DB Analytics is a browser based dashboard utility that allows users to display Key Performance Indicators (KPI) relevant to their specific department or role. The DB Analytics modules must be enabled in the vrgstry.cus file. Contact your account manager for information on purchasing this new module.
Access to the KPIs in DB Analytics is managed in the much the same way as SAM Pro Reports. When a KPI is first installed, its corresponding User Defined Function (automatically created) will be available to members of User Group All only. The SAM Pro Administrator (or designated support rep) would then able access to the appropriate User Group or Groups.
DB Analytics may be launched from an active SAM Pro session; when it is initiated in this fashion, it supports the launching of SAM Pro screens from DB Analytics. For example, the SAM Pro Client screen may be launched from the AR Aging Analytic. DB Analytics may also be configured for remote access. If security is a major consideration, access via VPN or a Secure Server should be considered.
DB Analytics requires that the GlassFish Server is installed and running to provide the connection between the DB Analytics browser screens and the SAM Pro database. The support document Installing Java GlassFish Server details the installation of the GlassFish Server, its configuration, and the deployment of the SAMProDB.war, SAMProDashboard.war and SAMProFiles.war files required to implement the DB Analytics module.
Typically, GlassFish would be installed on a server by Data-Basics support. If users are allowed to access DB Analytics remotely, this machine will require external exposure. If security is a major consideration, access via VPN or a Secure Server should be considered.
KPIs:
Typically, all current KPI’s will be imported when support installs DB Analytics. The Start KPI Definition Import function is used to import the KPIs (stored as .obj files) into your database. During the import, each true analytic (Generic Charts/Tables) will have a User Defined Function created for it so that they can be flagged for access on the appropriate User Groups and Functions record(s). See KPI Definition additional information.
User Groups and Functions:
Start DB Analytics should be flagged as Access for User Groups that should have permission to run DB Analytics from within SAM Pro.
Like reports, when KPI’s are initially imported, they will only be available to User Group All; access rights to other User Groups should be made as needed by the SAM Pro administrator or support.
GL Account Types:
The successful evaluation of KPI’s for the DB Analytics Dashboard depends upon the correct setting of the Category field your GL Account Type records. Your firm’s controller / administrator should review these records and make the appropriate edits.
GL Reporting Periods:
GL Reporting Periods should be created and maintained through the end of the current and following year to provide appropriate Calendar Date/Fiscal period information. In particular, if a ‘beginning’ period was established for loading data, the Start Date should be set to the beginning of the loading year, not the ‘blank’ date (01011900).
GLH Summary/Start GL History Summary Rebuild:
This table improves performance for the DB Analytics KPIs that need financial data. This table contains a summarized version of the GL History. Start GL History Summary Rebuild updates this table, and should be scheduled for automated processing by the Scheduled Event Manager. A scheduled event should be enabled by your support rep or SAM Pro administrator so that this function is run nightly.
Registry Settings:
A number of registry and users registry settings are required for DB Analytics to be run from an active SAM Pro session. These are discussed in Registry DB Analytics Dashboard , Registry and User Registry Entries.
The GlassFish Server must be running to access DB Analytics.
If the User Registry StartDashboard option is enabled DB Analytics will start when the user logs into SAM Pro. The user will automatically be logged into DB Analytics as well.
If the StartDashboard option is not enabled, the user may use Start DB Analytics launch the DB Analytics Dashboard.
If configured for remote access, DB Analytics may be started as desktop shortcut or Favorite in their browser. Chrome and Firefox are preferred. You will be asked to log in using your SAM Pro user id and password.
Typically, the DB Analytics screen will be a blank slate when the user first logs on.
In the right-hand corner of the DB Analytics screen:
The +Tab button allows the user to name and add Tabs (e.g., for Accounts Receivables, Financials, Service Management and so on).
The Settings button displays a page that allows the user to select the Dashboard Theme (color scheme) for the DB Analytics Dashboard itself, and to select the Chart Theme. The Settings page also lists the Database, DB Analytics version, and the latest GL History Build Date.
The +Analytics button is used to select and add the KPI Analytics to each tab.
The Tab Settings button may be used to apply filters and settings to all Analytics on the selected tab. Filters and Settings may be applied to individual charts.
On the individual Charts:
The Refresh button allows you to refresh the data the Chart displays.
The Settings button allows you to set filters and variable for this chart.
Additional information on configuring and using DB Analytics is in an illustrated PowerPoint: Using DB Analytics.
If several users will be employing the same or similar DB Analytics, the Clone DB Analytics button on the User record (scroll down the parent to access this button) may be used to clone the settings from a selected user who already has them set up.
The Reset DB Analytics button should only be used to clear a user’s DB Analytic configuration if there is a problem accessing it.