Update a table's query dataset as a chain

With this chain, you can update a table's query dataset to append its latest data. For example, use this chain to automatically:

• Run a query for the latest results
• Append the results to the table as a new dataset

Tip: To replace—rather than append—the dataset with the latest results, build a chain to update the table's datasets, or select Replace from the dataset's menu to manually update the query results.

Ingredients

To create this chain, you'll need:

• The Workiva core connector
• The ID of the table to update
• The ID of the query used as the table's dataset

Tip: You can find the ID of the table or query after /tables/ or /queries/ in its URL.

Step 1. Create the chain

1. In Chain Builder, from Build, Chains, click Create chain.
   
2. Under Setup, enter a unique name and description to help identify the chain.
3. Under Variables, add variables for the IDs of the table and query.
4. Click Save.

Step 2. Start with a Run query command

To generate the latest query results each time the chain runs, start with a Run query command:

1. Under Available BizApps, select Workiva, and move Run query to the canvas.
2. Move Run query to Start, and click its Edit.
   
3. Under Basic info, enter a name and description to help identify the command.
4. Under Command properties, select the Workiva connector to perform the command.
5. For Query ID, select the chain variable for the query ID.
6. If the query has parameters, add their values under Parameters or Multi-select params.
7. Click Save.

Step 3. Add a Download query result command

To retrieve the results as a comma-separated values (CSV) file to upload as a dataset, add a Download query result command:

1. Under Available BizApps, select Workiva, and move Download query result to the canvas.
2. Drag a link from Start to Download query result, and click the command's Edit.
3. Under Basic info, enter a name and description to help identify the command.
4. Under Command properties, select the same Workiva connector as Run query.
5. For Query result ID, select ID from the Query result output of the Run query command.
6. Click Save.

Step 4. Add a Create file command

To enable the table to upload the CSV file, add a Create file command:

1. Under Available BizApps, select Workiva, and move Create file to the canvas.
2. Drag a link from Download query result to Create file, and click the latter's Edit.
   
3. Under Basic info, enter a name and description to help identify the command.
4. Under Command properties, select the same Workiva connector as the earlier commands.
5. For Table ID, select the chain variable for the table ID.
6. For File, select the Query result output of the Download chain result command.
7. Click Save.

Step 5. Add an Import file into table command

To upload the query results to the table, add an Import file into table command:

1. Under Available BizApps, select Workiva, and move Import file into table to the canvas.
2. Drag a link from Create file to Import file into table, and click the latter's Edit.
3. Under Basic info, enter a name and description to help identify the command.
4. Under Command properties, select the same Workiva connector as the earlier commands.
   
5. For Table ID, select the chain variable for the table ID.
6. For File ID, select ID from the Results output of the Create file command.
7. Under Column mappings, add key/value pairs to map the query result's columns to the table's columns.
8. To apply any metadata about the dataset, such as its source or version, add the applicable tags and values.
9. Click Save and Publish.

Tip: To have the chain run automatically on a periodic basis, such as every quarter, click Chain settings and add a schedule.