Data Connector Designer

A data connector contains the information that Prophix needs to send data to, or to retrieve data from, a source outside your Prophix cube(s). A data connector is re-usable. You can create any number of data connectors.

Open Data Connector Designer

Do one of the following:

  • Click the Prophix logo at the top-left corner and select Data Connector Designer. A New Data Connector tab opens.
  • In Document Explorer, click a data connector file. The data connector opens in a tab.

Create a System DSN data connector

  1. From Data Source select System DSN.
  2. Select from Data source name. The Tables panel lists the available tables.
  3. To open Table Selector, click .
  4. To include tables in the data connector, move them into the right column.
  5. Optionally, to change the name that the table appears under in Prophix, select it and click .
  6. Click OK.
  7. Select File > Save and name your data connector.

Preview a data connector

  • In the lip, click .

Data Connector Designer FAQ

Why use data connectors?

Instead of having to specify all the connection details each time a data source is required, users only need to locate and select the appropriate data connector, typically created in advance by the administrator or another advanced user. The same data connector can be used in any Prophix app or function that needs to connect to that specific data source.

Who creates data connectors?

Administrators and advanced users with Process Manager Functional Access or Data Connector Creation Access can create and save data connectors.

Who can use a data connector?

Any user with permission for a given module (for example, Ad Hoc Analysis) or automated process (for example, the Import Data process) can select a data connector from within the module or process.

Where and how are data connectors used?

Data connectors are used in any module or automated process that moves data into or out of Prophix:

  • to populate a cube with data from a financial system
  • to set up a relational data view
  • to set up certain automated processes (for example, the Export Data process, and the process that imports dimensions)

What kinds of data sources can a data connector use?

A data connector can link to the following types of data sources:

  • a system DSN (Data Source Name)

All these sources use the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) protocol.

How is a data connector stored?

A data connector is saved as a Data Connector file type  in Document Explorer. Opening a file of this type launches the Data Connector Designer.

Global Admin access to previews

To allow or prevent Global Administrators opening previews

  1. Click Admin Setup.
  2. Turn on/off Allow Global Administrators to access these previews.

Preview security FAQ

Why do data connectors need security?

Several Prophix features that use data connectors have a Preview option that shows source data.

 Example:  The Import Data process. To see a complete list of the previews, run the procedure below.

Is preview security the same for all data connectors?

Preview security varies with data connector type.

How does preview security work with a Microsoft SQL Server connector?

Each time an administrator or advanced user attempts to use the Preview option, Prophix prompts for their Windows Authentication credentials.

How does preview security work with a System DSN connector?

Security differs depending on your role:

  • Advanced users are never allowed to use the Preview option.
  • Global Administrators are only allowed to use the Preview if the Allow Global Administrators to access these previews option is enabled.

Who can set the preview option for Global Administrators?

Global Administrators who have Security Manager Functional Access.