Distribution Tables and Columns

Distribution tables and columns will not appear in the data model; users will not be able to use them to build queries or other logic. The distribution tables or columns will only be exposed to users when configuring dynamic data mapping distribution of publications; they will be able to use the distribution tables or columns to write a PQL expression, and dynamically distribute the publication based on that expression.

Importantly, distribution tables are ONLY visible in the security editor for this purpose. They will never be shown to end users for normal analysis, scripting, or logic.

The security and distribution tables and columns can be configured in such a way as to create a logical flow that enables distribution based on security. For instance, by configuring a distribution table consisting of users or roles, and a security table that designates which member elements from a security table each of those users or roles can see, a flow is configured that enables users to dynamically distribute publications to roles or users in the distribution table according to the members they can see in the security table.

 

How to Set Distribution Tables

Any table can be marked as a distribution table from both the Properties panel, and the table context menu.

Table Properties Panel

To set a distribution table from the Properties panel, click on the table. From its Properties panel, enable Distribution (green highlight below); the table will be displayed with a blue border and its columns will be hidden and displayed with distribution icons.

To unmark as a distribution table, deselect 'Distribution '.

Table Context Menu

To set a distribution table from the context menu, right click on the table and select 'Mark as distribution table' (green highlight below).

To unmark the distribution table, right click on it and select 'Unmark as distribution table' (green highlight below):

Security and Distribution Tables

A table marked as both security and distribution will be displayed with a purple border and both security and distribution icons on its columns.

How to Set Distribution Columns

Like tables, distribution columns can be set from both the Properties panel and the column context menu.

Column Properties Panel

To set a distribution column from the Column Properties panel, click on the column and select Distribution from the Properties panel; the given column will be hidden and displayed with a distribution icon (blue arrow below):

Column Context Menu

To set a distribution column from the column context menu, right click on the relevant column and select 'Mark as distribution column' (blue highlight below).

Unmark a distribution column from the context menu by right clicking on it and selecting 'Unmark as distribution column' (green highlight below):

Security and Distribution Columns

Columns marked as both security and distribution will be displayed with both the lock and distribution icons:

Security tables and columns can also be set from the Columns panel.