21 October 2020
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We’ve recently launched enterprise-level writeback solutions in Qlik Sense. And yes, it provides advanced functionality and security, supports all business decisions and can lead to the right documented actions faster.
But it might all seem a bit complicated. Where do you get started?
Well, here are some practical resources to help you install and get the most from Vizlib Server writeback integration, part of Vizlib Collaboration.
To begin, let’s answer the questions we hear from you most often.
Vizlib Server writeback FAQs
👉 Writeback destinations
Q: What destinations can you write back to with Vizlib Server?
A: You can write back directly to your chosen SQL databases as well as CSV/TXT/QVDs or integrate with other business systems via REST API!
👉 Vizlib Server
Easy to set up your writeback preferences in the Vizlib Management Console (VMC)
Q: So when would Vizlib Server be necessary?
A: You’ll need Vizlib Server for database destinations and for additional workflow and security needs.
Q: I assume you cannot run Vizlib Server on Qlik Cloud services?
A: Not yet. Vizlib Server is Windows-based.
Q: Can you migrate the QVD into the server version?
A: You don’t migrate the QVD, but you can migrate the writeback logic, like columns for instance, to the server by repointing to the server stream. You need to make sure you have everything set up correctly server-side (DB connection, table name, security).
Q: If the customer is on-premise, do you think we need to have the server?
A: In that case yes, because they’d be concerned about where the data is stored. But the Server should be easy to install. It takes about 5 minutes, and we can help with the setup!
Q: If we have Vizlib Server, then we can have an analyser license for using writeback and commentary, correct?
A: Yes, that’s correct.
Here’s a quick video on how to install Vizlib on your Qlik Sense server
👉 QVDs
Q: From the QVDs, can we get the auditing of the comments and writebacks?
A: Yes. Just turn it on in the properties section and voila! You can find out more on managing data for your audit trail in Vizlib Writeback Table.
👉 Audit function
Q: Is there any way to export all of the audit logs out of the server so they can be used to display the history of changes within the Qlik Sense application?
A: You can access the data on the Vizlib Server Database itself (where all metadata and schema are stored).
Q: Are the Audits also available in the server if using only the QVD and not SQL?
A: Works for QVDs & SQL! And RESTful.
Q: Is the server audit data stored in log files on the server or within a database table?
A: All our server audit data (and logs, and settings/schemas) are stored on our Vizlib Server Database – you can access it (but don’t do any schema changes) just as you would connect to a normal database. I defined the database password during the installation process.
👉 Reload options
Q: What’s the difference between partial and total reload?
A: You can choose from No Reload, Reload App, Partial Reload App and Reload Task options. Every time you make a change, you should do a reload to see the change in your app. Once you’ve made a change you can choose: no reload, reload or partial reload. Don’t do a reload if it’s not needed. You can do a partial app reload. This means you have to edit your script and choose which parts of the script will be reloaded and select the Delta (the difference between two parameters). It will only load the changes you’ve made. The process is very fast.
Q: Does the Writeback table do a full load or a partial load when we click on the Writeback button?
A: You can configure either Full, Partial or No reloads.
Q: When should I choose Insert or rather Update?
A: Insert – when you don’t want to change existing data, use Insert. It creates a duplicate in the destination file. Insert is great for adjusting budget figures on the fly. Update – the Update option is what you’ll use most of the time. The Update function leaves unchanged data as it is, updating individual records and cells as the data is written back to the underlying source. Delete – deletes it. Overwrite – replaces the data that you’ve edited, the whole data set, in the destination file. You only have one version and even if you only make one change, the whole thing will be resaved.
Additional resources for Vizlib Server enablement
If you want to check whether your Server installation is set up correctly, go through this helpful post-installation checklist:
1. Verify that Vizlib Server is installed and that the Windows service is running.
2. Verify that you can log into the VMC on the server where you installed Vizlib Server.
3. Verify the URL by the extension matches the name of the server where Vizlib Server is installed.
4. Check the browser console output for any further information if an error occurs when connecting to Vizlib Server (e.g. invalid certificate, or certificate date invalid).
👉 Plus, take a look at these extra resources to help your business get the most from writeback in Qlik Sense:
- Watch our recent webinar: Getting started with writeback in Qlik Sense
- Before you begin installation, have a look at the Vizlib Server prerequisites
- Also, check out the full Vizlib Server installation guide
- Get more info on configuring your Enterprise version Vizlib products in the Vizlib Management Console
- Need help with Vizlib Collaboration? Here’s our Vizlib Collaboration troubleshooting guide
- Watch our video on how to install Vizlib Server
- You can also watch the video on how to set up writeback audit trails
- Read more about how to set up audit trails
- Read more about our Vizlib server writeback launch
We hope you’re ready to change the way your business inputs and interacts with data! Get the latest version of Vizlib Collaboration and start writing back on an enterprise level today!
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