We are happy to deliver the brandnew November 2024 release with major improvements on the table webpart and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web App: Improvements for the table webpart
With this release, our focus is on improving the table webpart of the data1.io backend (“Web App”). This webpart is used in most of the menu items in the backend.
a) New Table Layout
The table webpart has been improved in the following areas:
New light grey header
Grid layout using light grey horicontal and vertical lines
Reduction of line height by about 50 %
20 records as default setting
Compare the new layout …
… with the previous layout:
b) New Column Filter Experience
We have replaced the previous column filter with a modern filter experience:
Select the elements from a list of distinct values of this column
Sort ascending / descending
Clear Filter function
Customized Filter … function
Compare the new filter experience …
… with the previous filter dialog:
Of course it is also possible to define customized filters …
… with this popup dialog:
c) Single Record View vs. Table View
We removed the “single record view” from most menu items …
… and simply show single records in the normal table layout:
(2) Web Client: New parameter “data1_Write_AlwaysOn”
You can use this parameter to force the availability of the write button although otherwise the button would be deactivated. E.g. due to the presence of exclusively read-only cells, the presence of exclusively level queries, and so on. This parameter can have two values:
0 = normal behaviour
1 = write button will be forced
Please be aware that the write button is forced only on bottom level elements and within the valid period of the current workflow.
This Swagger based REST-API is easier to use than the more technical ODATA API and is relevant for the creation of “Azure Logic Apps”.
(4) API: New Blogpost “Automatize data1.io with Azure Logic Apps” (in german language)
Toni Kerschbaummayr, the core developer of data1.io, has written a fantastic blog post on how to use the “Azure Logic Apps” technology to automatize the data loading process in data1.io.
Get an impression of the solution that automatically loads an Excel based dimension table after every change into your data1.io application:
If you need help in setting up your own automation with Azure Logic Apps then do not hesitate to contact us!
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
We`ll be back after christmas break with the January Release!
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Release-November-2024-Title.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-11-29 12:13:002024-11-30 09:54:03Release November 2024 (before christmas break)
We are happy to deliver the brandnew October 2024 release with the new Workflow Maintenance Mode and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Workflow Pause Mode
With the new “Pause Mode” you can pause a running workflow and this way stop a data collection process immediately. Your End Users (“Collector Users”) will not be able to write back new data any more.Use the pause mode if an emergancy case happens during a running data collection workflow.
a) Pause Mode for End Users (“Collector Users”)
Your Collector Users can enter a running workflow (status “Open”), entering data and write it back.
As soon as the workflow will be paused by the Organizer, it is not possible to write back data any more:
Collector users who enter the workflow after the pause was activated by the Organizer, will see this status “Paused” already on the workflow tile:
The workbook can be entered, but not read or write process can be executed in pause mode:
b) Pause Mode for the Power User (“Organizer”)
The organizer of the workflow can pause a running workflow by simply activating the slider for the pause mode. Furthermore the organizer can define the message that is shown to the collector users:
A paused workflow is title with the status “Paused” in the workflow overview:
(2) Web Client: New Realtime Workflow Validation
Until now, during a running data collection session of a collector users the status of the underlying workflow was not refreshed (the status at the beginning of the session was used during the whole session.
With the new Pause function we have changed that. At every Write and Read process the status of the workflow is validated before the process itself is executed. As soon as the status of the workflow has changed, no Write or Read process can be executed anymore.
The same is true if the Organizer of the workflow changes the deadline for the workflow. If the deadline is moved back by the Organizer, the collector users cannot write data any more:
(3) Web Client: New E-Mail Confirmation for new users
Until now, the e-mail adress of newly registered users had not to be confirmed. With this release, this has changed.
If a new user is registered with data1.io …
… the e-mail adress must be confirmed:
It is not possible for a newly registered user to login with data1.io as long the e-mail adress is not confirmed:
The registered user must open the confirmation e-mail and click the link in the e-mail:
You are directed to the e-mail confirmation page, where you can find also the link to the data1.io login page:
(4) Web Client: New Performance Analyzer Export / Import
We have created a new function in the Performance Analyzer (invoked with “Ctrl + Alt + P”) …
… which exports the content of the performance log into a file (*.data1iopa):
This file can be submitted the our support (support@data1.io) and our Global Admins can import this file within their own environment in order to analyze the submitted performance log:
(5) Web Client: Improved Copy & Paste Behaviour
There was an issue with Copy & Paste of cell ranges on protected cells. Until now it was possible to paste a range of cells (e.g. values from Excel) into the workbook and paste it also over protected cells:
This has changed now. It is not possible any more to paste a range of cells on protected cells:
(6) Web Client: Improvements for Copy Data and Action Buttons
We have done some improvements on the Copy Data feature. First, we have streamlined the Copy Data dialog. Second there was an issue with the calculation of the number of the copied records in applications with encrypted measure columns.
