How NDM (Connect:Direct) can be used within an Ab Initio graph for file transfer.

Scenario:

• Source System: Mainframe
• Target System: UNIX server
• Use Case: Transfer a file from the mainframe to the UNIX system after data processing in Ab Initio.

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Steps in Ab Initio Graph with NDM Integration

1. Ab Initio Graph Design:

• Components Used:
  • Input File Component: Reads the file to process.
  • Transform Component: Applies necessary transformations.
  • Output File Component: Writes the processed data to a local file.
  • Run Program Component: Executes the NDM script to transfer the file.

2. Example Graph Flow:

[Input File] -> [Transform] -> [Output File] -> [Run Program (NDM)]

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3. Sample NDM Script:

This script is stored as a .ndm file and is executed via the Run Program Component.

NDM Script Example:

NDM_TRANSFER PROCESS
  COPY FROM (
    DSN=source_file_name
    DISP=SHR
    NODE=MAINFRAME_NODE
  )
  TO (
    DSN=/data/target_directory/target_file_name
    DISP=RPL
    NODE=UNIX_NODE
  )
  RUN TASK AFTER SUCCESS
  PEND

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4. Run Program Component in Ab Initio:

This component is used to trigger the NDM script.

Run Program Configuration:

• Command: Call the NDM script using the shell.

  c:DIRECT/bin/directcli -f /scripts/ndm_transfer.ndm
  

• Parameters:
  • Path to the NDM script (/scripts/ndm_transfer.ndm).
  • Additional arguments if needed.

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5. Error Handling in the Graph:

• Use Conditional Components or check NDM logs to validate the transfer.
• Example: Monitor the output log from the NDM process to confirm success or trigger alerts on failure.

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Sample Workflow Execution:

1. Input File: The source file is read from the mainframe.
2. Processing: The data is transformed in Ab Initio.
3. Output File: Processed data is written to a local directory on the ETL server.
4. NDM Transfer:
   • The Run Program Component triggers the NDM script.
   • The file is securely transferred to the target system (UNIX server).
5. Post-Transfer: Logs are checked to verify successful completion.

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Benefits of This Integration:

1. Automation: File transfer is seamlessly part of the ETL process.
2. Error Recovery: NDM supports checkpoint/restart for interrupted transfers.
3. Scalability: Suitable for large file transfers and cross-platform integration.
4. Security: Uses encrypted protocols for secure file movement.