Overview
Developed a custom PHP automation solution to process library patron fees from Alma and prepare them for collection through the university’s Bursar system.
The integration uses a nightly scheduled process to transform Alma’s CSV fee data into XML for ingestion by the Bursar.
The Challenge
Alma publishes library patron fee information in CSV format, while the Bursar requires XML data to process fees for collection.
A reliable automated workflow was needed to prepare the fee information each night without requiring manual file conversion or execution.
The Solution
Built a PHP script that processes Alma’s daily CSV file and generates an XML file containing the patron fee information required by the Bursar.
Configured a nightly cron job to execute the script automatically, ensuring that updated fee data is prepared for the Bursar to retrieve.
Technical Implementation
The integration follows a five-stage automated workflow:
- Scheduled execution: A cron job runs the PHP script nightly.
- Data retrieval: The script accesses the daily CSV file published by Alma containing library patron fee information.
- Data processing: PHP reads and processes the patron fee records.
- XML generation: The script transforms the CSV data into an XML file for the Bursar.
- Bursar ingestion: The Bursar retrieves the generated XML file for fee collection processing.
Outcome
Established a nightly automated integration that prepares library patron fee data for collection through the university’s Bursar system.
Originally published in December 2018, the PHP solution remains actively running and maintained.