Furthermore we have also improved the the action buttons. First, sometimes the buttons disappeared after scrolling and leaving / come back to the sheet. Second, there was an issue with the SetCellValue parameter which can be used to control the visibility settings for rows and columns.
(7) Debugging
As every month we have done also some debugging.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/October-2024-Release-title.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-10-30 17:50:002024-11-29 18:37:18Release October 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew September 2024 release with the new Mobile Views and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: Improved Mobile Views
In April 2023 we delivered the first step of an improved mobile view and with this release we deliver the second step!
a. Improved Mobile Portrait View
In portrait view we have
added the button titles in the menu bar
added the on/off button for the dimension tree
replaced the Excel like sheet selection and the horicontal scroll bar by the new sheet selector
removed the Feedback/Help buttons at the bottom of the screen
Tipping the on/off button for the dimension tree turns the dimension tree on or off:
Tipping on the new sheet selector gives you a “drop up” list of the visible sheets within the workbook:
b. Improved Mobile Landscape View
In Landscape View we have
lowered the menue bar
added the on/off button for the dimension tree
focussed the content of the dimension tree – we have removed the application information at the top of the tree and we also have removed the workkflow block at the bottom of the tree
replaced the Excel like sheet selection and the horicontal scroll bar by the new sheet selector within the menue bar
Tipping on the new sheet selector gives you a “drop down” list of the visible sheets within the workbook:
c. New Unfreeze Function
Furthermore we have added an unfreeze button which appears if there are frozen rows and/or columns within the selected sheeet. Unfreezing will help your collector users using the sheet also on the mobile phone and on the tablet:
(2) Web Client: New Copy Data functions (Add-On)
The Copy Data function duplicates the existing records in the fact table of the selected element and alters e.g. the scenario. It can be used for the following tasks:
Freeze the current data status as „Forecast x“ or as a backup (Collector Users)
Create a new scenario from the current data status (Power Eser)
Create the default values for the upcoming Forecast out of the Budget or the last Forecast (Power User)
This function is basically designed to be used by the Collector Users (= End Users), but it can also be configured to be used only by Power Users.
The Copy Data feature was released in January 2024 and improved in February 2024 and June 2024. With this release another major update is delivered for this feature.
a. New Definition Structure
Until now, a target rule could only be defined together with one filter condition. This was a major restriction that we have removed now with this release. From now on, the target rules are defined independently from the filter conditions:
b. New Target Rules
Furthermore we have added two new major types of target rules: Date rules and Measure rules.
With a Date rule the values of a date column in the duplicated fact records can be altered to another period of time. E.g. you can move the period of time by + 1 month:
With a Measure rule the values of a measure column in the duplicated fact records can be altered to another value. E.g. you can increase all values by + 4,00 %:
(3) Web Client: New Aggregated % Queries on Date Keys
Until now, aggregated queries within the date dimensions could only be executed with the YEAR, QUARTER and MONTH keywords:
With this release you can use also the % asterisk for the date dimension in order to query the total of the whole period:
(4) Web Client: Performance Improvement for Always Encrypted
In July 2024 release we delivered the Always Encrypted feature for the dimension keys as the new standard. We are happy that we also could improve the performance of the “old” encryption of the measure fields by using a group by index which enables buffering and batch processing of the requested data.
The performance gain is the largest in reports which aggregate (“group by”) the data in one or more dimensions and can be up to 400 %.
(5) Showcase: Comments on aggregated account levels
In May 2024 release we have introduced the new multiple layouts with the new CELLS01/CELLS02 definitions. With this release we deliver a demo for the collection of comments on an aggregated account level.
Look at the EBIT Planning in our public showcase Integrated P&L Planning. The collection of comments was implemented on the bottom accont level (which can be done very easily in data1.io):
With a separate CELLS02 definition the comments can be collected also on an aggregated account level (e.g. subtotal lines):
(6) Improvements and Debugging
As every month we have done a lot of smaller improvements and debugging.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/September-2024-Release-title.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-09-27 08:17:402024-10-28 22:16:45Release September 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew July 2024 release with the new Always Encrypted mode generally available, new CELLS02 features and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: Always Encrypted on Dimension Keys now GA
We introduced the new Always Encrypted (AE) mode on Dimension Keys last month in the June 2024 release and we worked hard to make this new option generally available (GA) this month!
