What is the DataView Module?

The Contensis DataView module contains a complete set of tools that makes database integration a straightforward process, even for non-technical users.

The module contains a number of elements which enable the simple creation of listing pages, record pages and search results pages from a dynamic source.

Given a data source, dynamic pages can be created in a matter of minutes.

How does it fit into the Contensis/Environment?

The DataView module is primarily built upon the use of Contensis templates and therefore the creation of listing/record pages requires very little additional knowledge for Contensis users.

The data source for a DataView can be any ODBC database.

The DataView module integrates with the Contensis Forms module making the creation of data capture pages extremely easy.

Who can use it?

The use of the DataView module is as intuitive as any other procedure within Contensis. Non-technical users can therefore be empowered to produce dynamic pages after a short training exercise.

Customisation is straightforward, with individual elements easily positioned and formatted as required using the Contensis WYSIWYG editor.

In the event that advanced customisation is needed, developers can write server side code to render the data to any specification. We have many examples that are available and even non-technical users can dabble with some code quite safely. (Bear in mind that the pages are built in a staging environment meaning that mistakes can be made without bringing down the production site).

Contensis not only supports the ability to report information in listing and record pages but also allows for the updating of data. This is easily configured and can be controlled to enable only the permitted users to have access to editing functions.

What are the benefits?

Contensis DataView module supports a variety of control types, making the creation of search pages a breeze. Here are some examples of the controls available:

• Text Box
• Calendar (can be linked to the data to highlight records falling on particular dates)
• Drop Downs (the source can be automatically generated from distinct values within the listing or directed at its own data source)
• Linked Drop Downs (useful for categories and sub category selection)
• Check box and Check box lists
• A to Z pager (Allows listings to be separated, e.g. List just the A’s)
• Page Status (e.g. currently showing page 1 of 10)
• Ordering
• Navigation (First/Previous/Next/Last)
• Filters (e.g. List just the latest 3 items)

The creation of the dynamic pages is controlled by a workflow process just like all content within Contensis. This means that full testing can be carried out in the staging environment before committing the page to the production site

What makes it so useful?

The DataView module can be linked back to the CMS through the Contensis Publisher. The Publisher supports the facility to deliver content within web pages to a database table. Contensis handles all the table creation and writing of data. This means that listing/search pages can be created without the need for a Database Administrator or a Developer.

The module handles data of many different types. Standard types you would expect are string, integer, date, etc, but Contensis extends this list to include images and document files as well.

In the event of a web visitor carrying out a search that returns no results, the DataView Module has a built in facilities to display the necessary message advising the user that no results match the search criteria.

Technical Info

The data sources that the DataViews utilise are themselves components within Contensis. This means that they can be re-used time and time again to create multiple listing pages. The DataView module also supports the retrieval of full text searches, therefore enabling increased performance for the delivery of results.