ArchiveLink is R/3's interface to external archiving systems (e.g., optical storage systems). DART supports this interface which enables you to archive data extract and data view files. These files can be easily exported to and from archive when the system is properly configured.

To configure the link, you must access the ArchiveLink configuration screen, assign an archive ID that identifies your optical archive and assign attributes to data extract files and data view files.

The definition of the archive ID in the ArchiveLink configuration determines where the files that are to be archived have to be stored or where the files will be stored when retrieved from the archive. When you archive data extracts or view files, you are prompted to enter a directory set. You are required to enter a directory set that matches the file location as defined in the archive ID.

On the maintenance screen, you will be required to enter an "X " in the status field (to activate the link), an archive ID, a link table (table that stores links to the archived files), and a retention period in which the link table entries can be deleted. By default, one inactive link without attributes is created the first time the maintenance screen is called. To create a new link, you can copy the default object type and document type and enter the remaining attributes.

After configuring the link, user authorizations must be set up to grant selected users permission to archive and retrieve files from archive.

Configuring the ArchiveLink interface for Data Extracts and Data Views

1. From the main DART menu, choose Configuration ® Data extracts.
   The Display settings for data extraction screen will appear.
2. Choose the ArchiveLink configuration tab.
3. Choose Configuration on either the Data extract or Data view section of the screen. This invokes the Links for external storage system: Overview screen.
4. Choose the Display-change icon to enter the change mode.
5. Choose New entries.
6. Enter BUS4010 in the Obj.type field and DART_EXTR in the Doc. type field for data extract links or BUS4011 and DART_VIEW for data view links (or copy an existing line to copy the default object and document type).
7. Enter an "X" in the status field to activate the link. All other values indicate an inactive status.
8. Use the value help to select values for the Archive ID (identifies your external archive), and the Link table (name of the table that stores the links to the archived files).
9. Enter the number of months after which link table entries can be deleted in the Retention period field. You will usually enter a 0, to indicate an unlimited retention period.
10. Choose Save.