Why should you change the AE mode in your application?
In large applications this can improve the READ performance of your workbooks by about 100 up to 200 % and therefore also save the hardware capacities of your application.
In smaller applications the performance gain is smaller with about 20 to 30 %.
Of course – as always with software – the performance gain depends on several variables and it must be tested in every specific application.
Remember, until now the Always Encrypted feature could only be applied to the numeric fields like Measure01 and Num01:
From now on Always Encrypted can also be applied to the dimension keys:
Alway Encrypted – both on the Measures as well as the Dimension Keys – brings some restrictions:
(1) In the Web App (“Backend”) the filter options on these fields are reduced and the sorting is not possible.
(2) In List Queries, encrypted columns cannot be used in the SORT parameter:
If you are interested in changing the encryption mode of your application and test the new possibilities, please contact us.
(2) Showcase: HR Contracts with new CELLS02 area
We introduced the new multiple layouts with CELLS02 in the May 2024 release and we are happy to present this month a practical appliation in one of our public showcases.
In the “HR Contracts” showcase you’ll find in the “Existing Projects” sheet the new area “Last Forecast (Comparison)” which is implemented as a separate CELLS02 area. It is used to show the last forecast which consists of only 3 months Actuals and 9 months FC I:
(3) Web Client: “Performance Analyzer” structured by CELLS01, CELLS02, etc.
We also improved the way the Performance Analyzer (CTRL + P) presents the performance values for both CELLS areas:
(4) Web Client: “Analyze Read Process” structured by CELLS01, CELLS02, etc.
Furthermore we added the CELLS information also to the “Analyze Read Process” dialog:
Remember, this dialog is started with pressed CTRL key and right mouse click on a dimension tree element:
(5) Web Client: New Parameter “data1_CELLSx_ReadOnly”
We introduced also the new parameter data1_CELLS01_ReadOnly, data1_CELLS02_ReadOnly and so on:
1 = CELLS area is Read Only
0 = CELLS area is Read and Write activated
This parameter should be used if you have only READ activated cells in your CELLS area to make sure that the writeback process does not cause any recordset deletions when trying to replace values.
(6) Web Client: Parameter “data1_ChangedCellFormat” valid for CELLS01, CELLS02, etc.
We changed the existing parameter data1_CELLS01_ChangedCellFormat to the new syntax data1_ChangedCellFormat which is valid now for all CELLS areas:
The previous syntax of course is also supported.
(7) Web Client: Action Buttons now GA
We introduced the Action Buttons in March 2024 release and improved this feature in the following releases. This month the Action Buttons are Generally Available (GA) which means that you can use this feature in all your applications.
(8) Web Client: New Action Parameter for Drillthrough Buttons
With this release the new “Action Parameter 2” can be added with a Drillthrough Button definition:
{ “Cell Address”: “C22”, “Title”: “Drillthrough nach Wizard Workbook EMP10”, “Action”: “Drillthrough”, “Action Parameter”: “Wizard Workbook”, “Action Parameter 2”: “EMP10”, “Status”: “Automatic”, “Rounded Corners”: false, “Background Color Enabled”: “magenta”, “Text Color Enabled”: “white”, “Border Color Enabled”: “blue”, “Background Color Disabled”: “gray”, “Text Color Disabled”: “black”, “Border Color Disabled”: “indigo” }
You can use it both with bottom level and top level elements:
Bottom level element = use the DIM001.KEY, e.g. “EMP10“
Top level element = use the path separated with comma, e.g. “Sigma Ltd,Sales Area ENGLAND“
(9) Improvements and Debugging
As every month we have done a lot of smaller improvements and debugging.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
We`ll be back after the summer break with the September Release!
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/July-2024-Release-Title.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-07-31 07:23:252024-07-31 07:42:59Release July 2024 (before the summer break)
We are happy to deliver the brandnew June 2024 release with the new spreadsheet options and a new always encrypted mode and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Spreadsheet Options (only for Power Users)
We have a new feature for Power Users! If you are either in the role of an “Tenant admin” or an “Application owner” then you’ll see the new Spreadsheet Options command in the context menue of the spreadsheet if you have pressed also “Ctrl”:
… which enables you to configure the new Spreadsheet Options:
Unhide all rows and columns
Page Layout Settings (Gridlines)
Formula calculation and Error Checking
Unprotect Sheet or Workbook
View Settings (Formula Bar, Named Ranges, Frozen Panes, Headers)
Using e.g. the Unhide function will shou you – as a power user – all hidden rows and columns:
(2) Web Client: Always Encrypted on Dimension Keys (Preview)
Until now, it was only possible to apply the Always Encrypted function only on numeric fields like “Measure01”.
