Getting Started with VDM: From Install to Automation

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Article Goal

Walk users through a complete start-to-finish workflow in VDM — from installation to creating and automating reports.

Installation & Report Creation

Step 1: Installation

This section covers the VDM installation process including:

• Downloading the VDM MSI installer

• Running the setup wizard

• Importing the optional OPTIONS files for custom configuration

Tip: If you’re migrating from another machine or using a shared config, import the OPTIONS file to save time on setup.

Step 2: How to Connect to a Database in VDM

Establish a database connection using:

• Connection type (e.g., SQL Server, ODBC)

• Server name

• Credentials for authentication

Important: Connection information will vary by provider.

Example Setup:

Connection Type: SQL Server
Server: MyServerName
Authentication: SQL Auth / Windows Auth

Optional: Bridgit AI Overview and Usage Guide

Integrate Bridgit AI to enhance your workflow with contextual AI assistance for:

• Writing queries

• Debugging Views

• Navigating VDM features

Example: Ask Bridgit to generate a base SELECT statement or help format parameterized filters.

Step 3: Using the Tables and Fields Panel in VDM

After connecting to the database:

• Expand the Schema (if applicable)

• Click a table to display fields

• Add fields to your View by:

  • Double-clicking the field

  • Dragging it into the Report Fields section

Note: Field names are only visible after expanding the table node.

Step 4: How to Link Tables in VDM

Linking defines how multiple tables interact in a View. Key topics include:

• Inner vs. outer joins

• Manual linking vs. auto-link

• Drag-and-drop linking in the UI

Example Linking: Customers.CustomerID = Orders.CustomerID

Step 5: Adding and Configuring Parameters in VDM Views

Parameters let users enter criteria at runtime, avoiding the need for multiple Views.

• Create custom parameter prompts (e.g., Date Range, EmployeeID)

• Configure prompt types (Text, Date, Dropdown)

• Link parameters to filters or WHERE clauses

Example Runtime Prompt:

Enter Start Date: 01/01/2024
Enter End Date: 01/31/2024

Step 6: Creating Filters in VDM

In the FSGS section, apply filters using:

• Parameters (dynamic)

• Static values (fixed)

• Date keywords (e.g., @30DaysAgo)

Example: EmployeeID IN (1,2,3) ShippedDate != @Date

Step 7: Creating a Finished Report in VDM

Use Finished Reports Designer to format and present data, including:

• Adding labels, tables, and calculated fields

• Grouping and summarizing

• Export styling

Example Use Case: Create a grouped invoice summary by customer with totals and subtotals.

Step 8: Creating a Visualization

Use the Visualize Dashboard to build interactive reporting dashboards:

• Add filters, charts, tables, and containers

• Drag fields to populate controls

• Set up Master Filters to control all elements from a single filter

Example Dashboard: A sales dashboard with dropdown filters for regions, bar chart of monthly revenue, and a KPI indicator.

Report Automation

Step 1: Setting Up the VDM Scheduler (Start to Finish)

Follow steps to configure the Scheduler Database, SQL instance, and login credentials.

Note: This step requires admin privileges.

Step 2: Creating a Job in VDM

A job can run multiple views with different parameter sets.

Steps include:

1. Adding Views

2. Creating executions with export settings

3. (Optional) Adding email alerts or post-processing scripts

Example: Job runs ViewA 3x with different RegionID values and exports to Excel.

Step 3: Scheduling Jobs Using the VDM Scheduler

Use the Calendar to define when jobs run:

1. Click the Scheduler icon

2. Add a new appointment

3. Select job(s), start/end time

4. Save and close

Tip: VDM retries every minute within the time range until the job succeeds.

Example End-to-End Use Case

1. Create connection to SalesDB

2. Select fields: Customer, OrderDate, Amount

3. Filter by @30DaysAgo

4. Add runtime parameter for SalesRepID

5. Create Finished Report and export to Excel

6. Set up Job and schedule it for every Monday at 8 AM