Lookup functions in data lookup tables

You can query data lookup tables in business rules using lookup functions.

You can create data lookup tables from any system table. The data lookup table includes all or part of the system table data and a lookup function.

Lookup functions takes one or more inputs and query a data lookup table. There are two types of lookup functions. One type returns a Boolean value indicating whether or not the input values exist in the table. The other type returns a single value from the table. In business rules, you can use lookup functions in the following places:
  • Rule variable expressions
  • Left or right expressions in the condition builder
You create a lookup function on the Create New Lookup screen. You can access this screen in several ways, including the following:
Screen Action to take
Manage Data Lookup Tables screen
  1. Navigate to the following location in PolicyCenter:
    • Administration > Business Settings > Business Rules > Manage Data Lookup Tables
  2. Click Add Lookup.
Select the Data Lookup screen In a business rule Condition pane, select the Lookup option for an expression.
  1. Click Set lookup to display the Select the Data Lookup screen.
  2. Click Create New Lookup.

Example: Return start and end dates

In a business rule, you need to know whether the policy effective date is between the start and end dates.

You have a data lookup table with these columns:
State Start date End date
AL 07/01/2018 12/31/2018
NM 06/01/2018 11/31/2018
...

One lookup function queries a data lookup table for the start date for a particular U.S. state. Another lookup function queries for the end date.

Without lookup functions, you need 50 expressions to get the start date for all 50 U.S. states, and 50 more to get the end date. With lookup functions, you need only two expressions.

Example: Return an amount

In a business rule, you need to know whether a particular amount on the policy surpasses a threshold set for a particular state and line of business (LOB).

You have a data lookup table with these columns:
State LOB $ Threshold
Colorado PersonalAuto 1000
Colorado CommercialAuto 1500
Wyoming PersonalAuto 900
...

You can use a lookup function to get the threshold for a particular state and line of business (LOB). Your rule condition can check whether the amount on the policy surpasses the threshold.

Example: Check for existence

In a business rule, you need to check whether you can issue a homeowners policy if the homeowner has a particular dog breed.

You have a data lookup table that lists the dog breeds that cannot be on a policy.
Dog breed
Doberman
Rottweiler
Bull Terrier

You can use a lookup function to return a Boolean indicating whether a particular dog breed is listed in the table.

See also