Wdata updates on a frequent basis with new features and enhancements, including these recent additions. Enjoy!
April 2021
View recent items from Wdata Home
From Wdata Home, you can now quickly access recently-opened tables, queries, and views from the Recent tab. To ease access, Home now opens to this tab by default.
Manage Microsoft Excel® workbooks with chains
With the new Microsoft Excel core connector, you can include commands to manage Excel workbooks in chains. With this connector, you can create XLSX workbooks from files, list the sheets of an Excel workbook, and extract data from Excel worksheets.
Include filename with Oracle® Content and Experience Upload File command
With the Oracle Content and Experience connector, you can now include a new name for a file uploaded with the Upload File command. To keep the file's current name, leave this property blank.
Skip Set Dynamic Chain Variable events
To bypass a chain's Set Dynamic Chain Variable event based on conditional logic, you can now set up a skip condition for the event and return a specific result.
Temporarily disable published chains
From Chain Builder, you can now temporarily disable a published chain, such as to skip its scheduled run due to an unexpected conflict. Previously, you had to republish a chain once disabled.
Coming soon! Global chain templates
From Chain Builder, you can now select a Global tab in Templates. From this tab, you'll soon find templates created by Workiva for common and highly-requested chains. Stay tuned!
March 2021
Select format of imported decimals in tables
For table columns with a Decimal data type, you can now select whether its imported data uses a period or comma as decimals.
Refresh all connections from Wdata
To update a spreadsheet, document, or presentation with the latest results from all its connected Wdata queries, you can now click Refresh connections from the Wdata Connections panel.
Cancel the refresh of connected queries
From the Wdata Connections panel of a spreadsheet, document, or presentation, you can now cancel the refresh of a connected query. To cancel a refresh, click the connection's X.
Create folders for chain templates
To organize chain templates, you can now store them in folders.
Interact with Oracle® Content and Experience Cloud as a chain
With the new Oracle Content and Experience premium connector, you can manage files and folders in Oracle Content and Experience (OCE) Cloud, such as to seamlessly share documents with Workiva and other systems.
Retrieve data from Coupa® as a chain
With the new Coupa premium connector, you can use a Get Request command to retrieve business spend management data from Coupa. For example, with this connector, you can automate processes to support procure-to-pay, accounts payable, and expense management.
Create table columns as JSON in a chain
With the Workiva connector's Create Table command, you can now define columns either manually or as JSON. To enter JSON under Columns, enable Variable, and enter the JSON object or variable with each column's name, data type, alias, and description.
Copy files between Oracle® EPM instances
The Oracle ARCS, EDMCS, FCCS, and PBCS & EPBCS connectors now all enable a Copy File Between Instances command. With this command, you can copy a file between instances of an Oracle Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) solution—such as from a test environment to the production environment—within a chain.
Assign Chain Owner role for access to Chains
To enable a workspace member to access Chains, workspace owners can now assign them a Chain Owner role. Previously, only Workspace Owners could access Chains.
Retrieve view details and set current period in Anaplan® as a chain
The Anaplan (Standard) connector now enables commands to:
- Set the current period in Anaplan
- Retrieve cell data for Anaplan views
- Retrieve dimension items or metadata from Anaplan views
Select delimiter for file datasets
When you upload a file as a table dataset, you can now select the delimiter used to separate its values—comma, tab, semicolon, or pipe. Previously, you could upload only comma- or tab-separated values.
Connect spreadsheets to tables
From a spreadsheet's Wdata Connections panel, you can now add a connection to send a sheet's data to Wdata as a table dataset. You can then update the spreadsheet's connection to replace the dataset with the latest data.
When you add a spreadsheet dataset to a table, you can now also select whether to create a connection or import the data only once.
February 2021
Enable chain connectors from Configuration
From Configuration, organization security administrators can now manage connectors for chains, and workspace owners can view which connectors are enabled. Your subscription includes all core connectors and a number of premium connectors; any additional connectors enabled when your billing cycle ends will appear on your invoice. Previously, your organization worked with your CSM or another Workiva representative to enable connectors.
Include totals for columns in crosstab query results
From a query with a crosstab layout, you can now select whether to include grand totals for columns in its results from the Totals menu.
Write sheet data with Workiva connector
The Workiva connector now enables a Write Sheet Data command. With this command, you can write data in a CSV data set to a specific region of a sheet as part of a chain.