Unfortunately this costs a lot of performance in the Web Client and makes any READ process much slower. Therefore we make it possible now, the encrypt the Dimension Keys and not the numeric fields. This encryption is applied to the fact table …
… as well as on the key fields in the dimension tables:
This brings also some restriction like reduced filter options on these fields and the sorting is not possible. But we are optimistic that this change can bring huge performance gains. If you are interested in (temporarely) change the encryption on your application and test the new possibilities, please contact us.
(3) Web Client: Calculated Columns for Dynamic Tables
With this release, it is also possible to use calculated columns on your dynamic tables – they are kept and calculated after the refresh of the dynamic table:
(4) Web Client: Simplified Definition for By Column Mapping
We have simplified the definition for the data1_CELLS01_ByColumnMapping parameter: until now you had to write “data1_CELLS01_MEASURE_0” and so on …
… from now on you can leave the “data1_CELLS01_” prefix and simply write “MEASURE01_0” (which is the target column and the relative record number):
Please note that the previous syntax is also continued, so you do not need to update your existing workbooks.
(5) Web Client: New Parameter “data1_IsWriting”
We have created a new parameter “data1_IsWriting” which has 2 parameters:
0 = no Write process is executed
1 = Write process is executed
You can use this parameter e.g. to set alternative dimension keys for the write process other than for the read process. This parameter is derived from all CELLS0x areas.
(6) Web Client: Date Ranges for Copy Data Processes (Add-On)
We have created the possibility to define data ranges as filters for Copy Data processes:
(7) Debugging and Improvements
We have improved the CELLS02 feature, which was introduced with the May 2024 release. There was an issue with the WRITE process if the CELLS02 area didn`t have any write activated cells, another issue with Date-Ranges during the READ process and an issue with DATE01_Level definitions.
There was an issue with the record set structure in combination with CELLS02 and SysDelta definitions.
We have also improved the initial refresh for dynamic tables, which was also introduced with the May 2024 release. Before the initial refresh is executed the top element from the dimension tree is loaded into the sheet with the dynamic table since this is often used as filter criteria for the dynamic table.
There were two issues with the Iterate Sheet function which are solved now.
Furthermore we solved an issue with DIM001_Alternative Keys which resulted in a very poor READ performance. Another issue could be solved with poor performance for emptying cells during the READ process under certain conditions.
There was also an issue with the check for the activation/deactivation of the WRITE button which led to poor performance during data entry in the workbook and/or when scrolling the workbook.
In combination with the new Action Buttons the dialog for unsaved data was not shown, this is solved now.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/June-2024-Release-Title.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-06-28 11:19:002024-09-29 07:32:59Release June 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew May 2024 release with the new Multiple Layouts and many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Multiple Layouts with CELLS02
Until now, in data.io Workbooks only one data entry area per sheet could be defined (done with “CELLS01” named ranges). With this release, in the same sheet a variable number of data entry areas can be defined (CELLS02, CELLS03, etc.).
a. Fields of application
This new function makes many new usecases for planning, data collection and also reporting possible:
Collecting different types of information within the same sheet (e.g. blocks with different types of metrics, blocks for cost and invest, etc.)
Collecting values on a bottom level (e.g. single accounts) and collecting comments on a top level (e.g. subtotal lines)
Showing comparison data from the last forecast / budget / last year in the current period
b. Example – Data Entry
Let’s have a look on a practical example. We assume that the creator of this workbook has decided that there should be 2 data entry blocks behind each other – one for capacity metrics (left block) and another one for financial metrics (right block).
c. Example – Definitions
This type of layout would not have been possible until now since the named range for the metrics dimension could be done over 2 columns. With the new possibilities, a CELLS02 data entry area can be defined with its own independant DIM004 definition (which is used for the metrics in this application):
Following the data1.io Workbook Framework the full set of named ranges has to be defined for the new CELLS02 data entry area:
d. Example – Performance Analyzer
You can see the number of data entry areas – CELLS01, CELLS02, etc. – also in the Performance Analyzer:
As you can see, the second data entry area comes with a price on performance since the CELLS02 area generates its own SQL queries against the SQL database in the backend. So you should use this new functionality only, if there is an added value for the collector users.
e. Example – Fact record structure
The structure of the fact records is NOT affected by the number of data entry areas (CELLS01, CELLS02, etc.). You can see the two data entry areas in this fact table only because the creator of the workbook has decided to differentiate the “Dim03 KEY” and the “SYSTEM Delta” parameters:
Therefore the creator of the workbook has to guarentee that the data from the several data entry areas are not mashed up in the fact table and therefore also get mashed up during the READ process. Therefore CELLS02 definitions are an advanced feature. Please contact us, if you need some help with your application.
