Accessing Data Loaders
Notes:
Data Loading is currently in feature preview and as such documentation for this feature is still work in progress
Data Loaders can be accessed and managed from two different locations within xpna: the Excel Add-in and the xpna Web interface. Both provide the same functionality for configuring and managing Data Loaders.
Via Excel Add-in
Data Loaders can be launched and managed directly from the xpna Excel Add-in.
Opening Data Loaders
To access Data Loaders from the Excel Add-in:
- Navigate to the Connections page in the task pane
- Click the Load Data button
This action opens a dialog containing the Data Loader interface, where configurations can be created, edited, and executed.
Selecting a Data Loader
Within the Excel Add-in, Data Loaders are displayed in a dropdown selector:
- The dropdown shows all Data Loaders by name for the current workspace
- An existing Data Loader can be selected from the dropdown
- A new Data Loader can be added by clicking the Add button
Working in the Dialog
The Data Loader dialog in Excel provides a focused interface for:
- Configuring Data Loader settings
- Testing connections and data retrieval
- Running Data Loaders on demand
Execution status and results are viewed on the Connections page, where each Data Loader is listed with its activity log, similar to standard connections.
Via xpna Web
Data Loaders can also be accessed and managed from the main xpna Web application.
Navigating to Data Loaders
To access Data Loaders from xpna Web:
- Open the xpna Web application
- Navigate to the Data Loader section from the main navigation menu
Managing Data Loaders
The xpna Web interface provides a list view of all Data Loaders:
- The list displays all Data Loaders by name for the current workspace
- The list is filterable to help locate specific Data Loaders
- A new Data Loader can be created by clicking the Add button
- Existing Data Loaders can be selected from the list to view or edit
Creating a New Data Loader
When creating a new Data Loader from either interface:
- A default configuration name is provided (e.g., "New Configuration")
- The configuration name can be changed to something more descriptive
- Changes must be saved by clicking the Save button
- Empty sections are displayed for Sources, Source Items, and Targets
Configuration Interface
Regardless of which interface is used to access Data Loaders, the configuration interface provides the same sections:
- Configuration Name: A field to name and identify the Data Loader
- Sources: A section to configure one or more data sources
- Source Items: A section to define what data to retrieve from each source
- Targets: A section to map the retrieved data to xpna dimensions and entities
Note:
Both interfaces provide the same functionality. The choice between Excel Add-in and xpna Web is based on user preference and workflow.