Create names with a NIM name generator

Last updated: September 25, 2026Applies to current supported NIM releases

Names tab

Build one or more outputs from filter columns. Each output can use ordered methods, parts, conversions, and iterations to form the value a mapping needs.

At a glance

On the Names tab, choose a source filter, add an output in Names, and assemble its method from Parts. The Results pane previews values from the selected records before you save. Once the output looks right, use it in a mapping. Add a uniqueness check if the target value must avoid existing values, or combine multiple outputs under Multi-value names.

Part of the screen	What it controls
Columns	Source values available from the selected filter.
Names	Named outputs, such as username or mail.
Methods and Parts	Ordered candidate patterns and the source or literal text that forms each pattern.
Conversion	Changes to one selected part, such as case, spacing, or length.
Iteration	Additional candidates when the configured method needs them.
Results	A preview of generated values for source records.

For example, a method can shorten Aaron to a, lowercase Bailey to bailey, and join the parts as abailey. Check the format and source data in Results before using the name in a target system.

Create a name generator

Choose the source filter

1. Go to Processing > Name Generation and select Add.
2. Enter a descriptive Generator Name and select Create.
3. Select the Filter that returns the attributes needed to build the value. Its available columns appear in the Columns pane.

Add a method and its parts

1. In Names, select Add and enter an output name such as username.
2. In Methods, select Add for that name.
3. Drag source columns into the method's Parts and arrange them in the required order.
4. Select a part and apply conversions to produce the intended result.

For example, a first-name part shortened to its first character and a lowercased last-name part turn Aaron Bailey into abailey.

Validate the output

Use the Results pane to check representative records, including missing values, punctuation, and names that might produce the same output. Add another method or an iteration if the output must handle collisions, then select Save. Configure the actual field checks on the Uniqueness tab.

Outcome
The name generator is available as a source in mappings that use its filter.

Step 1 of 3

Restrict a method by condition

Use conditions when different groups of people need different name formats—for example, a department-specific username rule.

Choose a source column whose values are reliable for every group you intend to handle. Preview at least one record for each condition and one that should match no condition, so an unexpected blank or alternative value is visible before the generator is used in a mapping.

Enable condition-based methods

1. Edit the name generator.
2. Select Use Condition Based On.
3. Select the source attribute that decides which method applies, such as organizational_unit.

Match each method to a value

Enter the required Condition value on each method. NIM applies only methods whose condition matches the selected source-attribute value.

Verify representative records

Use the Results pane to confirm the expected method appears for each condition value, then save the generator.

Step 1 of 3

Edit or remove a name generator

1. Go to Processing > Name Generation.
2. Select Edit Name Generator to update its filter, names, methods, or rules; use the relevant section above as a guide.
3. Select Remove Name Generator and confirm to delete one that is no longer required.

caution

Before removing a generator, check mappings that may still use its outputs.

If you change the selected filter, review the generator's parts and preview again: available columns and their values depend on that filter.

Copy or rename a name generator

To copy a generator, select Copy Object next to it in Processing > Name Generation. NIM creates a copy with a numbered suffix, such as _01.

To rename one, select Rename Object, enter the new name, and press Enter to confirm.

Conversion reference

Conversions transform one method part at a time. Apply them in the order needed, then use the Results pane to verify real source values.

Common patterns include lowercasing a username, removing diacritical marks for a target that does not accept them, and limiting a value to a target field's maximum length. The tables below list the available conversion types; the target system's rules determine which ones you need.

Add text and spacing

Conversion	Arguments	Result
Add at begin	Text	Adds text to the beginning.
Add at begin if not empty	Text	Adds text only when the part has a value.
Add at end	Text	Adds text to the end.
Add at end if empty	Text	Adds text only when the part is empty.
Add at end if not empty	Text	Adds text only when the part has a value.
Add at end if not found	Text; search text	Adds text only when the search text is absent.
Add blank at begin/end	—	Adds one space at the beginning or end.
Add blank at begin/end if not empty	—	Adds one space only when the part has a value.
Add char until length reached	Text; minimum length	Repeats text at the end until the part reaches the length.
Conversion: start with text / end with text	Text	Adds text at the beginning or end.
Insert after every character	Text	Inserts text after each character.

Change casing and characters

Conversion	Arguments	Result
Case conversion: convert to lower case / upper case	—	Changes the entire part's case.
Case conversion: convert first/last N chars to lower case	Character count	Changes only the selected leading or trailing characters.
Case conversion: convert first/last N chars to upper case	Character count	Changes only the selected leading or trailing characters.
Case conversion: 1st upper, other unchanged	—	Uppercases the first character only.
Case conversion: 1st upper, other characters lower case	—	Formats the part as title case.
Conversion remove diacritical marks	—	Replaces accented characters, such as é with e.
Conversion: reverse all characters	—	Reverses the character order.
Replace argument1 by argument2	Find characters; replacement	Replaces matching characters, case-insensitively.
Replace substring if ends with substring (case insensitive)	Ending text; replacement	Replaces an ending, useful for email domains.

Remove and retain text

Conversion	Arguments	Result
Delete: all blank characters	—	Removes all whitespace.
Delete: all non blank characters	—	Keeps only whitespace.
Delete all matching characters	Characters	Removes every matching character, case-insensitively.
Delete all but the matching characters	Characters	Keeps only the supplied characters.
Delete all matching UTF-8 characters	Comma-separated hex codes	Removes characters with those codes.
Delete all but the matching UTF-8 characters	Comma-separated hex codes	Keeps only characters with those codes.
Delete first/last N characters	Character count	Removes leading or trailing characters.
Delete substring	Text	Removes matching text, case-insensitively.
Delete substring (case sensitive)	Text	Removes an exact-case matching substring.
Delete leading/trailing blank characters	—	Trims whitespace from the beginning or end.

Shorten a value

Conversion	Arguments	Result
Shorten: use first character	—	Keeps the first character.
Shorten: use first character of each part	—	Keeps initials from dash- or space-separated parts.
Shorten: convert to first/last N characters	Character count	Keeps a specified leading or trailing length.
Shorten: remove after first/last matching character	Character	Keeps the value through that character.
Shorten: remove before first/last matching character	Character	Keeps the value from that character onward.
Shorten: remove after matching text (case insensitive/case sensitive)	Text	Keeps the value through the first matching text.
Shorten: remove before matching text (case insensitive/case sensitive)	Text	Keeps the value from the first matching text onward.
Shorten: limit total name length	Maximum length	Truncates the generated name at the configured total length.
Shorten: limit total name length (remove characters only)	Maximum length	Limits length without truncating numeric values.

tip

For total-length limits, apply the conversion to the last relevant method part and before a part that contains an iteration.