Alma-Bursar Data Conversion Script

This data conversion script allows for an XML file export to be converted into PeopleSoft ready .dat files and .csv for accounts receivable.

Process overview:

• Alma runs bursar export and delivers file via SFTP.
• Data Conversion script is ran on delivered XML file.
• File is delivered to functional users in Student Financial Services via shared network drive.
• Functional users utilize PeopleSoft external file upload to load in data.

Inputs / Outputs:

• Inputs:

  • One XML file generated by Alma.

• Outputs

  • SFS (2 files)
    • One file containing Credits.
    • One file containing Debits.
  • Accounts Receivable
    • One CSV containing both debits and credits for community members.

Requirements:

• Python 2.7
• Python Libraries: lxml, csv, time, os, shutil, smtplib
• SFTP server

Setup:

• Download the Data Conversion Script.

• Open the script in your favorite editor and:

  • Change email addresses where humboldt.edu is present.
  • Change SMTP server hostname.
  • Edit the item_type_map according to your Library / PeopleSoft fine and item types.
  • (View Script Edits in Screenshot section below)

• Identify the server that will be receiving the XML file from Alma.

• On this server, create a user: alma

• In this user's home directory, create the following folder structure:

  • cd ~alma
  • mkdir bursar -m 755
  • cd bursar
  • mkdir old_xml
  • mkdir output
  • mkdir output/old

• Place Data Conversion Script in /home/alma/bursar

• Configure the Alma Bursar export to deliver the file to /home/alma/bursar (see last image in Bursar Export Settings below)

• Schedule both the Bursar export (in Alma) and the data conversion script (cron job) ten minutes apart.

• Below you will find screenshots of our alma configuration.

• PeopleSoft

  • Due to the fact that there was no unique transaction ID in our Alma export file, we created one credit item type in PeopleSoft to handle Credits.
  • Our PS item types are as follows:

Screenshots:

Script edits:

Bursar Export Settings:

Server configuration:

Contact:

• Connor Callison
  • Available via email / Google Hangouts.
  • [email protected]