As a preliminary step in using ACL, each file needs to be defined in terms of its
physical location and its structure. Through a series of easy-to-use pop-up menus,
ACL’s Data Definition Wizard allows the auditor to specify the name of the file, specify
its location (on the mainframe or PC) and define the file’s structure in terms of the length of each field and the data type contained in each field (i.e., numeric, character,
or date). When the file definition is completed, it is saved under a unique name
assigned by the auditor. All future file access is accomplished by simply selecting the
file definition from an ACL menu. ACL automatically locates the file and presents it on
screen, where the auditor can review and manipulate its contents.