Exports
Cheetah Digital by Zeta allows you to extract data from your marketing database in order to use that data outside of the platform for further analysis, or as input into some other process or system. For example, you might want to see how data ingested into the platform has been altered or updated through form submissions or other updates. Or perhaps you want to analyze data that's been captured by the platform, such as Campaign activity (clicks, bounces, etc.). These extracts from the database are called "Exports," and the platform provides a wide range of options for how to define these Exports.
As with Imports, an Export is defined through the use of a repeatable Template. An Export Template controls the content and layout of the extract, the schedule of when and how often it runs, and the destination of the Export file (such as an FTP server or Amazon S3 Bucket, for example).
Engage+ offers a set of standard Exports related to customer activity in the email marketing Channel. For more information on these Exports, please see theStandard Activity Exports document.
Access
The Exports screen is accessible by the following method:
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From the Main menu, select Data > Execution > Exports
Create a New Export Template
Export Templates can either be created through the Cheetah Digital by Zeta user interface, or uploaded into the platform.
To create a new Export Template through the user interface:
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In the Tool Ribbon, click + New Export.
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A New Item pop-up window is displayed. To select the folder where you want to save this new Export Template, click the folder name in the Navigation Tree on the left side of this pop-up. The Where? field is updated with the selected folder name.
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In the Name field, enter a name for your new Export Template. This name must be unique within the selected folder.
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From the Data Source drop-down menu, select the source table from which this Export Template will extract data.
Note: You can never modify this source table after the Export Template is created.
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Click Create. The Workspace is refreshed to show a blank Export Template details screen, where you can configure the details of the Export.
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Optionally, you can assign one or more tags to your Export Template. To assign a tag, click on the Add tag field in the Edit section of the Tool Ribbon. The system displays a pop-up menu of all the existing tags. You can select one of these tags, or type in a new one and press Enter. You can repeat this process to add more tags. To remove a tag, click the X icon next to the tag label.
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In the Data Source section, select how you want to define the records that are included in the Export file. The available options are:
Filter Results
The Filter option allows you to define or select a Filter, then create an Export file that contains all of the records in the Filter's result set. To use a Filter as the source for your Export Template:
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Select the Filter Results tab.
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To use an existing Filter, either begin typing in the Filter name, or click the browse button (magnifying glass icon) to browse for and select it. You can also create a new Filter by clicking the new button (plus-sign icon).
Custom Procedure
This option allows you to utilize a custom SQL query (created by Cheetah Digital by Zeta's Client Services Team) to define the records that are to be included in the Export file. To use a Custom Procedure as the source for your Export Template:
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Select the Custom Procedure tab.
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From the Procedure drop-down menu, select the desired Custom Procedure.
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For faster exports, select Use ExportCustomService checkbox.
This exclusive export service for custom SQL jobs will continue to run sequentially alongside other exports. With this separate and dedicated service, custom exports won’t compete with other running exports. This prevents long run times caused by all exports using the same service. The custom export option also utilizes multithreading, enabling concurrent processing of exports through individual queues.
Activities / Responses
This option is used to extract activity- or response-related data, such as clicks, opens, and likes. Each activity type offers a range of criteria that you can use to define the records that get extracted into the Export file. To use an activity as the source for your Export Template:
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Select the Activities / Responses tab.
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From the Activity Type drop-down menu, select the desired activity type. A Build Criteria pop-up window is displayed.
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Enter or select your criteria for the selected activity type (see below for details).
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Click save criteria.
For more information about the options and parameters available for a specific activity type, click on an activity type below.
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Activity |
Activity |
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* This activity type must be enabled within your account for it to be available for selection.
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If you want the Export Template to have a header row, place a check mark in the Include a header row? check box.
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From the drop-down menu, select a delimiter character -- either a tab, a comma, a pipe, or a semi-colon.
