Multi-mapping is a mapping program that allows transformation of a source (input) message to multiple target (output) messages, or multiple source messages to multiple target messages.
In simpler terms, think of multi-mapping as a sophisticated translator capable of taking one or more input documents and creating several output documents based on specific rules and transformations. This is crucial in integration scenarios where data needs to be distributed and transformed into various formats suitable for different systems.
Here's a breakdown:
- Input: One or more source messages. These messages contain the data to be processed.
- Multi-Mapping Program: The core logic that defines how the input messages are transformed and split. This program contains the rules, logic, and transformations needed.
- Output: Multiple target messages. These are the resulting messages after the transformation, tailored to the requirements of different receiver systems or applications.
Multi-mapping is particularly useful in scenarios where:
- Integration Processes Require Multiple Outputs: An incoming order might need to be translated into separate messages for the warehouse, accounting, and shipping departments.
- Data Needs to Be Distributed in Different Formats: A single data source might need to be transformed into XML, JSON, and CSV formats for different consuming applications.
- Complex Transformations Are Necessary: The mapping involves intricate logic, calculations, and data enrichment before creating the final output messages.
Example:
Imagine an e-commerce system receiving a customer order. Using multi-mapping, this single order could be:
- Transformed into a shipping request for the warehouse.
- Transformed into an invoice for the accounting system.
- Transformed into a notification for the customer.
This is a more efficient process than having separate programs handle each transformation. Multi-mapping consolidates the logic into a single, manageable program.
In enterprise service repositories, multi-mapping programs often define a transformation step within a larger integration process, facilitating seamless data exchange between disparate systems. This approach promotes modularity and reusability of mapping logic.
