Build Visualizations of Salesforce Data 360 Data in Birst

Birst is a cloud business intelligence (BI) tool and analytics platform that helps organizations quickly understand and optimize complex processes. When paired with the CData JDBC Driver for Salesforce Data 360, you can connect to live Salesforce Data 360 data through the Birst Cloud Agent and build real-time visualizations. In this article, we walk you through, step-by-step, how to connect to Salesforce Data 360 using the Cloud Agent and create dynamic reports in Birst.

With powerful data processing capabilities, the CData JDBC driver offers unmatched performance for live Salesforce Data 360 data operations in Birst. When you issue complex SQL queries from Birst to Salesforce Data 360, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Salesforce Data 360 and utilizes the embedded SQL Engine to process unsupported operations client-side (often SQL functions and JOIN operations). With built-in dynamic metadata querying, the JDBC driver enables you to visualize and analyze Salesforce Data 360 data using native Birst data types.

Configure a JDBC Connection to Salesforce Data 360 Data in Birst

Before creating the Birst project, you will need to install the Birst Cloud Agent (in order to work with the installed JDBC Driver). Also, copy the JAR file for the JDBC Driver (and the LIC file, if it exists) to the /drivers/ directory in the installation location for the Cloud Agent.

With the driver and Cloud Agent installed, you are ready to begin.

1. Create a new project in Birst.
2. Name the connection (e.g. CDataSalesforceDataCloud).
3. Choose Live Access.
4. Select an agent.
5. Set Database Type to Other.

6. Set SQL Type to MSSQL
7. Set the Connection string.

   Salesforce Data 360 supports authentication via the OAuth standard.

   OAuth

   Set AuthScheme to OAuth.

   Desktop Applications

   CData provides an embedded OAuth application that simplifies authentication at the desktop.

   You can also authenticate from the desktop via a custom OAuth application, which you configure and register at the Salesforce Data 360 console. For further information, see Creating a Custom OAuth App in the Help documentation.

   Before you connect, set these properties:

   • InitiateOAuth: GETANDREFRESH. You can use InitiateOAuth to avoid repeating the OAuth exchange and manually setting the OAuthAccessToken.
   • OAuthClientId (custom applications only): The Client ID assigned when you registered your custom OAuth application.
   • OAuthClientSecret (custom applications only): The Client Secret assigned when you registered your custom OAuth application.

   When you connect, the driver opens Salesforce Data 360's OAuth endpoint in your default browser. Log in and grant permissions to the application.

   The driver then completes the OAuth process as follows:

   • Extracts the access token from the callback URL.
   • Obtains a new access token when the old one expires.
   • Saves OAuth values in OAuthSettingsLocation so that they persist across connections.

   For other OAuth methods, including Web Applications and Headless Machines, refer to the Help documentation.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

   For assistance in constructing the JDBC URL, use the connection string designer built into the Salesforce Data 360 JDBC Driver. Either double-click the JAR file or execute the jar file from the command-line.

   
   java -jar cdata.jdbc.salesforcedatacloud.jar
   

   Fill in the connection properties and copy the connection string to the clipboard.

   

   When you configure the JDBC URL, you may also want to set the Max Rows connection property. This will limit the number of rows returned, which is especially helpful for improving performance when designing reports and visualizations.

   Below is a typical JDBC connection string for Salesforce Data 360:

   
   jdbc:salesforcedatacloud:InitiateOAuth=GETANDREFRESH;
   
   

8. Set the Driver Name: cdata.jdbc.salesforcedatacloud.SalesforceDataCloudDriver and click Save.

NOTE: Since authentication to Salesforce Data 360 is managed from the connection string, you can leave Security Credentials blank.

Configure Salesforce Data 360 Data Objects

Now that the connection is configured, we are ready to configure the schema for the dataset, choosing the tables, views, and columns we wish to visualize.

1. Select the Schema (e.g. SalesforceDataCloud).
2. Click on Tables and/or Views to connect to those entities and click Apply.
3. Select the Tables and Columns you want to access and click Done.

With the objects configured, you can perform any data preparation and discover any relationships in your data using the Pronto Prepare and Relate tools.

Build a Visualization

After you prepare your data and define relationships between the connected objects, you are ready to build your visualization.

1. Select the Visualizer tool from the menu.

2. Select Measures & Categories from your objects
3. Select and configure the appropriate visualization for the Measure(s) you selected.

Using the CData JDBC Driver for Salesforce Data 360 with the Cloud Agent and Birst, you can easily create robust visualizations and reports on Salesforce Data 360 data. Download a free, 30-day trial and start building Birst visualizations today.