External database connections may be used to access data from an external database when using Checklist questions. They can be used in the following scenarios:
Answers: define which answers are presented to the operator for a specific question.
Inclusion: define whether the question is displayed to the operator in the checklist.
Validation: define whether the chosen/entered answer is the "right" answer.
For example, it could be used to validate an air-bag serial number. A user scans a serial number on an airbag and wants to make sure it is in their MES inventory (which is contained in a different database). They can setup validation with an external connection to that database to see if the serial number exists.
Once the connection has been made it can be used in a Checklist Procedure which the checklist uses to access the data.
Create an external database connection as follows.
Select the Management tab.
Click External Connections.
The External Database Connections window is split into three panes:
Connections: The existing connections to external databases.
Checklist Lookup References: The checklist lookup references related to the currently selected connection.
Details: The connection string used in the currently selected connection and the test result it produces.
Click the Add button (
) in the Connections pane.
The External Database Connection dialog opens.
Enter a Description.
Enter the Connection String information in the format of:
Server=servername;Initial Catalog=databasename;User Id=username;Password=password;
Click Connect to test the database connection.
If the connection was successful the database properties will be listed.
Click OK.
The database connection is saved.
The connection can now be used in a Checklist Procedure which the checklist uses to access the data.