(2) Web Client: Initial Refresh for Dynamic Tables
We have introduced dynamic tables in July 2021 (it was called then “Filter Tables”) and improved this feature in several releases of 2021 and 2022. We are happy that with this release we can deliver an important new function that will make this feature much more relevant in practice!
Usually dynamic tables are placed in hidden sheets of a workbook and they serve as a source for dropdown selections and so on. Until now, those hidden dynamic tables could only be loaded / refreshed with a READ-Sync from another visible sheet. The problem is, that with every READ process in the visible sheet also the hidden dynamic table has to be refreshed although the data in the table does not change. This comes with high cost for the READ performance in the visible sheet.
With this release you can define the new parameter
data1_CELLS01_InsertTable_ReadOnLoad
whereby
1 = execute an initial READ on the dynamic table when loading the workbook even if the sheet is not activated or even if the sheet is hidden
0 = default behaviour … the dynamic table is refreshed only (a) if the sheet is activated or (b) if a READ-Sync is defined for this sheet
With this new parameter activated, the hidden dynamic table is refreshed already during the initial load process of the workbook. You can prove that with a metric using the COUNTA() function on the hidden table (which shows here “33” clients in the hidden table):
If there is a navigation button to the hidden sheet with the dynamic table, the current content of the table can be checked in every detail:
Please be aware, that the initial load does not change the behaviour of the sheet itself. If the sheet with the dynamic table is visible, then additionally to the initial refresh the dynamic table will also be refreshed when activating the sheet and it will also be refreshed with every element switch in the dimension tree.
(3) Web Client: Improved Loading Screen
We have improved the Loading Screen for Workbooks respectively the Web Client. The loading screen now shows the single steps that are executed in the background. This way, you and your collector users are informed about the loading processes and the time that is necessary to do this.
(4) Web Client: Action Buttons on Merged Cells (Preview)
We have introduced the new Action Buttons in March 2024 release as preview and improved them in April 2024 release. With this release we added the support for merged cells in the Excel spreadsheet. This way, it is easier to combine buttons of different size in the same column or rows.
Look at this button …
… it is defined in a merged cell area consisting of 4 cells:
Simply merge the cells in your Excel Workbook and then the Action Button will be generated in this cell area.
Please be aware that the new Action Buttons are still in preview.
(5) Web App: Improved Date Format
Finally we have managed to display dates simply in their original format – as date!
Until now dates were displayed as date/time (“30.06.2024 12:00 AM”) which could lead to confusion about the real content of date columns. The new date format uses the english date format.
(6) Debugging and Improvements
We have improved the refresh of the dynamic tables – until now it could happen that after the refresh of the table old records remained outside of the table object somewhere in the spreadsheet.
Furthermore we have solved an issue with the record structure of the new SYSTEM Delta definition introduced with the April 2024 release.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/May-2024-release.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-05-29 15:49:002024-09-29 07:57:03Release May 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew April 2024 release with a new Writeback Function and even more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Writeback Function with SYSDELTA
Basically, writeback of new data always includes an update or replacement of existing / preliminary data. In data1.io this replacement of existing records is controlled with the so called SYSTEM Delta Parameter which is defined by the author of the workbook. Until now, only one parameter per sheet could be defined. With this release, we have removed this restriction and you can define several or even many such parameters whithin the same sheet.
a. Fields of application
This new function makes many new usecases for planning and data collection possible:
Collect FORECAST and BUDGET data within the same sheet in the first planning round (from the collector users) and then edit them seperately from each other in a second planning round (e.g. by controllers).
Collect ACTUALS and ESTIMATE data within the same sheet and then improve Estimate in a second planning round without changing Actuals anymore.
