please contact us.

Q.

What is the difference between TextConverter Standard and the Developer Edition?

A.

The Developer Edition consists of two parts: visual authoring tool (same as in Standard Edition) and runtime dlls (.NET ready ActiveX). The runtime component is capable of reading projects created by the authoring tool and can be controlled by its application programming interface (API). You can incorporate the TextConverter runtime component as part of your application (using development tools capable of working with COM or .NET components). The Standard Edition only allows the use of one copy of the authoring tool and runtime component per registered user while the Developer Edition allows the unlimited use of the runtime component within the conditions of the license.

Q.

Do I need to know scripting or programming to create and debug my own Extraction Translation and Loading (ETL) projects in SiMX TextConverter?

A.

TextConverter supports the automatic extraction for many input data sources. Additionally, you can perform simple conversions without scripting, by manipulating record and field delimiters. In many cases some VB Script will be required. This does not mean you need to be a programmer. Many aspects of scripting are accessed by dragging and dropping fields or by selecting functions from the fly menu (right click). Examples are provided with commonly used ETL code and most of the ETL processes you will require are contained in proprietary functions specific to the task.

Q.

Does the purchase price contain any tech support?

A.

Yes, after purchasing TextConverter you will have our technical support provided through the Customer Support section on our site. You can use the Data Conversion Center for submitting your questions and suggestions. You also will be eligible for up to 30 minutes of a free online consultation.

Q.

Does SiMX offer training for TextConverter and TARGET Reports?

A.

SiMX provides a number of step-by-step examples and sample files with TextConverter and Target Reports. Several training videos are also available on-line. Custom training is available on a per quote basis. Please tell us what you are looking for and we will design and quote a service to meet your needs.

Q.

What input file formats are supported by TextConverter?

A.

TextConverter can be used for extracting data from popular document formats including PDF, DOC, RTF, XLS, HTML, CSV and free formatted text files.

Q.

Can I work on more than one project at a time in TextConverter or TARGET Reports?

A.

Yes, you can open several instances of TextConverter and/or TARGET Reports at once and work on separate projects in each one. Go to the start menu and launch another copy of the TextConverter or TARGET Reports, your original copy will remain running. This is subject to you particular workstations RAM, processor, and OS.

Q.

Can I use TextConverter to extract XML data from a document ignoring HTML and other text in the document?

A.

Yes, TextConverter is very well suited for extracting the XML data you need while filtering out the HTML and other text. This task does not occur automatically in the current version and requires some scripting.

Q.

Can TextConverter be used to convert a PDF to a JPG?

A.

No, TextConverter is used to extract text, dates, and numeric data from all kinds of files, including PDF files and load that data into a file or database. It is not a tool for converting graphics or video from one format to another.

Q.

Can I use an external database as part of the transformation for my extraction translation and loading (ETL) project with TextConverter?

A.

Yes, use as many DB variables as you need for your transformation. DB Variables in TextConverter can be database tables or files, including the table or file that you are loading with your ETL project.

Q.

How do I register/unregister TextConverter or TARGET Reprts?

A.

While you are running a trial version of a SiMX software package including TARGET Reports, TextConverter, an evaluation dialog will be displayed each time you start the application. It will show the number of days left for your evaluation. Upon expiration of your trial, you will be prompted to enter a new Trial or Customer key. However, if you wish to register your software prior to expiration of your trial, go to the Help menu and select Register. If you would like to install TextConverter on another computer and all the copies you have bought are already in use, you can transfer a copy from one computer to another. Go to Help menu and select Unregister to unregister the application. Now you can register it on another computer.

Q.

Can TextConverter be run unattended? (for example lights out, after hours, or on a server)

A.

Yes. TextConverter includes a task scheduler. Simply select "Task Scheduler..." from the "File" menu. For more information please see the task scheduler help page. Additionally, the runtime for TextConverter Developer edition allows full integration with automated processing systems.

Q.

Where can I download TextConverter or TARGET Reports?

A.

Go to the "Download/Purchase" page to download the latest version of TextConverter or TARGET Reports. The same software is used for the trial and registered versions. The difference between the trial version and the registered version is in your activation key.

Q.

What is the difference between the trial version and the registered version of TextConverter?

A.

The trial version limits the length of time that you can use the software and the number of records you can process. The same software is used for the trial and registered versions. The difference between the trial version and the registered version is in your activation key.

Q.

Why do I have to enter my key every time I start the software?

A.

You should only have to enter a key one time. Please contact us so we can help you to extend your evaluation, purchase a key, or solve the problem.

Q.

When I run TextConverter or TARGET Reports on my laptop, it runs but nothing appears on the screen.

A.

If you have multiple monitors and the last time you ran TextConverter or TARGET Reports, you ran it in a window on a monitor that is no longer attached to your computer, it may try to load on that disconnected monitor. First, hit enter to clear the sample dialog if it is enabled. Next, right click on the application in the task bar and choose "move" (you may have to first choose "restore" if you were working full screen). Now use the arrow keys to bring the application window into view on the currently attached monitor.

Q.

How do I extract field names from the top line of my input data file with TextConverter?

A.

You can extract field names from any line of your input data source file with TextConverter. Go to the options pane (in the lower right corner) and update "Get field names from the line #" - enter an input record number, which contains field names.

Q.

Why can't I see my entire input data file in TextConverter's preview?

A.

TextConverter has a few options (adjustable in the lower right pane) that will limit what you see in the input and output preview. Be sure to look at "Number of lines to preview" - controls the number of records displayed in the preview panes and the depth of analysis for automatic extraction. "Number of lines to skip" - as some files may have additional information at the beginning that you wish to skip. "Show all lines" - This check box allows you to include lines that do not conform to the selected automatic template in the conversion. By default, this box is not checked and lines that do not conform to the template are skipped.

Q.

How do I start extracting data from my PDF documents on the second page with TextConverter?

A.

There are a couple of options (in the lower right pane) that you should look at: “First Page” - Put the page number to start conversion here, for example, to skip a cover page, start on page 2 . “Last Page” - Put the page number to end conversion here. Leave this blank if your documents vary in length or if you wish to continue conversion to the end of the document. Scripting can also be used to include and exclude sections of an input data source.

Q.

How do I stop extracting data from my PDF documents on the seventh page with TextConverter?

A.

There are a couple of options (in the lower right pane) that you should look at: “First Page” - Put the page number to start conversion here, for example, to skip a cover page, start on page 2 . “Last Page” - Put the page number to end conversion here. Leave this blank if your documents vary in length or if you wish to continue conversion to the end of the document. Scripting can also be used to include and exclude sections of an input data source.

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