To automatically populate documents with data, you need to use datasources. This article explains everything you need to know about datasources. It is advisable to read this article first before creating datasources.

What are datasources?

Datasources are essentially repositories for data. These repositories have a table like structure, meaning they consist of columns and rows. The data from datasources can be used to dynamically generate templates, allowing documents to be automatically populated.

Different types of datasources

There are four different types of datasources within eformity. Every subscription starts with 'System Datasources' by default.

System Datasources

When an account is created, up to seven system datasources are generated. The list below shows each system datasource and the information they contain:

DXCampaign

Contains information about email campaigns.

DXEmployee

Contains information about employees.

DXEmployees

Contains information about accounts (of employees), such as phone numbers, email addresses, workdays, and job titles.

DXImage

Contains information about images.

DXLocation

Contains information about locations, such as visiting addresses, mailing addresses, and phone and fax numbers.

DXOrganization

Contains information about organizations, such as the name, VAT/Chamber of Commerce/account numbers, logo, and website.

DXSigners

Contains information about signers.

As you may have noticed, system datasources always start with 'DX'. It is also important to note that you cannot edit or delete a system datasource.

Query Datasources

The next type of datasource is a 'Query Datasource'. With a query datasource, you use a query to extract specific data from an existing data connector.

This type of datasource is very useful if you are using external data connectors. For example, you can connect your CRM and then use a query to isolate specific data, making it easier to manage.

Table Datasources

In addition to query and system datasources, you can also use 'Table Datasources'. Like query datasources, you can link a data connector to a table datasource.

The biggest difference between a table and query datasource is that a table datasource has many more options. For example, you can display and even edit the data from the datasource in the 'Datasource Management' section.

Table Datasources (with query)

The last type of datasource is a table datasource (with query). The table datasource (with query) is essentially a combination of the query and table datasources.

With this type of datasource, you can set a query to isolate specific data from a large existing datasource. Then, you can apply the same various options as with the table datasource, such as viewing and editing the data.