Convert XLSX to CSV with Tabular Transformation connector
The Tabular Transformation connector now enables a Convert XLSX to CSV command. With this command, you can convert data within a sheet of a Microsoft® Excel® workbook to CSV data as part of a chain.
January 2021
New menu for query calculation's included columns
In a query calculation, each included column now has a menu, where you can quickly include the column in the calculation, or replace or remove it.
Sort crosstab query results
In Query Builder, when you set up a query's results in a crosstab layout, you can now use the Sort tab to specify the sort order of the results. Previously, you could only sort flat query results.
Copy Wdata connections for documents and presentations
When you copy a document or presentation, you can now select whether to include any Wdata connections for its tables or charts.
Configure global parameters for queries
From Configuration , workspace owners can now set up parameters for common values—such as current fiscal year, entity, or region—to use with multiple queries in the workspace. When you configure a global parameter, you can select to lock it and enforce its default value across all queries.
To use a global parameter value in a query, click Add, Select Global Parameter from the Parameters panel.
Save menu on tables, queries, and views
The toolbar of a table, query, or view now includes a Save menu. From this menu, select Save to confirm the file's changes, or Save As to create a copy of the file.
Show and open files, sources, and dependents from Home
To focus on a file in Home, you now click Show Location from its Details panel. From the Details panel, you can now also select to open a file's data source or dependent or show its location in Home.
Create chains from templates
To streamline and standardize the creation of chains, you can now create templates for common sequences of commands and events. When you create a chain, you can use a template as a starting point. You can use a template with multiple chains, workspaces, and environments in Chain Builder.
Save edits to table descriptions
When you edit a table's description, you now click Save to confirm the change. Previously, tables automatically saved edits to their descriptions without confirmation.
Table dataset’s import details now include file ID
From a table's Datasets panel, a dataset’s Details now include its file ID. With this ID, you can retrieve the file using a chain or the API.
Stack asymmetric files in chains with File Utils connector
The File Utils connector now enables a Stack Files command. With this command, you can stack multiple files on one another as part of a chain.
Pivot and unpivot data with Tabular Transformation connector
The Tabular Transformation connector now enables Pivot and Unpivot commands. With the Pivot command, you can transform columns' unique row values into new columns; with Unpivot, you can consolidate multiple columns into the rows of a new column.
December 2020
Automatic search from Home
When you search from Home, it now automatically returns files as you enter search criteria. Previously, you had to press ENTER for Home to search.
Right-click or drag-and-drop to add table or spreadsheet columns to query calculations
To add a column to a calculation in Query Builder, you can now:
- Select the calculation in the query, and then select Add to Calculation from the column's right-click menu in the Sources panel.
- Move the column from the Sources panel to the calculation in the Properties panel.
In addition, you can now include columns from both spreadsheets and tables in a calculation. Previously, you could include only table columns.
Wdata connections clear unlocked cells
When you add or refresh a spreadsheet's Wdata connection, it now removes data from its sheet's unlocked cells. To retain a calculation or other data in a connected sheet, lock its cell.
Learn from tours in Wdata
To learn new features, best practices, and general how-tos directly in Wdata, you can now click Tours from Home or a table, query, or view.
View dependents in query properties
From a query's Query Properties panel, you can now view any dependent views or connected sheets, documents, or presentations.
November 2020
Connect to Google Cloud Storage™ as part of a chain
With the new Google Cloud Storage connector, you can now interact with objects in Google Cloud Storage buckets as part of a chain. For example, this connector enables commands to create directories, download and upload files, and manage objects in a Cloud Storage bucket.
Launch Workday® EIB integrations that require files as part of a chain
The Workday connector now enables a Launch EIB with File command. With this command, you can automatically launch an Enterprise Interface Builder (EIB) integration with an inline data file, such as an output from an earlier command in the chain. Previously, you used a separate FTP process to upload the data to the EIB.
Set rounding precision for Oracle® PCMCS connector Export Query Results command
The Oracle PCMCS connector's Export Query Results command now includes a Rounding Precision property. With this property, you can enter the number of decimal places to which to round amounts in query results exported from Oracle Profitability & Cost Management.
Skip Run Chain events and stop chains in Run Chain events
To bypass a chain's Run Chain event based on conditional logic, you can now set up a skip condition for the event and return a specific result. Additionally, when you stop a chain that includes Run Chain events, you also stop any chains started by those events.
