2473708 - Item Connector Support & Tips - Learning

This KB article provides information and tips to work with connectors in Learning.

Note: Connector Workbooks are documents capturing overall connector behavior. They contain a list of mandatory and optional fields to include in the input files. This is not a list of system requirements. They also document customer decisions, provided the customer has worked with an implementation partner.

SAP SuccessFactors Learning

Item Connector Tips

These are rules which generally cannot be modified.

• For Item Connector, there are multiple input files for this connector.
• The most basic is the Item Data input file (this is the Item Data Mapping Table).
• This input file can create an item, a single content object, and connect that  content object to the item.  It can add localized fields in one locale. 
• If the customer requires multiple content objects per item or multiple locales then use the additional input files in addition to the Item Data. 

Use this table as a guide:

• You do not need to use all files. Example, the localization and competency files can run independently.

Note: It is not necessary to include all possible fields for each input file.

Item Classification Notes

• The connector determines the item’s classification by using the values of the online completion status ID (CMPL_STAT_ID) and default segment (CPNT_LEN).
• It uses the following logic to derive the classification:
• If neither online completion status or default segment is provided, the item classification is OTHER.
• If both online completion status and a default segment are provided, the item classification is BLENDED.
• If only online completion status is provided the classification is ONLINE.
• If only default segment length is provided the item classification is INSTRUCTOR LED.

This table illustrates the item classification logic:

Processing Rules

Item Classification Rule

The connector determines the item classification based upon the values for the Online Completion Status and Default Segments fields:

1. If neither online completion status or default segment is provided, the item classification will be “OTHER”.
2. If both are provided, the item classification will be “BLENDED”.
3. If only Online Completion Status is provided- classification will be “ONLINE”.

If only Default Segment Length is provided the item classification will be “INSTRUCTOR LED”.

Item Revisions

• If the item already exists and the revision date is later then the existing item’s revision date, then the connector will create a revision of the item.
• The following settings apply when the connector revises an item:

Revising an Inactive Item

• If the item already exists and it is inactive then the connector will reject the record.
• It cannot revise an inactive item. An error will be thrown that states "Inactive revisions are not supported."

TIP! If updating inactive prior revised items is required, then you may be able to configure the connector to do these updates:

• Add item.connector.inactiveRule.updateNotActive=true to the CONNECTORS property file.

This would would be the same for the locale connector.

Additional Information

At present it is not possible to use the Item Connector to update any Item Substitutes. This still must be done manually by the LMS Administrator.

Competency Mapping:

• Item Connector Competency connects learning items to competencies that the learning item addresses.
• For example, a writing course could address a communication competency.

The item connector must run 2 files:

1. item_data.txt to import items in LMS >
2. item_competency_data.txt to map competencies to items.

• You cannot run the item connector with the item_competency_data.txt only, if you do the connector will ignore the file.
• Therefore in case you are mapping already existing items have an empty item_data.txt input file that contains all the mandatory headers on the SFTP with the item_data_competency.txt input file.
• In the item_data_competency.txt, if an item is mapped to more than one competency  you must create one row for each competency.

Updating OCN items through the item connector:

• We cannot update title, description, length or add a content object or the item will be out of sync with OCN providers.
  
• Make sure you are using the exact item key (item type + itemID + revision date/time = item Key) in the connector file. You can retrieve it from the Open Content Network item report.
• We can update the items through connectors for credit/contact/CPE hrs, catalogs, subject areas.
• You should never revise an OCN Item.

TIP!

• Regarding subject areas be aware that if a subject area is updated manually through UI by a user then on every run of the Skillsoft connector, the system will create duplicates subject area.
• The solution is to delete the very first occurrence of the subject area.
• SAP Product Engineers are working to fix this in the product.

• Importing Courses with the Learning Item Connector
• 2404463 - SAP SuccessFactors Learning Connector Workbooks FAQs
• 2286589 - Avoiding Date/Time Issues with Connectors

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