Collect COMMENTS together with FORECAST and later finalize Comments
Edit DATA and COMMENTS in workbooks with (list) queries from different tree elements (e.g. using Alternate Level definitions)
b. Example – Data Entry
Let’s demonstrate all this with a simple example. In our public showcase Cost & Invest Budgeting you can collect FORECAST data for the current year 2024 (“FC 1”) and BUDGET data for the years 2025 – 2027 (“BUD”):
c. Example – Definitions
Until now, the SYSTEM Delta parameter had to be the same for all records generated out this sheet when executing the writeback:
From now on, you can define the SYSTEM Delta as “horicontal” or “vertical” named range and therefore you can define different parameters for different columns of this sheet:
d. Example – Performance Analyzer
Until now, each writeback had only one SYSTEM Delta paraemeter and therefore triggered only one replacement of existing records (with the same parameter):
From now on, each writeback triggers as many replacements of existing records as different SYSTEM Delta parameters are found in the sheet at the time of executing the writeback:
e. Example – Fact record structure
Until now, all new records generated by a writeback process got the same SYSTEM Delta parameter (which will be the criteria for the replacement as soon as new records are written back):
From now on, the records of each column (or row) in the sheet can get their individual SYSTEM Delta parameter and this makes it possible to edit only a portion of the initial data amount in different data entry sheets:
f. Conclusions
This new definition of the SYSTEM Delta parameter enables a lot of new use cases!
As you see in the screenshots of the Performance Analyzer above, this new function comes with a price in performance. In our experience, WRITE performance usually is no issue while READ performance is nearly always a big issue. But nevertheless, you should keep that aspect in mind.
More importantly, variable SYSTEM Delta parameters makes your application more powerful but also rises complexity of your application. As probably many of our power users know, it is quite easy to generate undesired fact records by having small definition errors in the SYSTEM Delta parameter and this risk rises with variable parameters. So, we strongly recommend that you have to test even more if you use this great new feature!
(2) Web Client: Improvements for Action Buttons (Preview)
In our last March 2024 release we launched the preview of the new action buttons. With this release, we extend the functionality and make the feature more stable.
a. Auto show/hide sheets for Navigation Buttons
With this release, you can hide the sheets which are called by a navigation button:
The sheet is made visible automatically when the navigation button is pressed and it will be hidden again, as soon as you leave the sheet (e.g. by clicking the Back button):
This is the same functionality that we delivered with the prior hyperlink based navigation.
b. Demo for Dynamic Buttons
We have implemented a demo for dynamic buttons in our public showcase HR Contracts. Depending on the selection in the dropdown menu, the button changes title, target sheet and status:
You want to know, how this works? Here we go! 🙂
The most imporant thing is to use the “Cell Adress” parameter, i.e. the dynamic button must be generated in another cell than the formula cell (only this way the button can be changed dynamically)
The rest are IF() conditions and a lot of “” and “”” to get the correct syntax 🙂
c. Improved formula support for Dynamic Buttons
There was an issue with long formulas. Strictly speaking this is not a button specific issue but a spreadsheet issue in general. But it is very probable that you come across with this topic only if you use dynamic buttons.
Until now, the workbook could not be loaded if a formula was used which contained a text string that was longer than 255 characters. From now on you get a proper error message in order to be able to solve the issue:
You can solve the issue by “cutting” the too long text string in two ore even more pieces. Here in this demo this is done firstly with the IF() condition for the status and secondly with an extra ” & ” divider:
By doing this, the workbook can be loaded without any problems and the button also works 🙂
(4) Improvements and Debugging
We have solved some issues in the Web App (“Backend”). For instance, the refresh of table views now refreshes automatically after uploading a file. There was an issue with half-sized dropdown fields. In the Workbook and Workflow editors some definitions had to be entered twice to be saved correctly. Those little but annoying issues are all solved now.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/April-2024-release.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-04-30 10:57:132024-05-30 09:43:25Release April 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew March 2024 release with the Preview for the new Action Buttons! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Action Buttons (Preview)
Until now, we had only cell-based hyperlinks for navigation purposes. With the preview for the new Action Buttons we introduce
real buttons
with two states “enabled” and “disabled”
which are generated by a cell-based definition (statically or dynamically)
which support 7 different action types
The new buttons are in preview – that means that you can use this new functionality but there are some known (and maybe unknown) issues and changes are possible.
1a. Action Buttons – Frontend
The new action buttons are generated in the size (but not the format) of the target cell and look like “normal” buttons. You can use them e.g. for page navigation …
… and also as trigger for actions like Drillthrough documents or Iterate Sheet processes:
And here see them in “action” 🙂
1b. Action Buttons – Definition in Excel
The definition of an action button consists of two parts:
Named Range beginning with “data1_Button“
JSON like definition of the button: { "Title": "Existing Contracts", "Action": "Navigation", "Action Parameter": "HR Contracts", "Status": "Automatic", "Rounded Corners": true, "Background Color Enabled": "#FFC000", "Text Color Enabled": "#000000", "Border Color Enabled": "#FFC000", "Background Color Disabled": "#595959", "Text Color Disabled": "#000000", "Border Color Disabled": "#000000" }
These are the parameters
Title = text on the button
Action = action type (see next topic)
Action Parameter = parameter like sheet name (see next topic)
Status = Automatic or Disabled
Rounded Corners = true or false
Background Color Enabled = color code (hex or text)
Text Color Enabled = color code (hex or text)
Border Color Enabled = color code (hex or text)
Background Color Disabled = color code (hex or text)
Text Color Disabled = color code (hex or text)
Border Color Disabled = color code (hex or text)
The order of the parameters does not matter for the functionality and can be set arbitrary.
