Using Parameterized Data Paths to Load Different Data Sets in a Published Project

How to:

In some cases, a Visual Discovery AE project can be dynamically switched to point to different data sources. This is almost always used with standard published projects where the data is loaded into the project, each session, from the original source text file.

Note: This is only recommended when data load times are so extensive that the embedded option and hard-coded re-routes are the only methods available. Passing live WebFOCUS procedures is the recommended approach.

In another scenario, guided Ad hoc generated VISDISAE data sets can be saved at runtime, to specific directories, based on the user name and timestamp. Using this information, Visual Discovery AE links can be created with parameters that define the path to find the newly generated data set. It is also used to redirect users to Visual Discovery projects with their customized data set.

Note:

For more information on scalability, see the WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Analyst Edition Implementation Guide.


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Procedure: How to Configure Visual Discovery AE Parameterized Data Paths
  1. In the directory where the original source text file (for example, visdisae.txt) is located, create a directory beginning with two ampersand (&) characters.

    For example, in the visdisproj directory, create a folder called &&COUNTRY.

  2. Copy the visdisae.txt file to the new &&COUNTRY folder.
  3. Open WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench AE and load data from the visdisae.txt text file.
  4. Develop and publish the project.

    For more information, see Designing a Project Using WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench AE and Publishing Visual Discovery AE Projects to a Larger (Web-Based) Audience.

    Note: When publishing the project, ensure that the Embed Data option is not selected in the Publish Dashboard dialog box. This ensures that data can be dynamically loaded from different data sets.

  5. Copy the generated link, which is to be modified later.
  6. Simulate ReportCaster bursting using FTP, or use ad hoc demand.
    1. Copy and paste the &&COUNTRY folder. Rename this new folder instance as FRANCE. Remove all rows that are not associated with FRANCE in the visdisae.txt file.
    2. Copy and paste the &&COUNTRY folder. Rename this new folder instance as ENGLAND. Remove all rows that are not associated with ENGLAND in the visdisae.txt file.
  7. Create a backup of the &&COUNTRY folder and then delete this folder.
  8. Add Parameterized Data Path links to the WebFOCUS BI Portal.

    Update the generated link provided by WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench AE.

    1. Add the visParms query string parameter.
    2. Set the visParms query string parameter value to the original && base folder (for example, COUNTRY).
    3. Add FRANCE or ENGLAND as the expected folder to the visParms query string parameter value.

      The following is the format of the query string parameter:

      visParms=<Original_Base_Folder_Name>:<Actual_Folder_Name>

    For example:

    http://localhost/ADV/Projects/Demo/carvisdisae.aspx?visParms=COUNTRY:FRANCE
    http://localhost/ADV/Projects/Demo/carvisdisae.aspx?visParms=COUNTRY:ENGLAND

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