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Quickstart: First workflow

This quickstart walks through a simple first experience in WebHammers.

The goal is to take a structured File, run a focused Tool, and review the output.

For many new users, a strong first workflow is:

  1. Use Import Designer to set up a data import Configuration. Use Quick Start to analyze and understand your File.
  2. Select a WebHammers Tool, such as Cleaner or Filterer, to create a new Configuration and define your Rules.
  3. Run the Tool on your actual data and review the results.

Step 1: Pick your sample File​

You may use either a sample File or your actual File. Ensure that the File contains the same Field names and data types as the Files you plan to use for future Configuration Runs. This consistency is important for reliable processing.

A CSV File is an ideal starting point. Tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can easily export your data in CSV format for use with WebHammers.

Step 2: Choose the Tool​

Choose one Tool based on the problem you are trying to solve:

  • Use Cleaner to standardize values.
  • Use Filterer to keep only Records that match Rules.
  • Use Data Profiler to understand data quality and structure.

Step 3: Create or select a Configuration​

Most WebHammers workflows center on a Configuration. A Configuration captures the Rules for the Run so the work can be repeated more reliably later.

At a high level, this usually means:

  • selecting the Fields you want to work with
  • defining the Rules or logic for the Tool
  • reviewing the Configuration before saving it

Step 4: Run the Tool​

After you have chosen the input and Configuration, start the Run and wait for processing to finish.

During review, pay attention to:

  • whether the correct input was used
  • whether the Run completed successfully
  • whether the result matches the intended business Rule

Step 5: Review the output​

Open the result and inspect a few representative Records.

Check for questions such as:

  • Were the expected Records changed?
  • Were unexpected Records included or excluded?
  • Do the output Fields look complete and consistent?

Step 6: Repeat with confidence​

Once the first Run looks correct, you can reuse the same approach for similar Files.

What to do next​