View and manage table properties
From the new Table Properties panel, you can now view and manage a table's name, description, and type. You can also view details such as when the table was created, and how many records and columns it has compared to its limits.
Refresh a table's imported spreadsheet datasets
To update a table with the latest data from an imported spreadsheet, you can now click Refresh for the spreadsheet from the Datasets panel.
Connect Wdata queries to charts and tables
To import data from Wdata into a presentation or document, you can connect a query's results to a chart or table from the Wdata Connections panel.
From the Wdata Connections panel, you can:
- View and manage the queries connected to charts and tables
- Adjust the parameters of connected queries
- Refresh connections to update connected charts and tables with the latest data
To ensure good performance, you can connect up to 30 queries to a spreadsheet, document, or presentation.
October 2020
Add parameters to query calculations
To include a parameter value in a calculation, you can now select it from a new Parameters menu. From this menu, you can also add new parameters to the query. Previously, to include a parameter in a calculation, you entered its name after a colon, such as :parameter_name
.
List Anaplan® models and workspaces as part of a chain
The Anaplan connector now enables List Models and List Workspaces commands. With these commands, you can retrieve a list of models for an Anaplan workspace and a list of available workspaces, respectively.
Oracle® PBCS & EPBCS Merge Data Slices and Optimize Aggregation commands
The Oracle PBCS & EPBCS connector now enables Merge Data Slices and Optimize Aggregation commands. With these commands, you can improve the performance of aggregate storage (ASO) cubes in Oracle (Enterprise) Planning and Budget Cloud Service as part of a chain.
Oracle® HFM connector supports version 11.2.x
The Oracle HFM connector now supports Oracle Hyperion Financial Management version 11.2.x in addition to 11.1.2.4.x.
Enable multi-select pick list query qarameters
To accept multiple values for a query's parameter, you can now enable Pick List and select Multi-Select from the Parameters panel. When you set up a multi-select pick list, you must select at least one default value.
Enhanced Chain Builder workspace resources
In Chain Builder, you can now view additional information about workspace resources, such as when they were added and updated. To replace a resource, you can also now simply upload its new version.
NetSuite® Get Saved Search Data command concurrency
To help improve performance, the NetSuite connector's Get Saved Search Data command now includes a Concurrency property. With this property, you can specify how many pages of data to retrieve at the same time.
Pause chains based On another chain's status
With a Pause Chain event, you can now pause a chain based on the completion of another chain. You can also now use a Pause Chain event within a command group.
Rename chains during promotion
When you promote a chain from one environment to another, you can now edit its name.
View version and Java status of GroundRunners
In Chain Builder, you can now view when GroundRunners are out-of-date and whether Java is installed with a GroundRunner. Some connectors require Java to enable their connection.
September 2020
Mark Key columns for dimension tables
In a dimension table, you can now select columns as Key to indicate those that contain a unique value for each row, such as record ID or account number. Key columns prevent duplicates when adding datasets and ease joining with other tables in a query. To combine multiple values into a unique identifier, you can select multiple columns as Key.
Import HCM® Data and process account hierarchies with Oracle® Financials Cloud® connector
To better support Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence® (OTBI) reports, the Oracle Financials Cloud connector now enables commands to import Human Capital Management® (HCM) data or process account hierarchies as part of a chain.
Import security metadata with the Oracle® PBCS® & EPBCS® connector
The Oracle PBCS & EPBCS connector now enables an Import Security command to import security metadata into Oracle Planning and Budget® Cloud Service. With this command, you can import security metadata across a range of application objects including Forms, Rules, Tasklists, Dimensions, and Management Reports.
Manage substitution variables with the Oracle® Analytics Cloud® connector
To better support calculation and reporting processes in Oracle Analytics Cloud (OAC), the Oracle Analytics Cloud connector now enables commands to list, retrieve, create, update, and delete substitution variables as part of a chain.
Revert chains to previous versions
To undo changes to a chain or create a new chain from the previous version of another, you can now revert a chain to a previously published version. From the chain's menu, select Versions , choose the version to return to, and click Revert Chain .