1c. Action Buttons – Available Actions
At this stage the new Action Buttons support the following action types:
That means you can use the buttons also to trigger the Read and/or Write process.
1d. Action Buttons – Additional functions
There is one more optional parameter:
Cell Address = target cell for the button (i.e. the definition of the button does not have to be in the cell where the button will be generated): { "Cell Address": "B2", "Title": "Existing Contracts", "Action": "Navigation", "Action Parameter": "HR Contracts", "Status": "Automatic", "Rounded Corners": true, "Background Color Enabled": "#FFC000", "Text Color Enabled": "#000000", "Border Color Enabled": "#FFC000", "Background Color Disabled": "#595959", "Text Color Disabled": "#000000", "Border Color Disabled": "#000000" }
Furthermore, the JSON definition for the action button can be changed dynamically with formulas.
(2) Web App: Display of e-mail adresses
We have streamlined the display of user names respectively e-mail adresses in the Web App. From now on, user names are shown always as e-Mail adress (without registration name):
(3) Debugging
We have solved an important issue with the definition of the tenant admin(s) and application admin(s).
We have also solved an issue with the Copy Data trigger in the context menu of the dimension tree.
Furthermore we have solved an issue with the upload dialog for dimension and fact tables.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Release-March-2024.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-03-28 16:05:002024-04-02 16:11:28Release March 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew February 2024 release with the new Replace Mode for Fact Table Uploadsand many more! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web App: Replace Mode for Fact Table Uploads
We have introduced the Update Mode for Dimension Table Uploads in March 2023 Release. We are happy that we can deliver now the corresponding feature for the fact table – the brandnew Replace Mode.
This new Mode is based on the content of the column SYSTEM.Delta in the upload file for the fact table. Assume you have an upload file with records which all are flagged with the text Actuals 2020 in the SYSTEM.Delta column:
After starting the upload of this file into the Fact Table you can choose now between the already existing Append Mode or the new Replace Mode:
Now the system analyses the recordset structure of the upload file and determines how many already existing records in the fact table will be replaced by the upload:
If you continue, then the 81 existing records are going to be deleted and the 111 new records from the file are inserted into the fact table (therefore the number of records changes from 551 to 581):
We are optimistic that this feature saves you as a power user a lot of time and increases the operational safety in upload processes.
(2) Web App: Date Filters for the Copy Data feature
The new Copy Data feature was released in January 2024 release. Now, the definitions are extended to filters also for the date fields. This helps you to define exactly the correct amount of records for your scenario and forecasts processes:
At this stage you can define date filter but no variation for the target records (like a time shift, this is planned for a future release):
This is the way the new date filters are presented in the Web Client for the end users:
(3) Web Client: Iterate Sheet with Screen Wake Lock
We have introduced the Iterate Sheet function in the January 2023 release. There was an issue with the screensaver, which is mandatory in many companies – the screensaver prohibits the further execution of this client based process.
Therefore we have implemented …
… a so-called screen wake lock in order to prohibit the screensaver to activate before the Iterate Sheet process is finished:
At this stage the screen wake lock is supported by the Browsers Chrome and Edge but not by Mozilla Firefox:
(4) Web App: Delete Function for Workflows
From now on it is possible not only to add new workflows but also to delete existing workflows …
… by pressing the red Delete button in the bottom right corner of the dialog box:
It is not possible to delete all workflows since every data1.io application must have 1 workflow minimum. We recommend to carefully evaluate the deletion of a workflow since it is part of the documentation of the collected records in the fact table.
(5) Web App: Add/Delete Function for Tenant Admins
From now on it is also possible to maintain the Tenant Admins in your tenant by adding new and deleting existing tenant admins:
Similarly to the workflows, it is not possible to delete the last tenant admin since every data1.io application must have 1 tenant admin minimum.
(6) Web App: Improvements in the UI
We added two useful buttons to make your work as a Power User more effective.
