Integration Knowledge Modules (IKM) FAQS

1. What is the role of the IKM?

• The IKM is responsible for writing the final, transformed data to the target tables. Each mapping uses a single IKM for each target that is being loaded.

2. What assumptions are made when the IKM is executed?

• The IKM assumes that all loading phases for the remote servers have already been executed. Specifically:
• All remote source data sets have been loaded into "C$" temporary tables via LKMs (Load Knowledge Modules).
• Source datastores are either on the same server as the staging area or transparent access mechanisms have been set up for remote sources.

3. What actions does the IKM perform?

• The IKM’s primary task is to execute transformations, joins, and filters on the C$ temporary tables (or tables accessible through transparent access). The resulting data is typically:
• Written into an "I$" temporary table or,
• Directly loaded into the target table.

4. How is data written into the target table?

• Depending on the selected IKM, the final transformed data can be:
• Appended to the target table.
• Compared for incremental updates or for slowly changing dimensions (SCDs).

5. What are the types of IKMs?

• IKMs for same-server staging and target datastore:
• These IKMs are used when both the staging area and the target datastore are on the same server.
• IKMs for remote staging and target datastore:
• These IKMs are used when the staging area and target datastore are located on different servers.

6. What is the purpose of the "C$" and "I$" temporary tables?

• The "C$" temporary tables are used for staging data before transformations and processing. After the transformations are applied, the resulting data is either stored in the "I$" temporary table or directly loaded into the target table.

7. Can the IKM handle remote servers and distributed data?

• Yes, the IKM can handle remote servers if transparent access mechanisms are in place. This allows the IKM to operate on data from different sources and load the results into the target datastore.

8. What happens if I use an IKM for a different server setup?

• If the staging area and the target datastore are located on the same server, the IKM designed for same-server setups is used. If they are on different servers, an IKM designed for remote setups will be used.