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Working with AnalyticsCreator

Follow task guides for building and maintaining an AnalyticsCreator project, from source connections and metadata through transformations, storage, analytical models, and deployment.

When to use this section

Choose the area that matches your next task. Each area explains the available guides and the outcome of each procedure.

Choose the task you need to complete

  • Using DWH Wizard

    Use DWH Wizard to turn source metadata into warehouse definitions. Choose between reading the external source and reusing Source metadata already stored in the project.

  • Connectors

    Configure a Connector so AnalyticsCreator can access the source technology used by your project. Each guide covers the connection settings and checks for one Connector type.

  • Historization

    Create and maintain historization definitions to retain the record history required by your warehouse. These guides cover the initial wizard and the detailed editor settings.

  • Transformations

    Define transformation logic and configure how its results are used in the warehouse. The guides cover Regular and Manual transformations, expressions, dimensions, snapshots, and datamart assignments.

  • Persisting

    Create a persisting definition and configure how data is stored in its target. The guides distinguish the initial definition from content selection and replacement behavior.

  • Export

    Define how warehouse data is exported and review the configuration used for the target. The guides cover Export Wizard and the detailed export editor.

  • Layers and Schemas

    Organize warehouse objects through schemas and their layer assignments. A schema identifies where objects belong, while its layer assignment places them within the warehouse model.

  • Partitions

    Define and maintain OLAP partitions for analytical tables. These guides cover creating the partition and reviewing an existing partition configuration.

  • Macros

    Create reusable Macro definitions and call them from other expressions. These guides cover the Macro editor, arguments, and calls between Macros.

  • Scripts

    Maintain scripts that run at defined points in the warehouse lifecycle. The guide also explains how to prepare a Script transformation example.

  • Hierarchies

    Create an OLAP hierarchy and arrange its levels for analytical navigation. The guide covers the hierarchy definition and its configuration.

  • Indexes

    Maintain table indexes and the table properties that support them. The guides cover index configuration as well as table names, columns, primary keys, and Identity settings.

  • Table and Column Properties

    Review table names, column definitions, primary keys, and Identity settings in the table editor.

  • Datamart

    Configure the analytical definitions used by datamart tables. The guides cover measures, friendly names, OLAP export settings, table references, and DAX calculated columns.

  • Object Groups

    Organize related objects into named groups. These guides cover creating and maintaining a group and assigning objects to its membership.

  • Deployment

    Configure a deployment package definition for the intended target environment. The guide covers reviewing the definition and saving its settings.

  • Interface

    Find objects and control which objects are visible in the dataflow diagram. The guides cover diagram search and stored filters.

  • User Groups

    Create user groups and maintain their membership in AnalyticsCreator. The guide covers the group definition, member assignments, and saved configuration.

  • Save and Load

    Save a Data Warehouse project folder and load a saved project for continued work. The guide explains the file workflow and how to check the loaded project.

  • Interface Appearance

    Adjust the appearance and colors of the AnalyticsCreator interface. The guide covers the relevant settings and checking their effect.

  • DWH Settings

    Maintain the common service-field names used by a Data Warehouse project. The guide covers reviewing the naming configuration and checking definitions affected by a change.

  • Source References

    Define a relationship between Sources by maintaining a source reference. The guide covers selecting the related Sources and mapping their columns.

  • Data Vault

    Add or refresh hash keys used by the project’s Data Vault definitions. The guide covers selecting the relevant objects and reviewing the resulting configuration.

Working in this area

Understanding the fundamental operations in AnalyticsCreator Desktop is essential for efficiently managing your data warehouse repository and ensuring accuracy in your projects. Below are key basic operations you can perform within the interface:

Edit Mode and Saving - Data Warehouse Editor

  • Single Object Editing: In the Data Warehouse Repository, you can edit one object at a time. This ensures precision and reduces the risk of unintended changes across multiple objects.
  • How to Edit: Double-click on any field within an object to enter edit mode. The selected field becomes editable, allowing you to make modifications.
  • Save Prompt: If any changes are made, a prompt will appear, reminding you to save your modifications before exiting the edit mode. This safeguard prevents accidental loss of changes.
  • Unsaved Changes: While edits are immediately reflected in the repository interface, they are not permanently saved until explicitly confirmed by clicking the Save button.

Accessing Views in Data Warehouse Explorer

  • Layer-Specific Views: Each layer in the data warehouse contains views generated by AnalyticsCreator. These views provide insights into the underlying data structure and transformations applied at that layer.
  • How to Access: Navigate to the Data Warehouse Explorer and click on the View tab for the desired layer. This displays the layer's contents, including tables, fields, and transformations.

Adding and Deleting Objects

Adding New Objects:

  1. Navigate to the appropriate section (e.g., Tables, Layers, or Connectors) in the navigation tree.
  2. Right-click and select Add [Object Type] to create a new object.
  3. Provide the necessary details, such as name, description, and configuration parameters.
  4. Save the object.

Deleting Objects:

  • Select the object in the navigation tree and right-click to choose Delete.
  • Confirm the deletion when prompted.
    ⚠️ Note: Deleting an object may affect dependent objects or configurations.

Filtering and Searching in Data Warehouse Explorer

  • Filtering: Use filters to narrow down displayed objects by criteria such as name, type, or creation date.
  • Searching: Enter keywords or phrases in the search bar to quickly locate objects.
  • Benefits: These features enhance repository navigation and efficiency when working with large datasets.

Object Dependencies and Relationships

  • Dependency View: For any selected object, view its dependencies and relationships with other objects by accessing the Dependencies tab.
  • Impact Analysis: Analyze how changes to one object might affect other parts of the data warehouse.

Managing Scripts

  • Predefined Scripts: Add scripts for common operations like data transformations or custom SQL queries.
  • Edit and Run: Double-click a script in the navigation tree to modify it. Use Run Script to execute and view results.

Validating and Testing Changes

  • Validation Tools: Use built-in tools to check for errors or inconsistencies in your repository.
  • Evaluate Changes: Use the Evaluate button before saving or deploying to test functionality and ensure correctness.

Locking and Unlocking Objects

  • Locking: Prevent simultaneous edits by locking objects, useful in team environments.
  • Unlocking: Release locks once edits are complete to allow further modifications by others.

Exporting and Importing Data

Export:

  • Export objects, scripts, or configurations for backup or sharing.
  • Use the Export option in the toolbar or navigation tree.

Import:

  • Import previously exported files to replicate configurations or restore backups.
  • Use the Import option and follow the prompts to load the data.