WebCOBRA.com Community Message Boards

blambrecht
Posts: 65
Since: 02/05/2008

For our reporting needs we would ideally like to get a data set refresh on a daily basis. Would it be possible to explore the potential of an automated process where the Relational API file is created nightly and either sent to our FTP site or we were able to pull it from an FTP site?

Thank you,
Bill Lambrecht
WageWorks, Inc

jwolgamott
Posts: 257
Since: 09/26/2005

As you can imagine, the creation of a full backup is a processor intensive activity. Our current plan is to monitor the usage of the Relational API for a period of 1-2 months, and then make adjustments on the frequency limit.

One thing to consider would be a nightly process that you write, connecting to the WebAPI and do an update on current QB statuses. That is, of course, if that was your concern.

jkubicina
Posts: 12
Since: 03/07/2008

Hello Jesse,
As you can imagine, because we are a third-party administrator, it is absolutely imperative that we have full, fresh data to run reports/recons for our clients everyday... So, I wondered: the Web Services portion of WebCOBRA used to only allow us to connect to a very limited number of tables; now that the "full relational API" has been released, are we now able to connect to ALL tables via Web Services? If so, this would give us "full, fresh data" as often as we want it...
Thanks,
Jimmy Kubicina
HR XCEL, LLC

jkubicina
Posts: 12
Since: 03/07/2008

P.S. Wasn't intentionally trying to use your "As you can imagine" intro line... It just came out the same.

jwolgamott
Posts: 257
Since: 09/26/2005

Jimmy --

Yes, the Relational API was designed with your situation in mind. Full, complete data.

The WebAPI is designed for instant answers, for example connecting a telephone IVR system, or integrating with a website. It's also easier to use and report on.

When you need to dive deep into the data, you'll want the Relational API.

You did ask if it was "as often as you want it" -- there is currently a limitation on the Relational API of once per week. You can read more about our plans for that in previous posts on this thread, but the once per week won't last forever.

jkubicina
Posts: 12
Since: 03/07/2008

Hello Jesse,

The "once per week" is a severe limitation for our situation. And, honestly, even if "enhancements" were made and the Relational API became available twice per week or even three times per week, that would still not be sufficient for our needs. What we are needing is "live" full data -- every day, every hour. Is there any discussion surrounding this need?

Thanks,
Jimmy Kubicina
HR XCEL, LLC

jkubicina
Posts: 12
Since: 03/07/2008

Hi,
Just wondered if there has been any progress on the question above?
Thanks again,
Jimmy Kubicina

jwolgamott
Posts: 257
Since: 09/26/2005

Jimmy--

We are working towards a solution to enable a less-restrictive Relational API policy.

We'll post it here when we've completed our testing. Based on current results, we'll be able to offer:

* Daily downloaded of the Relational API
* Not be so restrictive about the exact 24 hour nature

blambrecht
Posts: 65
Since: 02/05/2008

Hi Jesse,

the availability of the daily API has been a great value for us. As you know our ultimate goal is to have a process which can be fully auotmated.

Now that the daily API is available is it possible for Travis to revisit the idea of a nightly/daily post (based upon your schedule and processes) to an FTP server (yours or ours) whereby we can then build a process to automate the rest on our end?

We are pretty open to whatever would fit best on your end including time schedule and file format, even a backup of the SQL Server db would work if you are open to that.

Even if at this point we can just start a conversation on this and explore some options that may be considered.

Thanks,
Bill Lambrecht

jwolgamott
Posts: 257
Since: 09/26/2005

Bill --

The best route for an enhancement like this is through our support department. It'll then be considered by Travis and given a priority.

They'll also be able to direct you to the custom programming department for the ability for organization to have processes and features that aren't in the main product plan.

You can reach them at spt@travisoft.com