Import connector from file
Specific operations: Import Connector from File
Breadcrumb:
Right click under sources into the Source repository
Overview
The Import Connector from File feature in AnalyticsCreator allows you to load a pre-defined set of metadata describing a data source (connector) from an external file into your project. This includes table structures, column definitions, data types, and technical metadata typically captured in previous exports or provided by a system administrator or data architect.
This function is essential for teams working in regulated or distributed environments where access to live source systems may be restricted, or when source metadata is maintained externally for governance or version control purposes.
When and Why to Use This Feature
- When source system access is not available, and metadata must be imported from a file
- To migrate source metadata between projects or environments (e.g., DEV → TEST → PROD)
- To maintain governed, reusable metadata files across projects
- To accelerate setup by reusing exported connectors from other AnalyticsCreator projects
How to Use Import Connector from File
- In the toolbar, go to Specific Operations.
- Select Import Connector from File.
- Browse to the connector metadata file (typically a JSON or AC-specific format) and select it.
- Click Open to import the file.
- AnalyticsCreator reads the file and populates the connector and staging metadata based on the imported structure.
What Gets Imported
- Source connector definition: System name, type (e.g., SQL Server, SAP, Oracle)
- Table structures: Table names, schemas, primary key definitions
- Column metadata: Data types, nullability, lengths, precision, comments
- Source technical metadata: Original source schema location, last update info, version tag (if included)
How It Works in AnalyticsCreator
Once imported, the metadata is integrated into the Staging Area of your project and treated the same way as if it had been read from a live source via the Read Source from Connector feature. All downstream automation—including pipeline generation, transformations, deployment, and semantic model preparation—can be applied immediately using this imported metadata.
This promotes a decoupled architecture, where metadata can be exchanged between teams, environments, or systems, without requiring constant direct access to the underlying source.
Benefits of Import Connector from File
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Offline metadata onboarding | Work with source definitions even without live system access |
| Promotes reuse | Use the same connector definitions across multiple projects or teams |
| Supports migration | Move connectors between environments for consistency and auditability |
| Speeds up project initiation | Start modeling without waiting for technical access to be provisioned |
| Governance-ready | Use file-based source metadata to comply with controlled release processes |
Limitations
- The metadata file must follow the expected format and structure supported by AnalyticsCreator
- Does not validate the live existence of the tables—only imports metadata
- Files must be managed and versioned manually outside the tool
Best Practices
- Always validate imported metadata for naming conventions, types, and primary keys
- Maintain a version-controlled folder of connector files for compliance and reproducibility
- Use meaningful filenames (e.g.,
ERP_SAP_DEV_Connector_v1.2.json) to support auditability - Combine with Export Connector to File for full round-trip metadata lifecycle
Final Notes
The Import Connector from File feature strengthens AnalyticsCreator’s position as a metadata-driven automation platform. By decoupling metadata acquisition from live system access, it enables flexible project delivery, improves governance, and simplifies environment management. Whether you’re modeling in a secure enterprise setting or sharing schemas across global teams, this feature supports agile, auditable, and scalable BI development.
