Using VDM

In this post I want to outline the key steps / process for using VDM to create a view using as many features as possible that are available.

Report Creation

Step 1. Install VDM

In this section we cover the installation and setup of VDM. This section covers are downloading the VDM MSI, running the installer and importing OPTIONS files if you have them available.

Step 2. Create Connection Profiles

In this section we cover setting up your first connection profile by establishing a connection to your database. The primary topics covered in this section include establishing a connection to your database by providing the connection type, server name and account information for logging into your database.

OPTIONAL STEP: Leverage Bridgit AI

This step is optional but offers a very powerful opportunity when stepping through VDM. In this section we introduce Bridgit AI. Bridgit AI is the cutting-edge OpenAI Chatbot designed to revolutionize the way you approach writing reports by providing you with real-time assistance.

Step 3. Select Fields

In this section we cover how to select the fields you want to include in your view / report. This section covers the topics of establishing a connection to your connection profile and adding fields from the tables in the database.

Step 4. Linking

Linking is required when requesting data from two or more tables. Linking tells VDM how to join the tables together in order to return the requested data set. The topics covered in this section include how to link your tables as well as the different types of joins that can be used when linking.

Step 5. Set Up Parameters

In this section we cover how to set up parameters. Parameters allow users to create a single VDM View with different filter criteria entered at run time (ie, City, State/Province, Last Name or First Name etc.) versus updating the View each time with new criteria or having to create and maintain multiple Views.

Step 6. Filter the Data

In this section we cover how to filter your data in the FSGS section. Filtering your data will allow you to extract the specified information you need from your database by leveraging parameters, static values, and more.

Step 7. Create A Finished Report

In this section we cover the general steps to create a basic Finished Report. The Finished Reports component is effectively a report writer within the VDM platform that allows for much greater control over the presentation of the View’s data. Topics covered range from adding labels into the designer to grouping and summarizing data.

Step 8. Visualize

In this section we cover the general steps to create a basic Visualize. The Visualize component of VDM is a way to interact with your data instead of just export the data for delivery. Topics covered will range from adding controls into the Visualize Dashboard to adding tab containers and master filters.

Report Automation

Step 1. Set up the Scheduler

In this section we are going to walk through each of the various steps needed to get the VDM scheduler set up and running using our recommended setup.

Step 2. Create a Job

Creating a Job inside VDM's scheduler is a crucial component for automating your reports. Once a Job is created it can then be leveraged in the scheduler to be ran at scheduled times and dates. In this section we cover just exactly what is a job and how to create it.

Step 3. Schedule a Job

Scheduling a Job inside VDM's scheduler will allow your Jobs/Views to run unattended. In this section we cover creating new appointments on the Scheduler calendar that will automatically run your views.