We have a requirement where user wants to upload bulk data in Appian. A file upload option in an excel or CSV format is desired. Once uploaded, the file contents should be written to DB and later available for user to view data in a grid format. File can contain a maximum of 200+ columns & 10K rows. What is the best practice to address this requirement in Appian. Thanks in advance.
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Best practice is to split the upload into two phases:
Thank you Steward for the quick response. Just couple of questions,
1. Do you suggest using 'Import Excel to Database' smart service and 'New Column' parameter for additional column requirements. Is the smart service reliable and can we expect standard updates to the plugins for feature releases. Or do you suggest a custom approach.
2. Any performance issues if executed during business hours. If not, can you advise how this works technically to handle large dataset.
Thank you Stewart. You have summarized on most of the questions I had on this topic. My only concern on plugins is that some plugins were deprecated in future releases of Appian. And, if I consider using plugins (Import Excel or CSV) as part of critical data load solutions, these plugins should only be enhanced/ upgraded and not to be deprecated. I am new to Appian, so not sure how & when a plugin will be deprecated, and will I find an alternate solution in such case.
By their very nature plug-ins a re "plugging' a gap in the Appian functionality (either a functional gap or an ease-of-use gap) and tend to be well supported until such time as the gap is filled by native Appian functionality. Like all choices it comes with a risk - if you choose NOT to use a plug-in you have to accept a lesser option (or even forego being able to do at all what you want to do - e.g. instead of uploading a file of 10k rows and 200 columns you could implement a Process/UI to let User key in their data directly! That might not be palatable but it IS a choice with a different risk profile)). If you choose to use a plug-in then the risk of it breaking after a new release of Appian has to be managed as described earlier.
Thank you Stewart for sharing your valuable insight.