First, we have added an Upload button directly in the workbook list which saves you having to open the workbook editor:
Second, we have added a refresh button in the Key Wizard which saves you to refresh the browser to get the current query:
(7) Debugging
We solved an issue with the “data1_SyncSheets_Write” parameter in combination with Level Dimensions.
We have improved the database structure in the backend which reduces the risk of capacity bottlenecks.
We have also solved an issue with the date range queries (introduced in the October 2023 release).
We have also solved an issue with the continous workflows and another issue with workflow e-mails which were sent too early.
We hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think about data1.io and what kind of planning and data collection processes you evaluate to automate.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/February-2024-Release.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-02-28 15:35:002024-02-28 23:25:07Release February 2024
We are happy to deliver the brandnew January 2024 release with the new copy data feature and our new price plan! Try it now!
Remember, the Web Client is the user friendly spreadsheet for your Collector Users to deliver their monthly/weekly/daily data. The Web App is the tool for the Power User to setup and control your organization’s collection workflows.
(1) Web Client: New Copy Data Function
The Copy Data function duplicates the existing records in the fact table of the selected element and alters e.g. the scenario. It can be used for the following tasks:
Freeze the current data status as „Forecast x“ or as a backup (Collector Users)
Create a new scenario from the current data status (Power Eser)
Create the default values for the upcoming Forecast out of the Budget or the last Forecast (Power User)
This function is basically designed to be used by the Collector Users (= End Users), but it can also be configured to be used only by Power Users. Please be aware that at this stage the Copy Data function does not support all thinkable functions.
1a. Copy Data – Frontend in the Web Client
The new Copy Data function is triggered in the context menu either on a bottom element or on a sum node level in the dimension tree:
This starts the Copy Data Dialog …
… and you can have a look on the predefined filter and target conditions (which cannot be edited in this scenario):
After clicking the Start button, the 3 existing records were duplicated:
1b. Copy Data – Records created
Here you can see the 3 source records that were filtered by the Copy Data function …
… and were duplicated and modified according to the “target” condition:
Furthermore the “SYSTEM.Delta” field was modified according to the “Dim02 Key” field and of course the “Created UTC” and “User Key” fields filled:
If the (Collector) User repeats the copy data process, then the existing “target records” are replaced by the new duplicates:
In the Copy Data Journal you`ll find a log of every execution of the Copy Data function:
1c. Copy Data – Definitions in the Web App
The Copy Data Processes are defined in the new Copy Data definition dialog …
… where you define the filter conditions and the target values for the records modification:
Furthermore, the Copy Data function has to be activated on the workbook level:
Optionally, the Copy Data function can be allocated to certain users and certain dimension tree nodes with the RLS definition:
1d. Copy Data – License
The new Copy Data function is licensed with an Add-on License (pricing plan). Please contact us, if you want to activate a trial in your individual application:
(2) Web App: New Workbook Editor
The workbook editor became with more and more functions a bit confusing …
… so we streamlined and structured the functions in the new workbook editor:
(3) Web App: Workflow e-Mails and Finish Button only to WRITE-Users
Until now, all users of a workflow got the workflow e-Mails and had a Finish button. With this release, this is differentiated now by the right in the RLS definition – Read/Write or Read Only:
Users with Read/Write permission see of course furthermore the Finish button:
New is, that users with Read Only permissions do not get the Finish button anymore …
… and of course will not get any e-Mail notifications anymore:
(4) Public Showcases now with Workflows
Until now, the Public Showcases did not have an active workflow. We changed that to make the Public Showcases even more realistic:
(5) New Pricing for new Tenants
Until now, we had a very very low price for the Enterprise Plan (EUR 2,50 per month and app). This was a reward for the early adopters of data1.io who used the software in an early stage.
With the maturing of the data1.io software, we increase the price for the Enterprise Plan up to to a more realistic level of EUR 4,50 per month and app. This new price is valid for all new tenants,existing Enterprise Plan customers of course keep their early adopter conditions for lifetime as promised!
Furthermore we decreased the price for the “Copy Data” feature from EUR 30 to EUR 20 per month and app (which is valid of course for all new and also for all existing tenants).
Hope you like the new features – we are very curious about your feedback!
Please let us know what you think and what kind of collection processes you would prefer to automate with data1.io.
we #StandWithUkraine
https://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/January-2024-Release.jpg200400Robert Lochnerhttps://data1.io/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data1.io_Logo_Black-Orange-184-x-300-300x184.pngRobert Lochner2024-01-30 16:47:002024-01-31 08:10:39Release January 2024
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