April 2023
On-demand data. Custom data analysis at your fingers. Business decisions backed and driven by meaningful data, available to all users, in real time, across multiple platforms. These are a few of the promises of the Business Intelligence industry. Data visibility and availability across business functions is one of the most critical functions for any system or application. The data is there – in spreadsheets, mobile apps, and enterprise systems. It is the distribution, the visualization, the “at your fingertips” aspect that has been somewhat elusive.
That is the past. The days of bare-looking embedded charts and images in the applications, negotiating multiple report running screens, clicking on printer icons, making a quick coffee run while the report generates or watching your inbox for the scheduled report delivery are truly behind us. Business data and analysis, for the users, defined by the users, available across platforms and enterprise hierarchies for multiple systems can be a reality for companies of all sizes.
External Business Intelligence for HxGN EAM
The reality of real-life data with flexible filtering, drill-downs and cross-system analysis applies to even the decidedly lower visibility realm of EAM. HxGN EAM, the premier global EAM solution can be seamlessly integrated with Power BI, Tableau and a host of other business analysis tools to create active dashboards, drill-down reports and real-time alerts across an enterprise.
Customers running version 12 or higher of HxGN EAM do not need any special tools or add-ons to connect to Power BI. For previous versions, the only tool needed is a WebConnector license.
HxGN EAM External Report Tools Guide
Creating dashboards and reports with Power BI, Tableau, etc. is within the capabilities of most advanced HxGN EAM users. Depending on the complexity of the required output, it is entirely possible for a user with basic understanding of table structure and system data to create and publish dynamic, professional-looking reports with world-class visualization layout and functionality.
There are currently 3 base options for integrating HxGN EAM with an external reporting tool. Two of the options, offered as a service by Cimmira also include a database repository which can be used with other company systems as a cross-platform data source. All 3 options use HxGN EAM list view grids to select the data that will be included in the external reports and require a WebConnector license.
"Creating dashboards and reports with Power BI, Tableau, etc. is within the capabilities of most advanced HxGN EAM users."
Option 1 – Custom Grids With EAM Sync
The option uses HxGN EAM list view grids as a data source and supports existing and custom grids. It requires the processing of the grid data using Webcalls (and a WebConnector license) into an external data repository, typically a MS SQL database. The repository database can support multi-system data and can be used as a data source for any major BI tools, such as Power BI, Tableau, Zoho, BIRST, etc.
The Cimmira service includes the creation of a custom EAM sync app that performs all necessary tasks -it processes the HxGN grid data and creates the necessary links to the MS SQL database. The creation of the MS SQL database and related tables is included in the service. There is no limit on the number of grids that can be included, but each grid requires separate Webcall processing.
This option is best suited for light and occasional reporting needs, with few grids and little grid changes. For more information review the Custom Grids with EAM overview document on our Resources page.
Option 2 – Custom Data Fount Tool for HxGN EAM
The Data Fount (DF) tool for HxGN EAM was created by Cimmira and has similar approach to Option 1, Custom Grids with EAM Sync. The tool offers a visual interface that allows even non-technical users to map out the HxGN EAM grids to external MS SQL tables and automatically creates the appropriate table structure and populates the data with no need for code.
The DF supports any number of existing and custom HxGN EAM list view grids. It comes with 5 custom grids that cover commonly used data scenarios from HxGN EAM.
This option is best suited for medium to intensive reporting needs that call for multiple grids and continuous grid additions and modifications. For more information review the Data Fount Tool for HxGN EAM overview document on our Resources page.
Option 3 – JSON Source Files for Power BI
The third option is available for HxGN EAM v12 and above. It uses the Restful API capabilities of HxGN EAM to generate a JSON file which in turn is used as a data source for Power BI. Each grid uses a separate file and can be included as a data source inside Power BI.
The process is manual and best suited for ad hoc, occasional reporting. Our sample JSON file found on the Resources page can be used as a template for even non-technical users to create their own data source documents. Each additional grid source from HxGN EAM requires a separate JSON file referencing the grid.
Krassi Mihaylova is a project manager and a business analyst at Cimmira. with over 20 years of experience in the EAM industry. You can contact her at krassi.mihaylova@cimmira.com