Unit 2: Using FMR Workbench to Manage Metadata

This unit explores how FMR Workbench navigates, exports, creates, and modifies metadata structures. It covers how queries are processed and exported, even when a connected service does not support a specific output format.

You'll also learn about SDMX web services, the limitations of relying solely on them, and how FMR Workbench handles structure creation and modification in different scenarios.

Structure navigation and export

As mentioned, FMR Workbench processes queries and exports data in various formats.

Let's explore how it displays structures, handles queries, and processes responses.

Select each question to reveal the answer.

SDMX web service

It is important to note that FMR Workbench has the same web service entry points as FMR. While these web services function, they are not guaranteed to be fully compliant.

The FMR Workbench web services forward queries to the connected service, and these queries may be modified to reduce the risk of the target service not supporting them. If the connected service returns an error, FMR Workbench will report “no structures” for the query.

Therefore, it is recommended not to rely on FMR Workbench web services and instead use the web services provided by the target service directly.

Structure creation or modification

FMR Workbench operates differently depending on the connected service. Let's explore how it handles uploading structures, unsupported features, and loading formats in various scenarios.

Select each example to learn more.

Uploading structures

Uploading structures
If the user has logged into the connected service, they will be able to upload structures from the home page of FMR Workbench or create/edit structures using the standard Wizards in the User Interface.

Unsupported features

Unsupported features
It is important to note that FMR Workbench contains the same User Interface as FMR and, as such, does not provision for the fact that the connected service may not support all the features of FMR. For example, it may be possible in FMR Workbench to create an SDMX 3.0 DSD with multiple measures, but the target service may reject the save request.

Loading formats

Loading formats
It is possible to load structures in any format supported by the FMR Workbench, including Excel. These structures will be converted into a format supported by the connected service on the save request.

Knowledge check

Now that we've explored how to use FMR Workbench to manage metadata, let's check your understanding with a question.

Which of the following statements about FMR Workbench's structure management are correct?

Select all that apply and then select Submit.

Coming next

In the next unit, you'll learn about installing, configuring, and integrating FMR Workbench with .Stat Suite. You'll also explore how FMR Workbench Environments are configured, the impact of seamless integration, and the steps for connecting to a .Stat Suite data space.