Enhanced chain troubleshooting from Monitor
To ease troubleshooting, from Monitor expand a chain's run to view details about its commands' activity during the run. For each run, you can also now view any output text set with a Set Result Text event.
in Chain Builder, you can nowWdata connections now lock connected cells
To ensure data integrity in Spreadsheets, new Wdata connections now lock their cells on connected sheets. In a cell's formula bar, a cube icon now appears when its data comes from a Wdata connection. You can edit other cells in the sheet, and cells with existing connections remain editable until refreshed.
August 2020
Copy tables and queries from Home
To create a query based on another query, or create a table with the same or similar columns as another table, you can now select Copy from the menu or an existing query or table in Home .
Handle command errors based on output interpretation
When you set a command's error handling, under Output Interpretation, you can now define rules—including groups and And/Or logic—to set a command's status based on its outputs. For example, with the new Command Details output, you can set a rule to result in a warning when the command succeeds.
In addition, under Log Interpretation, you can select whether to fail the command based on whether it results in specific outputs.
Use a command's details as an output
Each command now automatically generates a Command Details output. With this output, you can now use the command's numeric ID or status of "succeeded" or "errored" as a variable with a command later in the chain.
Set the text result of a chain, command, or command group
To set or update the text output of a chain, command, or command group, you can now add a Set Result Text event. For example, with this event, you can append details to the text output of a chain or its command.
Runtime variables for chain workspace, GroundRunner, and user
To include details about a chain's run in a command, you can now use new runtime variables:
- Chain.Workspace provides the workspace where the chain runs.
- Runner.InstallationDirectory provides where the chain's GroundRunner is installed, or a null if a CloudRunner is used.
- User.Email, User.Id, and User.Name provides the email address, numeric ID, and name of the collaborator who runs the chain.
In addition, to automatically include this collaborator in an Approval event in the chain, you can now select Runtime User as a requestor or approver.
Input either JSON text or file for JSON connector
With the JSON connector, you can now input either a file or text as the JSON Data property of its Object to CSV, Array to CSV, and Validate Schema commands.
Note: The Input Text property has been deprecated; we recommend you update any JSON connector commands to use the new JSON Data property instead.
Publish spreadsheet links as part of a chain
The Workiva connector now enables a Publish Spreadsheet command. With this command, you can automatically publish a spreadsheet's links—all, or only those you own—as part of a chain.
Search records in NetSuite® as part of a chain
The NetSuite Token Authentication connector now enables a Search Records command. With this command, you can search for NetSuite records by type or ID.
Tip: To replicate NetSuite's Saved Searches feature, use the Search Records command with the Get Saved Search Data command.
New Prevedere® Connector for chains
With the new Prevedere connector, you can use commands in a chain to retrieve predictive analytics and import client data into Prevedere.
July 2020
Enhanced command groups in chains
To help clarify a chain's sequence, you can now expand/collapse and color-code its command groups. Command groups can also now include triggers and events, including the Run Chain event. To add a command group, move the new Command Group node to the canvas, and link its commands to Group Start. A group's commands can continue to run serial or in parallel.
Simplified query filter properties
For ease of use, you can now manage a query filter's properties, operator, and value separately:
- To manage a filter's properties, such as its type or date/timestamp format, select it on the Filters tab, and update its Type and other properties from the Field Properties panel. Previously, you changed a filter's type as a Cast type.
- To update a filter's operator, select it directly on the Filters tab, between the filter's name and value.
- To set a filter's criteria, select its value on the Filters tab, and then, on the Filter Properties panel, enter its custom value, or select or create a parameter.
Expand details and rename on Wdata Connections panel
From a spreadsheet's Wdata Connections panel, you now click on a connected query to view who last refreshed its results and to update any parameters. Previously, to update a connected query's parameters, you selected Edit Connection from its menu.
From this panel, you can now also select Rename Connection from a connection's menu to update its name. By default, a connection uses the same name as its connected sheet.
Add up to 120 values per tag
To enable richer metadata about your tables' datasets, workspace owners can now add up to 120 values for a tag from Configuration . Previously, each tag could have up to 20 values.
Reserved columns skipped When adding or importing datasets
To avoid conflicts when adding datasets, tables now automatically skip columns with IDs of _filename
, _tags
, _timestamp
, and _userid
in files, spreadsheets, and query results used as datasets. We recommend you avoid these column IDs in datasets you append to tables.
Add headers to Oracle EPM CSV output
With the the Oracle EPM Utils connector, you can now include a header row for the output of its Convert ASO to Tabular command, which converts an Oracle® Aggregate Storage (ASO) export file from its native format to a CSV file.
