==Basic Principles==__NOEDITSECTION__
The Staging Area Generator takes an {{IMSMANG}} database as input and outputs a staging area database, i.e. a flattened version of the IMSMA database, containing only '''approved''' data. The structure of the staging area and a details on the data it contains can be found on the [[Staging Area Database| IMSMA Staging Area Database]] page.
==Where to install and use it==__NOEDITSECTION__
In terms of the technical architecture for IMSMA and the staging area, there are the following options:
* The staging area can be generated on the same server and database server as IMSMA. In this case, the tool is run locally and makes only local connections to the source and target databases.
* The staging area can be generated on another server and database server than IMSMA. For example, there could be a dedicated reporting server, in order not to overload the server on which data entry in IMSMA is done. In this case, the Staging Area Generator has to be run on the '''target server'''.
== Installing the IMSMA Staging Area Generator==__NOEDITSECTION__
Prior to installing the Staging Area Generator
<ol>
<li>To install the staging area generator (SAG) double-click on the '''etl.exe''' file.</li>
<li>The graphical installer then starts. On the first screen, choose the language you would like to use for the installation and click '''OK'''.
[[Image:SAGInstallStep1.png|center|150px]]</li>
<li>Navigate the Installation panels of the graphical installer as described below:
<ol>
<li>On the Welcome screen, click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>On the Infromation screen, click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>We strongly recommend to use the default installation path for the Staging Area Generator. Click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>If the target folder (C:\IMSMAETLTool) does not already exist a message will be shown, click '''OK'''. </li>
<li>In the packages selection panel, click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>Wait for the installation progress bar to finish, then click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>When the Setup Shortcuts panel displays, click '''Next'''.</li>
<li>When the installation has completed successfully, click '''Done'''.</li>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
After the installation, the following menu entry will be visible in the Start menu → All Programs → IMSMA:
[[File:Staging_Area_Generator_Icon.png]]<br />
==Using the IMSMA Staging Area Generator==__NOEDITSECTION__
To start the Staging Area Generator, click on the Staging Area Generator Icon in the Start menu → All Programs → IMSMA. This will open the following graphical user interface.
