You can create an Analytics table by importing any file that conforms to the dBASE file format standard. The Data Definition Wizard parses the data in the dBASE-compatible file and uses this information to automatically define the Analytics table layout.
The dBASE file format
Exporting data in the dBASE file format is an option found in many databases and business applications, so it can be used to access data from a variety of data sources. If the exported file conforms to the dBASE standard, this is a convenient way to access data with Analytics because the file contains all of the required field definitions. If the exported data does not fully conform to the dBASE standard, Analytics may be unable to define the file.
The Record_Deleted field
dBASE files always include a field called “Record_Deleted” that is used to keep track of deleted records. Analytics defines a corresponding field in the table layout, which is not required and you can delete it from the table layout after removing it from the default view.
dBASE file criteria
Data exported to a dBASE file must meet the following criteria in order to be imported to Analytics:
| Column names | Column names can have a maximum length of ten characters. The first ten characters of each field must be unique or the duplicate fields cannot be exported. |
|---|---|
| Field names | Field names must be specified in the first row, and data must start in the second row. |
| Data type | Each column should contain values of only one data type. For example, if the first value in a field contains character data, the field will be exported as character data. |
| Fields with numbers | Fields that contain only numbers will be exported as numeric data. In some cases, this will result in a field with the wrong data type in Analytics. For example, invoice numbers are numeric values, but they are often stored in character fields. When this occurs, you need to change the field data type in the Table Layout dialog box. |
Steps
- Select .
The first page displayed in the Data Definition Wizard depends on your configuration. If integration with Analytics Server is enabled the Select Platform for Data Source page is displayed, otherwise the Select Local Data Source page is displayed.
- Complete one of the following steps to select the location
of the file:
If the Select Platform for Data Source page is displayed and you want to use Analytics to define the file, select Local and click Next. In the Select Local Data Source page select File and click Next.
If the Select Platform for Data Source page is displayed and you want to use an Analytics Server to define the file, select ACL Server and select the Windows server profile from the drop-down list, and then click Next. In the Select ACL Server Data Source page select Flat Files and click Next.
If the Select Local Data Source page is displayed select File and click Next.
- In the Select File to Define page,
locate and select the file you want to create the Analytics table
from and click Open.
dBASE-compatible files have a .dbf file extension.
- In the File Format page, verify that the dBASE compatible file option has been selected and click Next.
- In the Final page, verify the settings for the new Analytics table and click Finish.
- Enter a name for the Analytics table you are adding to your project and click OK.
