An I-Descriptor, or interpretive descriptor, is a type of dictionary item that calculates a new value using data from other dictionary items. I-Descriptors calculate new values by running a subroutine or a pre-defined formula on other dictionary items. Use I-Descriptors to manipulate strings of information or calculate values for selecting, sorting, and displaying data on reports and in screen fields.
For example, the following I-Descriptor formula multiplies the values in the surplus quantity and replacement cost dictionary items to determine the value of the surplus:
(SURPLUS * REPCOST)
In this case, the SURPLUS and REPCOST dictionary items are also I-Descriptors. Subroutines calculate the values of these items.
In another example, the AR file contains transactions. The customer number identifies each transaction. An I-Descriptor in the AR file can use the customer number to access the bill-to name from the customer file. The I-Descriptor is the tool you need to create a report in one file and use data from other files in your calculations.
The system includes the I-Descriptors used by the standard reports. To learn how to create your own I-Descriptors, we require that you attend a class.
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