How to Create a Database Connection Profile in VDM

Create a Connection Profile to save the information VDM needs to access your database. This guide covers choosing the connection type, entering connection details, testing the connection, and saving the profile for use in Views and reports.

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Before You Begin

• Have the server or data source name, database name, and required authentication details available.
• Confirm the appropriate connection type and schema requirements with your database administrator.
• If using ODBC, install the appropriate driver and configure the required DSN (Data Source Name) in Windows before starting the wizard.
• Create the profile on the computer where it will be used. Connection Profiles are machine-specific and must be recreated when moving to another computer.

For background information and supported connection types, see Understanding Connection Profiles in VDM.

Video Tutorial

Create the Connection Profile

1. Open VDM

Launch VDM on the computer where you will use the connection.

2. Open the Database Tab

Select Database on the ribbon at the top of VDM.

3. Start the Connection Wizard

Select New to create a Connection Profile.

4. Select the Connection Type

Choose the connection type that matches your database or data source, such as SQL Client, Oracle, ODBC, or Rocket U2.

If you are unsure which option to use, ask your database administrator. The selected connection type determines which fields appear later in the wizard.

5. Configure the Schema Prefix Option

Set Prefix TO/Schema Name according to your database’s requirements.

This option controls whether queries prefix table and field names with their owner or schema name. Confirm the appropriate setting with your database administrator if needed.

6. Enter the Connection Details

Complete the fields required by your connection type, such as the server, database, username, and password or other authentication settings.

Important: Fields vary by connection type. Use your own database details rather than copying the demonstration values.

For ODBC connections, confirm that the driver is installed and the required DSN is configured on this computer. Contact your database administrator or follow the driver documentation if you need help.

7. Test the Connection

Select Test Connection.

• If the test succeeds, select Next.
• If the test fails, review the server or data source name, database, authentication details, and any required driver or DSN configuration. Correct the information and test again.

A successful test confirms that VDM can connect using the supplied settings.

8. Name and Save the Profile

Enter a recognizable profile name, then select Finish.

Choose a name that identifies the data source and environment, such as Sales Reporting or Sales Test. This is the name you will use to identify the connection in VDM.

9. Load the Connections

Select Load All on the Database tab or in the lower-left corner of VDM to load the available connections and refresh the Tables and Fields panel.

Confirm that your new connection appears in the list.

Verify and Use the Profile

After saving and loading the profile, open the connection and confirm that the expected tables and fields are available. Continue with How to Open a Database Connection in VDM.

If a connection succeeds but expected tables or schemas are missing, ask your database administrator to check the account’s access and the schema configuration.

Need Help?

Contact support@bridgeworksllc.com for assistance. Include your VDM version, connection type, the step where the issue occurs, and the error message. Do not include passwords or other secret credentials.