---
title: "Set up processing transformation"
slug: "set-up-processing-transformation"
tags: ["Task", "Data Modeling Studio", "DMS"]
updated: 2026-03-20T08:19:06Z
published: 2026-03-20T17:44:45Z
canonical: "docs.staedean.com/set-up-processing-transformation"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.staedean.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up processing transformation

On data export for a data model, you can use processing transformations to do calculations in the target database. A processing transformation contains one or several SQL statements which define the transformation actions to be done.

You can have processing transformations executed before or after exporting data:

- **Pre-export transformations**: Used to do calculations on the metadata in the target database. For example, on enumerations or labels.
- **Post-export transformations**: Used to do calculations based on the data that has just been exported to the target database.

Usually, a transformation is created in SQL and then the file is uploaded to the **Data templates and transformations**. On upload, a new transformation is created or an existing transformation is overwritten. You can also manually create a transformation on the **Data templates and transformations** page, and create or copy the SQL statements to the **Definition** field.

### Steps

1. Go to **Data modeling studio** > **Data modeling studio** > **Data templates and transformations**.
2. Sub-task: Upload processing transformation.
  1. Click **Upload**.
  2. On the dialog, browse for and select the desired compressed (zipped) folder or single processing transformation file.

Click **Upload**.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note**
> 
> If you select a compressed (zipped) folder with several data templates and transformations, all these data templates and transformations are considered for upload.
  3. If a data template or transformation:

Click the desired action: '**Yes**' or '**No**'.
    - Does not exist, it is created.
    - Already exists, you get a message to indicate if it must be overwritten or not.
  4. On the **Data templates and transformations** page, in the list, find and select the uploaded transformation.
  5. Click **Edit**.
  6. In the **Description** field, type or edit the description.
  7. In the **Category** field, select '**Processing**'.
3. Sub-task: Create processing transformation.
  1. On the **Data templates and transformations** page, click **New**.
  2. In the **Template** field, type a value.
  3. In the **Description** field, type a value.
  4. In the **Category** field, select '**Processing**'.
  5. In the **Type** field, select '**T-SQL**'.
  6. Expand the **Definition** section.
  7. In the **Definition** field, create or copy the desired SQL statements.
4. Close the page.

> [!NOTE]
> Notes
> 
> In the SQL statements, you can use variables. On export, these variables are replaced with a value. You can use these variables:
> 
> - **$MODEL$**: Is replaced with the name of the exported data model.
> - **$SCHEMA$**: Is replaced with schema name as defined for the exported data model.
> - **$EXECUTIONID$**: Is replaced with the execution GUID that is assigned to the export of the data model.

## Related

- [Set up transformations](/set-up-transformations.md)