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Configuration

The Configuration module is the foundation of EPMware administration, providing comprehensive setup and management of all core system components. This module enables administrators to configure infrastructure connections, define applications and dimensions, manage metadata properties, and establish global settings that govern the entire EPMware environment.

Overview

Configuration establishes the framework for EPMware's master data management capabilities. Proper configuration ensures seamless integration with target EPM systems, accurate metadata management, and efficient workflow processing. The configuration module is organized into logical sections that build upon each other, from infrastructure setup through detailed property definitions.

Configuration Components

Infrastructure

Infrastructure configuration establishes the foundational connections and environment structure for EPMware. This includes defining server connections to target applications and setting up multi-environment configurations for development, testing, and production deployments.

Key Infrastructure Features:

  • Server Configuration - Define connection details for target EPM systems (HFM, Planning, Essbase, PBCS, TRCS, OneStream, etc.)
  • Multi-Environment Setup - Configure deployment paths across development, UAT, and production environments
  • Environment Mapping - Associate applications with their respective environments
  • Connection Testing - Validate server connectivity and credentials

Configure Infrastructure

Applications

Application configuration links EPMware to target EPM applications, imports metadata hierarchies, and defines deployment settings. Each application in EPMware represents a target system where metadata will be deployed.

Application Management:

  • Application Registration - Create and configure EPMware applications linked to target systems
  • Metadata Import - Auto-import hierarchies from target applications or manually load from files
  • Application Properties - Configure target-specific settings for HFM, Planning, Essbase, PBCS, and other applications
  • Deployment Settings - Define deployment methods (Direct, File, or Interface Table)
  • Import Error Resolution - Troubleshoot and resolve application import issues

Configure Applications

Dimensions

Dimension configuration defines the hierarchical structure of your metadata, including dimension classes, dimension properties, mappings between applications, and hierarchy actions that control metadata operations.

Dimension Configuration Areas:

  • Dimension Classes - Organize dimensions into logical groupings (Account, Entity, Custom, etc.)
  • Dimension Configuration - Define dimension attributes, security, and behavior
  • Dimension Properties - Configure dimension-level settings and SQL-based derivations
  • Dimension Mapping - Link dimensions across applications for synchronized metadata management
  • Hierarchy Actions - Control available operations (Create Member, Move Member, Delete Member, etc.)

Configure Dimensions

Member Properties

Member Properties configuration defines the attributes that describe individual metadata members, including property definitions, categories for organization, mappings across applications, validations, and derivations.

Property Management Features:

  • Property Configuration - Define property attributes, display types, and deployment settings
  • Property Categories - Organize properties into logical groups for user interface display
  • Property Mapping - Synchronize property values across mapped applications
  • Property Validation - Apply business rules and data quality checks
  • Property Derivation - Calculate property values using SQL or custom scripts

Configure Member Properties

Email Templates

Email Templates enable customized notifications throughout the metadata request lifecycle. Templates support dynamic content through variable tags and can include request details, validation results, and deployment status.

Email Template Features:

  • Variable Tags - Insert dynamic content (Request ID, Requestor, Status, etc.)
  • Custom Tags - Use Logic Builder to create custom email content
  • Email Body Tables - Include formatted tables with request details, properties, and results
  • Workflow Integration - Assign templates to workflow stages for automated notifications

Configure Email Templates

Global Settings

Global Settings establish system-wide parameters that affect all aspects of EPMware operation, from email configuration to application behavior and user-defined field definitions.

Settings Categories:

  • Email Settings - Configure SMTP servers, sender addresses, and email routing
  • Application Settings - Set deployment timeouts, file size limits, and system behavior
  • Web Settings - Configure web application parameters
  • User Defined Settings - Create custom fields for metadata requests (UD1, UD2, UD3)

Configure Global Settings

Lookups

Lookups provide predefined value lists used throughout EPMware for dropdown menus, validation lists, and user selections. Administrators can create custom lookups or modify existing ones to match organizational requirements.

Lookup Management:

  • Standard Lookups - System-defined lookups for priorities, statuses, and workflows
  • Custom Lookups - User-defined value lists for properties and validations
  • Lookup Codes - Define individual values with codes, meanings, and display sequences
  • Lookup SQL - Create dynamic lookups using SQL queries

Manage Lookups

Configuration Workflow

Follow this recommended sequence when configuring a new EPMware environment:

Phase 1: Foundation Setup

  1. Configure Servers - Set up connections to target EPM systems
  2. Create Applications - Register target applications in EPMware
  3. Import Metadata - Load hierarchies from target applications
  4. Configure Application Properties - Set target-specific deployment parameters

Phase 2: Structure Definition

  1. Define Dimension Classes - Organize dimensions into logical categories
  2. Configure Dimensions - Set up dimension attributes and mappings
  3. Define Member Properties - Create property definitions for metadata attributes
  4. Organize Property Categories - Group properties for user interface display

Phase 3: Business Rules

  1. Create Property Validations - Establish data quality rules
  2. Configure Property Derivations - Set up calculated properties
  3. Map Properties and Dimensions - Link metadata across applications
  4. Define Hierarchy Actions - Control available metadata operations

Phase 4: System Settings

  1. Configure Email Templates - Set up workflow notifications
  2. Establish Global Settings - Configure system-wide parameters
  3. Create Custom Lookups - Define organization-specific value lists
  4. Set User Defined Fields - Configure custom request fields

Configuration Best Practices

  • Complete infrastructure setup before importing applications
  • Test server connections before proceeding with application import
  • Use security classes to control access at each configuration level
  • Document custom SQL used in derivations and validations
  • Back up configuration before making significant changes

Configuration Security

Configuration modules should be restricted to administrative users. Use security provisioning to control access:

  • Config Module Access - Assign the Config module only to administrators
  • Security Classes - Use security classes to limit access to specific applications or dimensions
  • Audit Trail - All configuration changes are logged in the audit module

Administrative Access Required

Configuration changes can significantly impact EPMware operation and metadata management. Ensure only trained administrators have access to configuration modules.