FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions coming asked regarding the Power BI Connector.

Q: What is the difference between Submitted, Processed, and Modified Dates?

A: Date types are defined as:

• Submitted Date: This is the date and time when the user first submits the record.
• Processed Date: This represents the date and time when the record was actually entered into our system.
• Modified Date: This indicates the date and time when the record was last changed or updated.

To clarify, the Submitted and Processed dates are not necessarily the same. The Submitted date reflects when the user initiates the submission, while the Processed date may occur later if there is any delay in the system updating the data. The Modified date tracks the most recent update to the record.

Q: Why do I need to select a date range when invoking the function to get data?

A: The Power BI Connector interacts with our RDEA 2.0 APIs, which require a date range to retrieve data. The date range is required to help manage and filter the large volume of data stored. By specifying a date range, you limit the data retrieved to a more manageable subset, which improves performance and efficiency. At a minimum, you need to provide either a Start Date or a Min Ago value.

When using the getRecordFields function, it's particularly important to set the date range to 24 hours or less, as this function acquires the most data. For even better results, consider using additional filters, such as form name or location name, to further narrow down your data.

Q: What happens if I don't specify an end date?

A: If you do not specify an end date, the end date automatically defaults to the current date and time at the moment you refresh the data. This means the data returned will cover the period from your specified start date (or the default start value) to the present moment.

This approach is not recommended if you use a static start date, as over time the data volume may exceed the API's rendering capacity, leading to errors. Instead, if you choose not to specify an end date, it's advisable to set the Min Ago parameter to a fixed duration in minutes.

Q: How does specifying both a start date and end date affect the data returned?

A: When you provide both a start date and an end date, the data retrieved will be strictly between these two specified dates. The data will not include any information outside of this range.

Q: How can I view data from the last 24 hours from the refresh point?

A: To view data from the last 24 hours relative to when the data is refreshed, set the Min Ago value to 1440 (since there are 1440 minutes in 24 hours) and leave both the Start and End dates blank. This will dynamically adjust the date range to cover the last 24 hours from the moment of refresh.

Q: What if I use Min Ago with an End Date?

A: When Min Ago is used in conjunction with an End Date, the Min Ago value is calculated relative to the provided End Date. For instance, if you set Min Ago to 1440 minutes and provide an End Date, the data retrieved will cover the period from 1440 minutes before the End Date up to the End Date itself.

Q: Is Paging Supported in the Power Bi Connector

A: No Paging is not supported in the Power Bi Connector. Using filters to minimize response data is always recommended.

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