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The Set Up File section is used to define the layout of the Export Template. To add a field, select it in the Available Fields list box, then click the center Move bar. Optionally, you can use Shift + click or Control + click to select and move multiple fields. The selected field (or fields) is added to the Mapped Fields list box. Repeat this step as needed to add more fields to the Export Template. To remove a field from the Export Template, click the X icon next to the field name within the Mapped Fields list box. To rearrange the fields in the Export Template, drag-and-drop the fields within the Mapped Fields list box into the desired sequence.
Note: If you selected Import Exceptions as the activity type in step 7, the system will utilize a default file layout for the Export file; you can't make any changes to the fields contained within this layout. The Export file will include information about the exception condition, the record number, and any error messages.
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If you selected Activities / Responses above in step 7, an Exclude Fields section is displayed. This section allows you to optionally select one or more fields, or metrics, that you want the system to exclude when generating the Export file. The specific fields or metrics that are listed in this section will differ based on which activity you selected above in step 7.
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If you selected Activities / Responses above in step 7, a Metadata section is displayed. This section allows you to select Metadata fields that you want added to the Export Template.
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The Automate Exports section allows you to optionally set a schedule for automatically generating the Export. If you don't want to define a schedule, select the No Schedule option. If you want to define a schedule, select the Auto-Generate on Schedule button, then define the recurrence frequency as follows:
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Select either Start Schedule Immediately or Start Schedule On. If you select Start Scheduled On, enter the start date and time.
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Define the recurrence frequency:
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Weekly: Select one or more days of the week.
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Monthly: Select either:
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A specific number ("15th of the month" for example).
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Define a business rule to calculate a date ("second Tuesday of every month" for example).
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Daily: Enter an interval (every "X" days).
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Yearly: Select either:
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A specific month / date ("January 15th" for example).
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Define a business rule to calculate a date ("second Wednesday in August" for example).
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Select the schedule starting time:
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Once a day: Enter a specific start time.
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Several times a day: Define an interval in either minutes or hours. Also, define the active window during which the schedule can run by selecting the starting and ending times for this window.
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Select how long this automated schedule should run, either Do Not End Schedule or End Schedule On. If you select End Schedule On, enter the stop date and time.
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If you defined a recurring schedule, by default the system will use the time zone that's defined for your user account. To use a different time zone, click Edit > Set Time Zone in the Tool Ribbon. A Set Time Zone pop-up window is displayed. Select a time zone, then click ok.
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If you defined a recurring schedule, the system offers two additional delivery options.
Upload to FTP / S3
If you want the system to automatically upload the Export file to an FTP server or Amazon S3 Bucket:
read more
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Within the Automate Export section, next to Auto-Generate on Schedule, place a check mark in the Upload to FTP / S3 check box. The system adds a new Upload to FTP / S3 section to the screen.
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In the Upload to FTP / S3 section, select an FTP or S3 Profile (for more details, please see the FTP / S3 Profiles Help topic).
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In the File Path field, enter the filepath to which the Export file should be saved. The value you enter here should include both the folder path and the file name. If you want to insert the current date into the filename, use the mask: {(yyyy-MM-dd)}.
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If you want to use PGP encryption, place a check mark next to PGP Key, then enter your encryption key.
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If you want to compress the file, place a check mark next to ZIP File.
Note: The platform doesn't allow you to both encrypt AND compress the file. If you select both of the above options, the platform will encrypt the file, but not compress it.
Email as Attachment
If you want the system to automatically email the Export file to one or more recipients:
read more
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Within the Automate Export section, next to Auto-Generate on Schedule, place a check mark in the Email as Attachment check box. The system adds a new Send as Email Attachment section to the screen.
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In the Send as Email Attachment section, enter the subject line for the email message.
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In the From Address field, enter the from value for the email message.
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In the To Address field, enter one or more email addresses for the individuals who should receive the email message.
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In the Message field, enter a short description.
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In the File Name Mask field, enter the file name for the Export file. If you want to insert the current date into the filename, use the mask: {(yyyy-MM-dd)}.
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In the Max Attachment Size field, enter the maximum file size (in megabytes) allowed by the anticipated email servers' configuration. If an Export file surpasses this limit, then the file will not be emailed.
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If you want to use PGP encryption, place a check mark next to PGP Key, then enter your encryption key.