Start chains based on HTTP POST requests
With the new HTTP Webhooks trigger event, you can automatically start a chain based on an HTTP POST
request with a JSON payload via a webhook.
Upsert records in relational databases as part of a chain
Connections to relational database solutions—Amazon Redshift®, Microsoft® SQL Server®, MySQL®, Oracle® RDBMS/ADW, Postgres®, and Snowflake®—now enables an Upsert Records command. With this command, you can simultaneously update existing records and insert new records into the solution's database as part of a chain.
Deploy cubes to Oracle PCMCS as part of a chain
The Oracle® Profitability and Cost Management Cloud Service (PCMCS) connector now enables a Deploy Cube command. With this command, you can deploy an Essbase® cube to PCMCS as part of a chain, such as after a metadata update.
Use OAuth 2.0 authentication with Salesforce connector
When you set up a Salesforce® connector, you can now select to use OAuth2 authentication to secure the connection via a Salesforce connected app. Previously, you could only use standard basic username and password authentication.
June 2020
Sort flat results by multiple fields in Query Builder
In the query builder, you now sort flat results from the Sort tab. To sort by a field, move it to Sorted, and select whether to sort in ascending or descending order. If you sort by multiple fields, arrange them in the order to sort their data by. Previously, you selected Order by Field to sort results by a field.
Use multiple tags in a query calculation
In a query, you can now use multiple tags from a source within a calculation, such as to concatenate Data Source and Version values. Previously, you could only use one tag within a calculation.
New Transpose and Enhanced Smart Filter Rows commands with Tabular Transformation connection
With the Tabular Transformation connection, you can now use a Transpose command to transpose data along the columns/rows axis as part of a chain. With the connection's Smart Filter Rows command, you can also now trim text filters, use absolute values with number filters, and apply 'not' logic to filters.
Retrieve files with the File Utilities connection
With the File Utilities connection, you can now use a Get File command to retrieve files from a local file system as part of a chain.
Retrieve table definitions from relational databases as part of a chain
With the Amazon Redshift®, Microsoft® SQL Server®, MySQL®, NetSuite® JDBC, JDBC®, Oracle® RDBMS/ADW, Postgres®, SAP® HANA®, or Snowflake® connection, you can now use a Get Table Definition command as part of a chain. This command retrieves details about a table in the relational database, including its fields, field types, and keys.
Specify output delimiter with JSON connection's Array to CSV command
With the JSON connection, you can now specify the delimiter to use in the output of the Array to CSV command, such as for use with a later command in a chain.
Specify query parameters for Get commands with Tableau connection
With the Tableau® connection, you can now specify query parameters for its Get commands, such as Get Data Source or Get Projects.
Trim, pad, replace, split, and capitalize string outputs and variables
In Chains, you can now apply additional transformations to string variables and outputs, such as to trim leading or trailing spaces, add padding, replace values, adjust capitalization, or split based on a delimiter.
May 2020
Format query results as a crosstab
To ease analysis of a query, you can select Layout , Crosstab to group and summarize its results horizontally and vertically based on dimensions you choose. In Builder, select which fields to use as rows, columns, and values in the results under Fields; in SQL Editor, do this from the Layout right panel.
Select common SQL functions for query calculations
To ease creating calculations in Query Builder, you can now select common functions and operators to include in the SQL syntax on the Field Properties right panel. From this menu, you can also view the description and syntax for each function or operator.
Default 'Sum of' aggregation type for a query's Decimal fields
To ease summarizing data, queries now automatically apply an aggregation type of "Sum of" to Decimal fields. From the Field Properties right panel, you can apply a different aggregation type to a field as necessary.
Adjust the order of query fields
From the Fields tab of a query, you can now arrange the order in which fields appear in the results. To adjust where a field appears, right-click on it and select to move it up, down, or to the top or bottom of the fields. From this same menu, you can also duplicate or remove a field.
Connect to Microsoft® Dynamics® CRM, Microsoft OneDrive®, and Tritech® Cadency® as part of a chain
From Chains, you can now enable new connections to automate commands to:
- Connect to customer and sales data in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
- Manage files and folders in Microsoft OneDrive.
- Manage entities and tasks in Trintech Cadency.
