The connections to SAP and other existing data are made as database links stored within the core of the FlexIntel database. The management of the links is provided via the Data Entry module for the users with the administrative rights. Data are dynamically connected and automatically transformed to the universal object structure. If necessary, an intermediate database can be created to provide additional security and performance benefits.

The Data Definition module provides a simple user interface for creating a linked data property (see Figures 1-2.)

Figure 1. Data Definition module: linked property “Employee Info”

Figure 1 shows the property “Employee Info” of the object “Employee” that is linked to the SAP data from the HR module. These data are used in the “Employee Info” in all HCM Extension Applications.

Figure 2. Data Definition module: linked property “Assigned Labs”

Figure 2 shows the property “Assigned Labs” of the object “Employee” that is linked to the data from the IT database and represents access to a lab granted to an employee via a security swap-card. These data are used in the Access Rules Management application.

The linked data are available in read-only mode for viewing, searching and navigating via the Data Entry module (see Figures 3.)

Figure 3. Data Entry module: view of the read-only property “Employee Info”

The data can be queried and reported via the Data Research module(see Figures 4.) The linked data can be mapped and used in the HCM Extension Applications.

Figure 4. Data Research module: query of the property “Employee Info”