SmartResearch Configuration Workflow

Overview

The SmartResearch configuration process consists of three steps:

Table 1. Configuration Workflow Steps

You must complete each step before the SmartResearch instance can be saved and launched. The workflow ensures you provide all required information.

Figure 1. SmartResearch Name & Description Screen

Step 1: Enter Instance Name and Description

1. On the Name & Description screen:

• Enter a unique, descriptive name in the Instance Name field.
  • This field cannot be left blank. This field is required.
  • Tip: Use an organizational naming convention, such as “[Department/Project] Research Q3 2024.”
• Enter a description in the Instance Description field to provide additional context. This field is optional.

2. Review your entries for accuracy.
3. Select Continue to advance.
4. To exit the configuration at any time, select CANCEL (upper right).

Important: Unsaved data will be lost if you cancel before completion.

Figure 2. Name & Description Page

Step 2: Select System Connections

1. On the Connection screen:

• In the SOR (System of Record) section, select at least one primary system (such as ERP or database) from the dropdown list.
  • Required. You must select an SOR to proceed.
• In the External Data Sources section, (optional) select any additional third-party or supplemental data sources as needed.
  • Note: You may skip this section if no external sources are required.
• In the Mailbox section, (optional) select one or more mailboxes for output or notifications.
  • Note: You may skip this section if mailbox integration is not needed.

2. Verify your SOR selection, External Data Sources, and Mailbox selections to continue.
3. Select Continue to move to the next step.
4. To return to the previous step, select Previous.
5. To exit the configuration without saving, select CANCEL.

Tip: Configuring External Data Sources and Mailbox enables additional functionality but is not required to activate SmartResearch.

Figure 3. Connection Step

System of Record (SOR) A System of Record (SOR) is the authoritative data source for a specific business object or process. In SmartResearch, the SOR is typically an ERP system (such as Workday, SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite) that serves as the primary source of truth for financial, operational, or transactional data.

• The SOR is selected as the main input for a SmartResearch task.
• All research queries and analytics are anchored to the data integrity and governance of the SOR.
• Only connected and enabled SORs can be selected in the SmartResearch configuration wizard.

External Data Sources External Data Sources are any data repositories, APIs, or third-party systems that supplement the primary SOR. These may include industry benchmarks, market data feeds, compliance databases, or other business applications.

• External Data Sources can be included in a SmartResearch task to enrich analysis and provide broader context.
• Users can select “All” or specific external sources during task configuration.
• Data from external sources is normalized and integrated with SOR data for unified analytics.

Mailbox A Mailbox in SmartResearch refers to a digital inbox or output channel where research results, notifications, or workflow communications are delivered. This can be an email address, a shared mailbox, or a system-integrated message queue.

• The Mailbox is selected as the output destination in the SmartResearch configuration wizard.
• Results of research tasks, including reports and alerts, are sent to the designated mailbox.
• Mailbox access and permissions are governed by instance-level and role-based controls.

Step 3: Review and Activate Configuration

1. On the Save & Run screen:

• Review the summary of your configuration: instance details, SOR selection, and any optional connections.
• Confirm all required information is correct.

2. To make changes, select Previous and update the previous steps as needed.
3. When you are ready to finalize, select Run to save and start SmartResearch automation.

Important: SmartResearch will begin processing according to your configuration as soon as you select Run.

4. To cancel and discard all changes, select CANCEL.

Notes:

Note 1: You cannot proceed to the next step unless all required fields in the current step are complete. 

Note 2: Select CANCEL during any step to discard all unsaved configuration data.

Figure 4. Save Configuration