Merged branches in chains now support skipped commands
For additional flexibility in chains, merged branches—such as when a chain's Success and Failure branches reconnect into the same command—now support skipped commands.
Manage GZIP archives and split files with the File Utils connection
With the File Utils connection, you can now enable new commands within a chain:
- To compress or unzip a GZIP archive as part of a chain, add a Gzip File or Gunzip File command. For example, you can use the Gunzip File command to unzip a GZIP file output from Oracle® Hyperion Financial Management (HFM).
- To split a file into multiple files based on byte size, line count, or regular expression delimiter, add a Split File command. For example, you can use this command to process smaller chunks in parallel to help improve performance.
Note: To split a file based on record count, use the Tabular Transformation connection's Split File command.
Concatenate files, clean unquoted newlines, split files, and upload table inputs via absolute paths with the Tabular Transformation connection
With the Tabular Transformation connection, you can now enable new commands within a chain:
- To merge multiple tabular source files horizontally into a single CSV dataset, add the Concat Files command.
- To clean files with unquoted newlines, add the Clean Unquoted Newlines command. For example, you can use this command to help process data with inconsistent characters for carriage returns or new lines.
- To split a file into multiple files based on record count, add a Split File command. For example, you can use this command to process smaller chunks in parallel to help improve performance.
Note: To split a file based on byte size, line count, or regular expression delimiter, use the File Utilities connection's Split File command.
In addition, you can now use absolute path to upload table inputs from your file system to the Advanced Query command. Previously, you needed to run the File Utilities connection's List File Content command earlier in the chain to upload the files.
Output a report as a CSV with the Planful® connection
With the Planful connection, the Run Report command now provides a Planful report as a comma-separated values (CSV) file in addition to its JSON output. Previously, you would need the JSON connection to convert the JSON output to a CSV.
April 2020
Arrange a table's columns
To arrange the order of a table's columns, you can now select to move a column up, down, or to the top or bottom from its menu. You can now also select to delete a column from the same menu.
View a query's connected and source spreadsheets as dependents and datasets
From Wdata Home , you can now view a query's connected spreadsheets under Dependents on the Details right panel. For consistency, you now also view a table's datasets or a query's source tables or spreadsheets under Data Sources. Previously, you viewed a table's or query's sources under Datasets or Tables, respectively.
Get help based on your current feature
To find answers or best practices as you use a table, query, or view, you can now click Help on its toolbar to open its related Help article in a new browser tab. To access all Workiva Help articles, you can also still click Support Center in the lower left.
Add and sort multiple columns when creating a table
When you create a table, you can now click Add Column multiple times to enter details about multiple new columns at once. When creating a table, you can also delete or move a column up, down, or to the top or bottom from its menu.
Unimport table datasets to return them to Staged
To return a table's imported dataset to Staged , you now select Unimport from its menu on the Datasets right panel. Previously, you selected Remove from the dataset's menu.
Chain triggers deprecated
Chain Builder no longer supports chain triggers. To start a chain based on another chain's completion, use the Run Chain event instead. Please update any existing chains that use triggers accordingly.
Communicate with Domo® as part of a chain
With the new Domo connection, you can build chains to connect to Domo's data visualization and analytics capabilities.
Provide feedback about specific features
To provide feedback about a feature such as a table or query, you can now click Feedback on its toolbar. You can also still provide feedback about other features or in general from the lower left menus.
View how many records the query's last run returned
From a query's Query Properties right panel, you can now view how many records were returned in the most recent run.
Input body text with a HTTP Request connector in chains
With an HTTP Requests connection, you can now input text to send in a request's body instead of a body file input, such as to specify the schema of the command's response.
Install GroundRunners for Windows® with a Microsoft® installer
To ease installing GroundRunners for Windows, IT admins can now use a Microsoft installer (MSI). Previously, you could only install GroundRunners for Windows via a command line interface (CLI).
Use chains to manage records and reports with the Workiva connector
In Chain Builder, the Workiva connection now supports Workiva's Admin and GraphDB APIs. With the Workiva connection, you can now include commands to list your organization users and manage records and reports within your SOX and Internal Audit database account.
Use file inputs with runtime input triggers for chains
You can now include a file input with a chain's Runtime Input trigger event, such as to pass a file between chains as part of a Run Chain event.
Use JSON variable inputs with a Handlebars connection in chains
To help streamline the dynamic updating of HandlebarsJS templates, you can now include a JSON variables input with a Handlebars connection's commands, including variables such as #each
.
