Importing data
A Metrics Management database supports importing data from a comma-separated values (CSV) or XML file. A single import file can include data or commentaries for any number of measures, locations, and periods. Importing data and commentaries requires separate imports to be performed. When importing data, the import source, such as a CSV file, table, or result from a view, stored procedure, or SQL or MDX query, must contain values for the mandatory fields. Examples of values for these fields appear in Table 7‑2.
Table 7‑2 Data import source values
Column name
Example value
Measure name
Profit
Location name
Western US
Comparative name
Actual
Period name
2011/01
User data
500000
When importing commentaries, the import source must contain values for the mandatory fields. Examples of values for these fields are shown in Table 7‑3.
Table 7‑3 Example values for commentary import
Column name
Example value
Measure name
Profit
Location name
Western US
Period name
2011/01
Commentary name
Commentary
Commentary
Profit once again shows a steady increase
If the values for commentary type, comparative, location, measure and period are different in your import source from those in Metrics Management, for example, your financial system has GL account numbers rather than measure names, use a translator to convert the import values into the required Metrics Management values. For more information about translators, see About translators.