ODBC WorkflowODBC WorkflowThe Vectorworks Design Series products include the ability to communicate with external databases according to Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard. Using ODBC, a set of data can be used to automatically update the records attached to objects. Similarly, Vectorworks objects can send object data to a database, updating it. To successfully use ODBC in Vectorworks Design Series products, a database management system is required, and steps need to be followed to set up the connection and manage the data flow.
1. Configure and set up data in the database program of your choice. Database connectivity in Vectorworks software is supported for the following database systems:
● Microsoft Excel
● FileMaker Pro
● Microsoft Access
● MySQL
● SQLite*
● Any database that supports ODBC and has either Mac or Windows drivers
Database and/or operating systems typically include a separate ODBC Administrator or Manager application, which defines drivers and data sources. Database drivers may need to be installed. See ODBC Driver Information.
The installation, setup, and usage of database systems is beyond the scope of this help system and is not described here. Please consult the documentation related to your operating system or database software for information.
* SQLite database files do not require an ODBC manager or server. For information on SQLite, visit http://www.sqlite.org
2. Set up the connection between Vectorworks software and the database system. A “key” column with unique values is designated, to establish and maintain the communication between the database system and Vectorworks record formats.
3. Identify the object instances of each type of object to be connected, and define the link between the database and the record formats of the object types.
4. When connections have been established, determine the settings to update the Vectorworks record formats from the database, and to update the database from the Vectorworks object records. The two-way communication process can be automated.
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