March 2020
Manage a query's limit, distinct rows, and last run details as properties
In a query, you now limit the number of results it returns and select whether to include only distinct rows from the Query Properties right panel. From this panel, you can also now view details about the query's last run. Previously, you managed the query's limit and distinct rows setting from the center panel.
Download a CSV of a table dataset's details
To download information about a table's dataset—including its source file, imported data, and column mapping—as a CSV, you can now view its details and select Download, Data Details.
Enter headers to set aliases for query calculations
From the Field Properties right panel of a query, you now enter a calculation's alias as its header.
Note: Calculations now require aliases and no longer support SQL syntax that contains AS
to set an alias.
Format date columns when adding a table dataset
When you add a dataset to a table, you can now select how to format each Date column as part of its column mapping.
Note: By default, Date columns from spreadsheets and queries use the ISO 8601 format.
Communicate with Oracle EPM solutions as part of a chain
With the new Oracle EPM® Utilities connection, you can build chains to connect to Oracle Enterprise Performance Management solutions, such as to convert an ASO export file to CSV, or a CSV to the native Essbase® format.
Convert tabular data to crosstab with the Tabular Transformation connector
With the Tabular Tranformation connection, you can now convert a tabular data set—such as an Oracle Essbase® MDX query output—to a cross-tabulation, or crosstab, format.
February 2020
Manage a query's fields, filters, and relationships on separate tabs, and toggle between Builder and Advanced Query Modes
To ease use, queries now feature several enhancements:
- To help prevent confusion with a source's columns, a query's "columns" are now fields. You now manage them—and the query's filters and relationships—on separate tabs. Previously, you managed a query's columns, filters, and relationships together.
- On the Filters tab, you can edit the filter string as necessary, using
AND
andOR
to further define criteria and parentheses( )
to group filters, such as({1} AND {2}) OR {3}
. Previously, you clicked Advanced to adjust the filter string. - Based on your familiarity with SQL, you can also now toggle between Builder and Advanced Query modes to create your query. Previously, you clicked Show Advanced or Show Builder to select its mode.
Build chains to connect to Google BigQuery®
With the new Google BigQuery connection, you can build chains to connect to Google BigQuery, load and query data in a tabular format or retrieve metadata about BigQuery projects and datasets.
Number data type is now Decimal
To help prevent confusion with integer data, you can now set a data type of Decimal for table columns or query fields that contain numbers with decimal values, such as 4.344. Previously, these used a data type of Number.
View details about a table's dataset
From the Datasets right panel of a table, you can now select Details from a dataset's menu to view information about its original source file, data import, and column mapping.
January 2020
Track query usage and data storage
To help verify your organization stays within its subscription's limits, workspace owners can now track query usage and data storage from Configuration . To review these stats, select Usage.
Add data from tables and spreadsheets to queries
From the Sources left panel of a query, you can now add data from Spreadsheets to use as fields and filters. To choose the data to use in a query, click Add Sources , and add the columns from your tables or spreadsheets' sheets. Additionally, the Sources panel now displays only the tables and spreadsheets used in the query. Previously, the panel displayed all available tables, from which you selected the data to use.
Queries open in previous mode
When you open a query, it opens in its previous mode—Advanced Query or Builder. Previously, queries automatically opened in Builder mode when it supported the SQL.
Add query results as table datasets
From the Datasets right panel of a table, you can now add the results of a query as a dataset, in addition to sheets from Spreadsheets and uploaded CSV or TSV files. To add query results as a dataset, click Add Dataset , select Query , and then select the query and map its results to the table's columns.
Build chains to connect to Oracle® E-Business Suite
With the Oracle EBS connection, you can build chains to connect to Oracle E-Business Suite, such as to import journal entries.
Run other chains within a chain
To run another chain within a chain, you can now include a Run Chain . When you use the Run Chain event to run a chain, you can use its output with a later command in the parent chain. event
December 2019
Drag-and-drop nodes to build chains
To enable better control and iteration as you build a chain, you now drag-and drop its nodes on a canvas and link them together. Additionally, when you add a command to a chain, you now select which runner to use, separate from the connection.
Build chains to connect to Adaptive Insights®
With an Adaptive Insights connection, you can build chains to enable bi-directional interaction with Adaptive Insights, such as to import transactions and data or export accounts, dimensions, and data.
