DropGrid

Owned by Lisa Foster
Last updated: Jun 30, 2023 by Allison McGinnis
11 min read

 

What is DropGrid

DropGrid® is a data import tool that can be used to either build a new Trackors, tabs, and reports, or to import data into a pre-existing Trackor.

DropGrid works best when:

  • the data is a rectangular block (i.e. Excel spreadsheet, access data table, CSV file or similar type of data)

  • the spreadsheet contains the values to build the configuration in OneVizion that the data is imported into.

The DropGrid tool can create the following configuration elements:

  • create or use existing Trackor®

  • create new fields based on the headers of the Excel first row

  • create a default tab layout based on the order of the columns in the Excel Spreadsheet

  • create an Import based on the spreadsheet

  • create a Report based on the spreadsheet

  • create menu access items

  • create a Trackor View that uses the order of the spreadsheet columns

  • if latitude and longitude fields are detected create a fully configured google map and/or a google public map.

Things to Consider Before Using Dropgrid

  1. Ensure you have proper permissions: Users who do not have full admin rights may have the ability to create new data structures using DropGrid, but lack the permissions necessary to see the structures which they have created. This can sometimes result in the DropGrid process running smoothly, but the user being unable to find the Trackor they just created. In these instances, it is likely your user account lacks appropriate permissions.

  2. Verify DropGrid Worked Via the Trackor Browser: Once completing the DropGrid wizard, you should see your new Trackor located within the Trackor Browser

  3. Pre-Stage Your Trackor: DropGrid works best when you have first staged the Trackor, and instead use DropGrid to simplify the process of importing the data into an empty Trackor already placed where you want it logically within the Trackor Browser.

Admin Settings

Users will need the following Security Group added in order to be able to use DropGrid.

Setting Up the Trackor

To set up a Trackor user will need to have an existing Excel spreadsheet with column headings and any data that needs to be included.

First, determine which Fields to create in the DropGrid. The Column Headings will become the Field Labels in OneVizion. An example is shown below.

 

It is important to make sure the data in the spreadsheet is consistent, meaning that the data in the columns match the appropriate data type. For instance, a date column has only dates, number columns have only numbers, etc… If a specific comment is required in a field and the data type for the field is not text, DropGrid will import this as a comment attached to that field, but not a value within itself.

 

 

Users are able to set a new SubGroup in a menu to hold DropGrid session results. This is configurable on the Menu Application Admin form.

 

 

 

 

Generate Data Types Only

 

Here is an example of how to generate data types only.

First, make sure you have the Trackor Key included (seen in column 1). This example was run as an update to an existing Trackor Type (Site), but even if you are using DropGrid to build a brand new Trackor Type, you’ll still need the XITOR_KEY included in the file.

Next, the second row needs to contain the desired Field Types for each field/column. If it’s a drop-down, you’ll also need to include each desired V_Table value under the Field Type in row 2 (start listing them in row 3 under Drop-Down fields).



 

If the Excel row after the headers contains >=50% data type names (empty cells are excluded from the calculation), it is used as a source of Data Types and excluded from the data import. The hint in the Drop Grid Data Type label indicates the Excel row used for the Data Types, and the note under Import Data states the row where the data import starts.

On the other hand, if the row after the headers contains <50% data type names, it is treated as a data row and is included in the data import. In this case, the hint beside Data Type indicates that the Data Types are auto-generated, and the note under Import Data states the row where the data import starts.

 

Creating the Import

Click on the Add button in order to add a spreadsheet to the DropGrid. The applet below will open and the user will be prompted to Choose the File to import into DropGrid.



Importing Data to the DropGrid



 

Once the file is chosen the following screen will appear.

 

Trackor/Fields

 

 

Field Name

Description

Trackor Type

Allows the user to attach to an existing Trackor Type, or create a new Trackor Type. (Determine if you want to create a new trackor type or use existing.)

Label

Label that the fields will be given in the OneVizion database.

Prefix

Prefix will be used with each field on the Trackor®.

Primary Key

Field that will become the Primary Trackor Key. Used to track items to prevent duplication.

Is Import Column

Checkbox selection Y or N to import. If the user selects the double check-marks all fields will be imported.

Field Labels

These will appear as the column headings on the excel spreadsheet.

Field Name

Name that the fields will be given in the OneVizion database.

Data Type

Use the dropdown to choose what type of data should appear. ie…text, number, dropdown, etc…

(If the type is drop-down, it will create V-table and load in all choices from spreadsheet)

Related Trackor Type

Ability to assign a parent Trackor Type

Sample Data

Shows an example of how the grid will be arranged.

Import Data

The ability to create an import is available on the "Components" step regardless of the "Import Data" flag.

 

 

Trackor Key Setup

A new step is available only if Key Generation is selected at the Trackor/Fields step for new Trackor, or when you update existent Trackor which uses autokey generation. Otherwise, when you click the Next button at the Trackor/Fields step you skip Trackor Key Setup step and jump to the Components step.



