Dynamically Import tables into ODX

Hi Dror

I often create a selection template after I'm done manually selecting tables and fields, so I can re-use my selection elsewhere. 

An alternative is to manually add the objects of interest directly into a selection template file (XML) and import it. You would need to know the exact spelling of the table names and also minimum 1 fieldname per table.

You can also add additional logic like setup primary key and incremental loading.

Makes sense? 

Example: WideWorldImporters demo database:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?>
<SelectionTemplate xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <TableSelectionTemplates>
    <TableSelectionTemplate>
      <SchemaName>Sales</SchemaName>
      <TableName>BuyingGroups</TableName>
      <FieldTemplates>
        <FieldSelectionTemplate>
          <FieldName>BuyingGroupID</FieldName>
        </FieldSelectionTemplate>
        <FieldSelectionTemplate>
          <FieldName>BuyingGroupName</FieldName>
        </FieldSelectionTemplate>
        <FieldSelectionTemplate>
          <FieldName>LastEditedBy</FieldName>
        </FieldSelectionTemplate>
        <FieldSelectionTemplate>
          <FieldName>ValidFrom</FieldName>
        </FieldSelectionTemplate>
        <FieldSelectionTemplate>
          <FieldName>ValidTo</FieldName>
        </FieldSelectionTemplate>
      </FieldTemplates>
    </TableSelectionTemplate>
  </TableSelectionTemplates>
</SelectionTemplate>

Yes, you would need to explicitly name fields. If possible, I use a fieldname that are available on every table like "TimeStamp", "ModifiedDate" or "RECID". After import, I then filter my Data Selection pane to only show selected tables. Then I can easily select the additional fields or click the table box twice to select all.

You cannot import more than tables/views and I'm curious what procedures running in the data source that you also want included in your BI platform? Not something I've ever had the need for. Can you provide an example?

I have very similar question...I used to limit number of fields under a table when using 'BusinessUnits'. We don't have such option on ODX transfer task ? Also, Cant we grab Transfer Task on ODX to TX Execution Package where I can do 'Transfer Task' + Staging + MDW' in one -go.