Getting Started with Info-Explorer for Spire

To start using Info-Explorer, you need a cube file. In most cases, you start with Orchid demo cubes.

Note: Available since May 2023 on the Info-Explorer website https://www.info-explorer.com/resources/cubes.

Step 1. Download sample cubes

Sample cubes are provided for Spire databases. They include standard queries relevant for Spire users. When you open the sample cubes, you will see data from the Spire sample data to illustrate the dashboard, charts and analysis capabilities of Info-Explorer.

You can create your own cubes and connect to the Spire databases using ODBC.

Cubes are available for:

  • Spire GL, AR, AP, Purchase Orders, Inventory, Order/Sales Analysis

From Info-Explorer, Click File > Download Sample Cubes

  • To download the cube, click on the cube you would like, this will open the cube in Info-Explorer.

  • Save the cube using File > Save as . and choose where to save the cube.

 

Step 2. Update connection details

You update the connection details to connect the sample cubes to your data.

Select Properties on the Home Ribbon: 

  • Click on the appropriate connection

  • Amend the connection details.

  • The details to provide depend on the database type.

Connection Details when Using Spire

Step 1. Prerequisite to setup Spire ODBC

You need a 64-bit ODBC connection to the Spire database to use Info-Explorer. You can use an existing connection or create a new one.

In most cases, you need to add some lines to the Spire pg_hba file on the Spire server as follows:

File: "C:\ProgramData\Spire\PostgreSQL\14\pg_hba.conf"

Copy

Spire pg_hba file

host   all         spireapp           fe80::/64         md5
host   all         spireapp           samenet           md5

The ODBC Credentials can be found in the spire.ini file in C:\ProgramData\Spire for spireapp

Note: Contact your Spire partner for assistance with setting up the ODBC connection.

Step 2. Install 64-bit PostgreSQL ODBC Driver

As Info-Explorer is a 64-bit application, you need to download and install the 64-bit ODBC driver on machines used to refresh the cube.

Refer to PostgreSQL site to download the ODBC driver. https://www.postgresql.org/ftp/odbc/versions/msi/

Step 3. Create an ODBC Connection to the PostgreSQL database

: This name will be used in Info-Explorer

: Enter the Database Name that you want to analyse with Info-Explorer

: Enter a database user that has rights to read the database.

Tip: You can use the credentials found in the spire.ini file in the c:\ProgramData\Spire folder on spireapp mentioned above or create a dedicated user with sufficient rights to the database.

Step 4. Update Connection Details in Info-Explorer

: ODBC

Option 1: Use ODBC Connection

: If you have setup an ODBC connection, enter DSN=ConnectionName in Info-Explorer > Properties > Connection

In the example below, the DSN is called PostgreSQL64

Option 2: Use full connection string

Alternatively, you can enter the full Connection String with the following details

DSN=PostgreSQL30;HOST=localhost;DB=inspire+2022;UID=user;
PWD=passwd;PORT=5432;

Step 5. Test the Connection

Use the Test Connection button to ensure the connection is successful.

Troubleshooting the connection

If you get an ODBC error 22P05, error: character with byte sequence in encoding UTF8 has no equivalent in encoding WIN1252, change the driver from "PostgreSQL ANSI(x64)" to "PostgreSQL Unicode(x64)", then restart Info-Explorer and check if it works ok.

Step 6. Save the cube

Save the Cube and Refresh the Data.

Refer to Connect to a database for details.

Save the cube using File > Save as . and choose where to save the cube.

Step 3. Refresh the data

to refresh the cube data.

Refer to Refresh cube manually

Step 4. Start Analysing Your data

You can Change what you view in Info-Explorer by changing the dimensions, creating new views, charts and dashboards.

You can view details using Drill-down to underlying records: Drill down to view details.