Loading Actual Cost Records from a Database Table

If you want to load actual cost records from a database table, you must first create connection to a database that contains the actual cost records.

Take note of the following:
  • The database table name that contains the actual cost records can be any valid database table name that the database user has read access to. To avoid potential conflicts, use a table name that relates to your company name, for example: <CompanyName>_ACT.
  • The data types in your database table should match the ones being used by Cobra. Generally, WBS, OBS, CA3 and Resource columns should use Character type, while the Result column such as Hours or Direct should use the Numeric type. However, this depends on the format of the data used.
    Attention: For more information, see Data Formats.
  • Use the Integration Wizard pages to create or edit the connection to the database that contains the actual cost records you are going to import.
    Attention: For more information, see Integration Wizard-Actual Costs.
  • For steps to create a database connection to load actual costs using a MS SQL database, see Create an MS SQL Database Connection to Load Actual Costs.

Using the Integration Wizard

Take note of the following:
  • When you run the Integration Wizard, select Connection name on the File Selection page, and locate the file that you are going to import.
  • Click New or Edit to display the Connection dialog box, where you can create or edit the database that contains the actual cost records.
  • On the Database Table Selection page, select the database table that contains the actual cost records. The first 10 rows of the database will be displayed on the Field Mapper page.
  • Continue with the pages of the Integration Wizard to complete the integration.