Introduction to Business Intelligence export models

When you export Business Intelligence data to a Microsoft Excel® workbook or to an external database, the data is exported according to a Business Intelligence export model, which defines the information that is exported.

Business Intelligence export models define the following information:

The tables that are to be written in the target database and the type of Powerproject object from which the information should be taken.
For each table, the fields/columns that will contain the data, together with the formula that will calculate the data value for each object and field.

Raw Business Intelligence export models are simple text files, with a *.model file extension. You can edit these in any text editor. Once you have finished editing a raw Business Intelligence export model, you compile it using the Business Intelligence Model Compiler application. The compilation results in the following outputs:

A compiled Business Intelligence export model, which has a *.compiled file extension, for use when exporting Business Intelligence information to Microsoft Excel from within Powerproject.
A number of *.sql files, which you can use to create the appropriate tables within a relational database, for use when you export Business Intelligence information to an external database using the Business Intelligence Controller application. A Business Intelligence database is a collection of regular SQL tables that contains the definitions of what is to be exported and the destination fields for the data. Because the database contains its own schema definition, it is impossible to send the wrong data to the database accidentally.

Business Intelligence export models are located in the following folder: C:\ProgramData\Powerproject\BIETL\. The following Business Intelligence export models are supplied as standard:

Full export - exports all data, including time-phased data that is of use to resource-focussed users; to be used in most circumstances.
Large - exports all data, excluding time-phased data.
Reduced - exports a subset of useful data.
Earned value - exports data that is of use for earned value analysis.
Timephased - exports data that is of use to resource-focussed users.

If none of the Business Intelligence Export models that are supplied as standard meet your needs exactly, Elecosoft can tailor a model for you. Contact our Sales department for more information. Alternatively, you can tailor a Business Intelligence Export model - or create a completely new model - yourself.