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If you want to compress the file, place a check mark next to ZIP File.
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In the Tool Ribbon, click Edit > Save.
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If you defined a recurring schedule, click Edit > Start Schedule in the Tool Ribbon to enable the schedule.
Copy an Export Template
To copy an existing item to use as the basis for a new item:
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Search for the desired item (see Search for an Item for more details).
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Click on the item name. The main item screen is displayed and populated with the details of the selected item.
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In the Tool Ribbon, click Edit > Save As. A Save as dialog box is displayed.
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Enter a name for the new item.
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By default, the new item will be saved in the same folder location as the base item. Optionally, click the magnifying glass icon to browse to and select a different folder location.
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Click save a copy. The system creates a copy of the selected item.
View or Edit an Export Template
To view or edit an existing Export Template:
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Search for the desired Export Template (see Search for an Item for more details on the available search methods).
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Click on the required Export Template. The Export Template screen is displayed and populated with the details of the selected Export Template.
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Optionally, to view detailed information about the Export Template, click the Export tab in the Tool Ribbon. The Item Details screen is displayed, showing who created the item, who modified it last, and what the last actions taken on the item were. The direct link URL to the Export Template is available here, which can be copied to the clipboard using the Copy Link icon. This can be used to easily share and also open the Export Template in a browser. On this screen, click Related Items in the Function Menu to see other items in the system that reference or utilize this Export Template. When finished, click the Edit tab in the Tool Ribbon to return to the main edit screen.
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Optionally, you can assign one or more tags to your Export Template. To assign a tag, click on the Add tag field in the Edit section of the Tool Ribbon. The system displays a pop-up menu of all the existing tags. You can select one of these tags, or type in a new one and press Enter. You can repeat this process to add more tags. To remove a tag, click the X icon next to the tag label.
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Optionally, to rename the Export Template, click Edit > Rename. A Rename Item dialog box is displayed. Enter a new name for the Export Template, then click save new name.
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Make any necessary configuration changes to the data source of the Export Template by selecting a different Filter, Custom Procedure, or Activity Type (see "Create a New Export Template" above for details on these options).
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Make any necessary changes to layout of the Export Template. To add a field, select it in the Available Fields list box, then click the center Move bar. Optionally, you can use Shift + click or Control + click to select and move multiple fields. The selected field (or fields) is added to the Mapped Fields list box. Repeat this step as needed to add more fields to the Export Template. To remove a field from the Export Template, click the X icon next to the field name within the Mapped Fields list box. To rearrange the fields in the Export Template, drag-and-drop the fields within the Mapped Fields list box into the desired sequence.
Note: If you selected Import Exceptions as the activity type in step 7, the system will utilize a default file layout for the Export file; you can't make any changes to the fields contained within this layout. The Export file will include information about the exception condition, the record number, and any error messages.
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If you selected Activities / Responses above in step 6, an Exclude Fields section is displayed. This section allows you to optionally select one or more fields, or metrics, that you want the system to exclude when generating the Export file. The specific fields or metrics that are listed in this section will differ based on which Activity you selected above in step 7.
-
If you selected Activities / Responses above in step 6, a Metadata section is displayed. This section allows you to select Metadata fields that you want added to the Export Template.
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The Automate Exports section allows you to optionally set a schedule for automatically generating the Export. If you don't want to define a schedule, select the No Schedule option. If you want to define a schedule, select the Auto-Generate on Schedule button, then define the recurrence frequency as follows:
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Select either Start Schedule Immediately or Start Schedule On. If you select Start Scheduled On, enter the start date and time.
-
Define the recurrence frequency:
-
Weekly: Select one or more days of the week.
-
Monthly: Select either:
-
A specific number ("15th of the month" for example).
-
Define a business rule to calculate a date ("second Tuesday of every month" for example).
-
-
Daily: Enter an interval (every "X" days).
-
Yearly: Select either:
-
A specific month / date ("January 15th" for example).
-
Define a business rule to calculate a date ("second Wednesday in August" for example).
-
-
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Select the schedule starting time:
-
Once a day: Enter a specific start time.
