Changing source file name

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Kalle
Kalle Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Certified Master Anaplanner

Hello Community!

 

I´ve been working with Anaplan for several years now and whenever I´ve needed to change the import file for an import action I´ve just created the action again using the new file. This usually isn´t a problem so I haven´t given it a second thought but what if you had 15 actions that are included in several processes and the source file name changes for some reason? Let´s say from revenue.csv to netsales.csv. The content is identical, only the name changes. 

 

So the question is, is there a simple way to change the name of a source file? Or do I always need to redo the action?

 

Thanks,

- Kalle

Comments

  • Kalle
    Kalle Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Certified Master Anaplanner

    @Misbah 

     

    So that´s a no? 😃. I´m not saying that the file names change very often. When the model is in production and the integrations have been finalized, it´s all good. I´m referring to a common (at least for me) scenario where the implementation starts before the integrations have been sorted. For example, we get manually derived partial data to be able to start developing and at a later stage we get the "actual" data from a DW through automated integrations. In this scenario it´s not uncommon that the file name changes for one reason or another.  

     

    BR,

    - Kalle 

  • nikolay_denisov
    nikolay_denisov Member, ALL USERS, GroupMember, Master Anaplanner - Employee, Certified Master Anaplanner, Employee, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Master Anaplanner of the Year

    Hi Kalle,

    I've tried to figure out if possible to do so. And it seems that is possible.

    What is needed - just to go in your Actions folder to Manage Data Sources. Double click on a Source name (file name) and update it:

    1) Test import refers to Test_File name

    Screenshot 2021-09-30 at 15.23.53.png

     2) We have import datasource with test File

    Screenshot 2021-09-30 at 15.24.05.png

     3) Double click on datasource name and rename it

    Screenshot 2021-09-30 at 15.24.23.png

     4) Import refers to new proper name

    Screenshot 2021-09-30 at 15.24.34.png

    It seems that the import definition adjusted to the new name. But I would suggest to be careful with such changes.

     

    PS. I've never changed datasource names as they would be needed only the first time you define the import.

    * If you publish action on pages (like button) it will ask you to locate the file on your local machine, which could be a different name,

    * If you will automate integration (ex with Anaplan Connect) you could refer to any file and then you will call proper import. 

     

    Hope it will help.

  • Sheethal
    Sheethal Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Certified Master Anaplanner
    If I understand your question correctly, you need not change the import processes if the file name changes. Instead publish the Process (which has all the 15 import actions) to a Dashboard. Then use the button to import the file. Advantage with this method is that the file name doesn't matter any more.
  • Kalle
    Kalle Member, ALL USERS, Partner, Certified Master Anaplanner, Certified Model Builder Posts: 5 Certified Master Anaplanner
    Hi Nikolay!

    This works! Thank you!
    I have previously tried to change the file name but when I´ve done this, I have had the new file already loaded into data sources. When you do this, Anaplan does not allow you to change the source label.