Home enhancements
From Wdata Home , you can view information about an item—such as its description, data sources, and dependencies—on the Details right panel. When you close the panel, it now stays closed until you open it again. To open the Details panel, right-click an item and select View Details .
In addition, to select an item on Wdata Home, you can now click its row, not just its checkbox.
Tables support 150 columns
When you create a table, you can now upload or add up to 150 columns.
November 2019
Include chain or workspace variables in other variables
When you create variables for a chain or workspace, you can click Variable to include other variables within their values.
Suggested data types for uploaded table columns
When you upload a file to create a table, Wdata now suggests the data types of the file's columns based on the contents of its first row. You can edit a column's data type if necessary.
Build chains to connect to Sage Intacct®
With a Sage Intacct connection, you can build chains to enable bi-directional interaction with Sage Intacct, such as to manage objects or reports.
Convert CSV to JSON as part of a chain
With the JSON connection, you can now include a CSV to JSON command within a chain to convert tabular data—such as a CSV output from an earlier command—to a JSON array.
October 2019
Open multiple folders and items from Home
To open multiple folders and items at once, you can now select them in Home and click Open , just like in Wdesk.
Convert data to UTF-8 as part of a chain
With a File Util connector, you can now include the new UTF-8 Encode command in a chain to convert data to UTF-8 format, such as to ensure consistent formatting regardless of data source.
Analyze chain usage
From Chains , you can now click Home monitor and analyze the use, development, and success of chains and connections. To manage your workspace and its environments and variables, click Workspaces .
toExecute single commands or command groups within a chain
To ease testing and iteration while building a chain, you can now click Execute execute a single command or command group.
from the chain and click Execute this commandSet up conditional skips and dynamic outputs for commands
When you select a command in a chain, you can now set up rules to skip the command and force a response based on conditional logic. You can also add a dynamic output to extract a value from a command’s output for use later in the chain, such as to parse a useful value from unstructured data.
Set up multiple dynamic variables within an event
You can now set up multiple dynamic variables within a single Set Dynamic Chain Variable event. Previously, you added a separate event for each dynamic variable.
Start chains based on BlackLine Journal Service events
With a BlackLine® connection, you can now automatically start a chain with an external trigger based on a BlackLine Journal Service event, such as a new journal entry.
September 2019
Automate workflows with chains
To connect data and perform tasks across disparate sources, workspace owners can now click Chains to build and automate workflows. To enable chains, an IT admin first sets up connections to data sources and—to connect to on-premise solutions—GroundRunners.
Reset saved queries and views
To undo changes and return a query or view to its previously saved version, you can now click Reset .
See column details in queries
When you add columns to a query, you can now view their details—headers, sources, and sources columns—as separate columns. For additional details about a column, click it to open the Field Properties right panel.
Create multiple tables at once, with both manually-added and imported columns
When you create a table, you can now add individual columns in addition to importing them from a file. You can also create multiple tables at once, each on its own tab within Wdata. Previously, you could create only one table at a time, based on an import file.
August 2019
Access Wdata from left menu in Wdesk
To ease access to Wdata from Wdesk, you now click Wdata in the left menu. Previously, you selected Wdata from the menu under your name.
New auto-complete SQL functions in queries
When composing a query's SQL syntax in Advanced Query Mode or for a calculated column, you can now auto-complete functions of DATE_ADD
, DATE_FORMAT
, EOMONTH
, SS_RIGHT
, SS_LEFT
, and SSUBSTR
.
Updated URL
For clarity, the URL for Wdata now begins with h.app.wdesk.com/s/wdata/...
. While the previous h.app.wdesk.com/s/cerebral-ui/...
will redirect to Wdata, we recommend you update any bookmarks to the new URL.
July 2019
Use tab-separated value (TSV) files with tables
In addition to comma-separated values (CSV) files, you can now upload tab-separated values (TSV) files to create tables and add data to existing tables.
April 2019
Dynamic filters for saved views now available
You can now create multiple views from a query, each with their own set of adjustable parameters.
March 2019
Change to roles and permissions
The use of roles is no longer supported to manage access to data. Going forward, you can set permissions on individual tables, queries, and views. Additionally, you can now use Groups in a workspace to manage permissions.
Note: For new features and enhancements across the Workiva platform, review the Release Notes in the Community.