Files
Use the Files tab to select up to five data files used to extract the data that appears on the data miner report.
To open the Files tab, click a Query Name on the Data Miner screen.
The fields on the Files tab are:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Description |
A brief description of the file. If the file is an iSeries file, the description displays the query name, the name of the user who created the query, and the name of the file associated with the query. Joined files have an indented file description. |
| File | The data file from where the data is extracted. The file alias precedes the file name. |
| Library | The library location where the file resides. |
| Join Field | The name of the field that joins the two selected files. If this field is blank, it denotes a predefined join between the selected file and the primary file. To change the Join Field selected, click the field name link to open the Select Join screen. |
| Type of Join | Displays how the records in each of the secondary files are used for the report based on the records of the primary file. See the join type table below. |
| Add Join | Add additional files to the report using the Add File screen. N/A is displayed in this field once five files have been selected for the report. |
| Delete | Deletes the selected file from the report query. |
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Matched Records |
Use Matched Records to narrow a report to items common to both files. For example, joining the Customer file with the Invoice file using Matched Records lists only those customers who have at least one invoice; customers with no invoices do not appear. Joining an Equipment file with a Service History file on a unit ID shows only equipment units that have corresponding service records. Includes only records that have a matching entry in both the primary file and the secondary file. Any record that is not present in one of the files is excluded from the results. |
| Matched Records with Primary File |
Use Matched Records with Primary File to see all primary data along with any available details from the secondary source. For example, if the primary file is Equipment and you join it with Service History, the result includes all equipment units — units that have been serviced display their service information, and units with no service history are still listed with blank or zero service fields. You can also use this join to list all customers and any open orders they have: every customer appears, and customers with orders show the order details. Includes every record from the primary file and adds any matching data from the secondary file. If a primary record has no match in the secondary file, the secondary fields default to blanks for character fields or zeros for numeric fields. |
| Unmatched Records with Primary File |
Use Unmatched Records with Primary File to identify gaps in the secondary data set. For example, selecting Parts as the primary file and Inventory as the secondary lists all parts that do not have a record in the inventory file, such as parts a branch has never stocked. This join type is also useful for finding equipment units with no service records on file or customers who have never made a purchase. Includes only the primary-file records that have no matching record in the secondary file. |
Click the Click to add file link to add a data file to the report.
Click the Yes link in the Add Join field to add additional data files to the report.
For details on how to link to PFWTAB, see the Linking to PFWTAB help topic.
Click a join type in the Type of Join field to alter the fields that join the selected files.
Note: Only files known to VitalEdge allow you to specify a secondary file.
Click Close to close the Files tab and return to the Data Miner screen.
Security: 505 - Data Miner
Revision: 2026.06