 

Components Panel

Users can omit the creation of Report, Import, and TB Error Filter, and also they can set different names for Report and Import.

Third step - Components. New controls were added to the third step to manage by Report and Import components. You can choose the mode when the components are not created and also you can set your custom name.

Apart from consolidating existing functionality into this panel, below are the new features available:

  • The report, Report Name – allows users to skip creating a report and also gives a name for the report if created  

  • Import, Import Name – allows users to skip creating an import and also gives a name for the import if created



 

 

 

 

 

 

Config Tab

Allows the user to create a tab to be associated with the current Trackor, attach to an existing Trackor, or Do Not Modify a Trackor.

Config Tab Label

Used to assign a label for the  Tab.

View Option

Allows the user to create a Global View Option.

View Option Label

Used to assign a label for the View Option.

Dashboard

Users may choose to have DropGrid build a Dashboard based on the data in the Trackor.

 

 

Lastly, on either Step 3, there is a flag to set the DropGrid import as a “Configuration Only” import. This will need to be set so DropGrid knows not to import/create any new records (it will only build the desired configurations). 



 

Verification

The last step will ask for verification and complete building of the Trackor.



 

 

Viewing Trackor Browser Page Affected by DropGrid Import

On the Verification Window, click the Trackor Browser link in the Import Data line.

This takes you to the Trackor Browser page that was affected by the import. The filter is auto-generated to show new Trackors added by the import and is named with the name of the imported Excel file and the time stamp of the DropGrid import. It is found in the G:DropGrid folder and uses the primary Trackor ID and the filter operator Created By DG showing all of the new Trackors added by the DropGrid Import.

Note that the Created By DG Filter is:

  • available for the primary Trackor ID AND when users have Read privilege for the ADMIN_DROPGRID security group.

  • not moved with the Components Export/Import process

 

Auto-Generated Filter is Found in the G:DropGrid Folder

 

Executed With Warnings

There are 2 ways to investigate errors that occur during the import.

Viewing Import Errors (Import Log link)

1- Click on the highlighted link, and then click on Import Log link.

 

 

 

To correct the error, return to the Grid view. Update the field directly on the grid while this applet is open. Once changes are made click on the Save icon.

 

Viewing Import Errors (Trackor Browser link)

2- Click on the highlighted link, and then click on the Trackor Browser link. This will redirect to the Trackor Browser. Correct any errors directly onto the Grid. Use the Save icon to save all changes med to the Grid.

 

Managing Reports with DropGrid

Reports are automatically set up in the Reports application when a new DropGrid Trackor is created.

 

In order to run a report, select the blue link. An applet will open to allow preferences such as scheduling and notifications. Click OK to begin the report creation.

 

Click on the Report History Icon for the status of the report.

 

 

The applet below will appear with status information. Once the screen is refreshed the report shows “Executed” as shown in the example below.



 



To view the Report Log click on the Report ID. The Report Log contains information regarding the run time and Report ID. An example is shown below.



 

To download the Excel report click on the link of the Output File Name. An example is shown below.



Once the file is downloaded, click on the image to open in Excel.

 

The Excel file will open as shown below.

Mapping Trackors

 

DropGrid will automatically create a Mapping Trackor within the DropGrid Trackor Menu Group. Select fields for longitude and latitude to add a Mapping Trackor. To add a Public Mapping Trackor select fields for longitude, latitude, and check the Public Map checkbox.



 

An example of the Mapping is shown below. In order to see information within the bubble, View Options must be set up based on the type of information the user would like to see.



A Public Map is a link that can be shared internally or externally with individuals who may not be users of the OneVizion system. An example of a Public Map is shown below.

 

Editing a Grid

To edit a Grid highlight it in the application grid and click the Details/Edit icon. The Edit applet contains the same tabs and fields as the Add Configured Field applet.

 

Deleting a Grid

To delete a Grid highlight it in the application grid and click the Delete icon. Deleting a field permanently removes it from the system.

To delete all related objects highlight them in the application grid and click the Delete All Related Object icon.

 

Export DropGrid Listing

To export click on the Export Icon. For detailed instructions on Exporting refer to the Exporting Trackor Record Data documentation.


Next Steps After Importing Data with DropGrid

Once you have imported your data with DropGrid, consider the following:

  • Ensure permissions to the updated Trackor are appropriate so that others can access it.

    • Note - if you are unable to see your new Trackor within the Trackor Browser, it is likely due to permission issues on the Trackor.

  • Add the Trackor to the menu if you want it to be quickly accessible.

  • Use the DropGrid tool to edit or undo any import processes you performed.

 

Updated 6/30/2023 Release 23.12 DropGrid-223290

Updated 12/28/2022 Release 22.25 DropGrid-218947

Updated 11/14/2022 Release 22.22 DropFrid-218176