Mastering the Message Shape in Dell Boomi

In the world of integration, where data flows like a river, there’s a powerful shape in Dell Boomi that lets you mold and sculpt your data streams—the Message shape. Let’s explore this little powerhouse and how it can supercharge your Boomi processes.

What is the Message Shape?

Think of the Message shape as a versatile text editor within your Boomi processes. It has a primary function:

• Creating custom messages: You can construct messages from scratch or modify the content of incoming documents

Why Use It?

Here are some compelling reasons to add the Message shape to your Boomi toolkit:

• Simplified Testing: Isolate and test specific process components without running the entire integration flow. Just feed your desired data into a Message shape.
• Dynamic Data Generation: Build messages containing variables, allowing you to craft unique outputs based on your process logic.
• Formatting Flexibility: Reshape and format data from incoming documents into structures required by different systems. Say goodbye to mismatched data!

Common Scenarios

Let’s look at some practical applications:

1. JSON and XML Creation: Build well-structured JSON or XML messages to communicate with APIs or modern systems.
2. Error Handling: Generate custom error messages containing relevant details (like record IDs or error codes) for better troubleshooting.
3. Data Aggregation: Combine data from multiple sources into a single consolidated message that’s ready for further processing

How to Use It

1. Add the shape: Drag and drop the Message shape from the Shapes palette onto your Boomi process canvas.
2. Message Field: This is where you design your message.
   • Static text: Type directly into the field.
   • Dynamic data: Use curly braces to incorporate variables or profile elements from earlier steps (e.g., {1}, {2}, or {Document Properties / Dynamic Document Property}).
3. Document Options (Optional):
   • Combine incoming documents: Merge multiple documents into one.
   • Specify a document type: Define the output structure (e.g., XML profile, JSON profile)

Example

Let’s say you want to create a JSON error message:

JSON

{ 

  “errorCode”: “1001”,

  “error description”: “Invalid Customer ID”,

  “additional info”: {1} 

}

In the Message field, you’d dynamically insert {1} to insert additional error details.

Tips

• Consider using meaningful names for your Message shapes for better process organization.
• Test your message formatting thoroughly to ensure you’re constructing valid output.
• You can chain multiple Message shapes to create complex, multi-step transformations.

Embrace the Power

The Message shape is a small but mighty tool for streamlining your Dell Boomi integrations. By mastering its use, you’ll gain flexibility, improved testability, and the power to mold data precisely as needed. If you’re ready to take your Boomi skills to the next level, the Message shape is worth exploring!