About data connectors

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

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 FP&A app or function that needs to connect to that specific data source.

Who creates data connectors? Administrators and advanced users with the necessary privileges can create and save data connectors using Data Connector Designer.

Who can use a data connector? Any user with permission for a given app (for example, Ad Hoc Analysis) or automated process (for example, the Import Dimension process) can select a data connector from within the app or process.

Where and how are data connectors used? Data connectors are used in any app or automated process that moves data into or out of FP&A:

  • 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 text file
  • relational database (RDBMS, but also commonly referred to as "SQL", after the name of its query language)
  • a system DSN (Data Source Name)
  • a Microsoft Excel file
  • a Microsoft Access file

All these source other than text file use the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) protocol.

What is different about text files as a data source? For each text file that you want to use, you must create a separate data connector.

How is a data connector stored? A data connector is defined in Data Connector Designer, and is saved as a Data Connector file type in Document Explorer. Opening a file of this type opens Data Connector Designer.