-
Several times a day: Define an interval in either minutes or hours. Also, define the active window during which the schedule can run by selecting the starting and ending times for this window.
-
Select how long this automated schedule should run, either Do Not End Schedule or End Schedule On. If you select End Schedule On, enter the stop date and time.
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If you defined a recurring schedule, by default the system will use the time zone that's defined for your user account. To use a different time zone, click Edit > Set Time Zone in the Tool Ribbon. A Set Time Zone pop-up window is displayed. Select a time zone, then click ok.
-
If you defined a recurring schedule, the system offers two additional delivery options.
Upload to FTP
If you want the system to automatically upload the Export file to an FTP server:
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Within the Automate Export section, next to Auto-Generate on Schedule, place a check mark in the Upload to FTP check box. The system adds a new Upload to FTP section to the screen.
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In the Upload to FTP section, select an FTP Profile.
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In the File Path field, enter the filepath to which the Export file should be saved. The value you enter here should include both the folder path and the file name. If you want to insert the current date into the filename, use the mask: {(yyyy-MM-dd)}.
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If you want to use PGP encryption, place a check mark next to PGP Key, then enter your encryption key.
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If you want to compress the file, place a check mark next to ZIP File.
Email as Attachment
If you want the system to automatically email the Export file to one or more recipients:
-
Within the Automate Export section, next to Auto-Generate on Schedule, place a check mark in the Email as Attachment check box. The system adds a new Send as Email Attachment section to the screen.
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In the Send as Email Attachment section, enter the subject line for the email message.
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In the From Address field, enter the from value for the email message.
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In the To Address field, enter one or more email addresses for the individuals who should receive the email message.
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In the Message field, enter a short description.
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In the File Name Mask field, enter the file name for the Export file. If you want to insert the current date into the filename, use the mask: {(yyyy-MM-dd)}.
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In the Max Attachment Size field, enter the maximum file size (in megabytes) allowed by the anticipated email servers' configuration. If an Export file surpasses this limit, then the file will not be emailed.
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If you want to use PGP encryption, place a check mark next to PGP Key, then enter your encryption key.
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If you want to compress the file, place a check mark next to ZIP File.
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To save your changes, click Edit > Save in the Tool Ribbon.
Delete an Export Template
To delete an item:
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Search for the desired item (see Search for an Item for more details).
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Click on the item name. The main item screen is displayed and populated with the details of the selected item.
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In the Tool Ribbon, click Edit > Delete. A confirmation dialog box is displayed.
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Click delete item to confirm the deletion.
Foldered items are moved to the Recycle Bin. Non-foldered items are permanently deleted.
Manually Execute an Export
Exports can be automated to run on a regularly-scheduled basis (see Create a New Export Template above for more details on setting up an automated scheduled), or they can be manually executed to run immediately.
To manually execute an Export:
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Search for the desired Export Template (see Search for an Item for more details on the available search methods).
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Click on the Export Template name. The Export Template screen is displayed and populated with the details of the selected Export Template.
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In the Tool Ribbon, click Edit > Save and Generate File. The system begins creating the Export file.
For more details on how to download the Export file once it's finished, see Download an Export File below.
Download an Export File
Export files (whether generated through an automated scheduled, or executed manually) can be downloaded from the Cheetah Digital by Zeta platform.
To download an Export file:
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Search for the desired Export Template (see Search for an Item for more details on the available search methods).
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Click on the Export Template name. The Export Template screen is displayed and populated with the details of the selected Export Template.
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Click Exported Files in the Function Menu. The system displays a list of all Export files created from this Export Template, along with a status, start date / time, end date / time, and the number of rows in the file. To refresh this list and see the most current status, click the refresh button (double-arrow icon).
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Next to a finished Export file, click the download link in the Export ID column. The system downloads the file to your local PC.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting an Export
If your export wasn't generated as expected, check the following:
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Open the location on the FTP server where the export file is expected, and verify that the file is not present.
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Check the schedule of the export; has it correctly run and generated a file?
If the problem persists, please contact Global Support for further assistance.