Editable Tables and Collaboration
In addition to processes that result in datasets, PAW provides for tables with data maintained by the user, like in a database. These tables can serve as "temporary" tables as the data gets passed between processes, but might require some manual editing and verification in between. They can also be used to help categorize records in your own way which is not available from the data source (ex. expense type for rollups) or to correct incorrect fields so your reporting can remain correct. Finally, tables can be shared online and users can collaborate on data with synching through the PAW collaboration service.
Why use PAW manual datasets?
PAW manual datasets provide the following key features that are not typically available with spreadsheet like tools:
- Structured data entry - Use PAW for entry of business data
so you are able to load data directly into corporate databases. Manual
datasets have well-defined fields and types.
Dataset settings with different data types
- Local tables of information - Use manual datasets to capture data
from your processes.
Importing new data into a editable table
Configuration for adding/updating records
- Data constraints and auto-complete -
You can specify that a certain field can have values from a certain field
from another dataset. As an example, you might have a master table of
vendors, and for your invoice table, you would say the vendor should be
from the list of vendors in the master vendor table.
Setting up data constraints to another dataset
Auto-complete for data constrained to another dataset
- Drill-down details - Add sub-items that you can drill-down
to. Handy when you're wanting to capture information that's linked.
