DCM Connecting credentials to a source

[Ernest_I]

We recently upgraded and are trying to figure out how to use DCM to store credentials (username and password) for use in workflows. Evidently our previous workflows no longer function correctly due to DCM. In DCM, I can store my name and passwords in the credentials section, but when using the DCM toolset, it wants to set up a connection to a source, not to my credentials. And when I try to add a new source, all the options seem to be third party software, which I do not use. How do I get my credentials to route to a source, so I can get the DCM tool to grab them and use them in a workflow?

[jrgo]

Hi @Ernest_I 

When you select the data source, the bottom part is where you create a "Connection" by selecting a credential it should use. If there's none, use the " + Connect Credential" option which will give you the option to select a credential that you've already created (and is compatible with your data source) or create a new credential.

Once its created, you will press the "Connect" button.

I know there's several articles in community that help to understand the concepts that I'd recommend taking a look at to better understand the concepts of DCM.

[Ernest_I]

Hi @jrgo 

I really really really really wish there was a "+ connect credential" button available to me. However I don't see one. I don't use snowflake, but I clicked that option to show you what I see when I click the similar options to your screenshot.

 

[jrgo]

It wont be in that screen you pictured... that's where you create (define) the data source. After you "Save" that page, you'll see the "Connection" section i pictured.

With DCM, there's 3 objects that get created:

1. Data source
2. Credential
3. Connection, which is the combination of the first 2.

[Ernest_I]

So since I don't have snowflake, or any of the other sources listed, what kind of source am I supposed to create?

[jrgo]

What data source are you trying to connect to? And remember that (unless your company has required it) using DCM is optional. The old method is still available to use.

Again, review the help documentation around DCM to learn more about it.

[Ernest_I]

That's the thing, I don't want to connect to a source. I just want to connect to my credentials. Maybe it's not possible, I don't know. The decision to use DCM was made by an administrator at my company, and is out of my hands. But when I try to use the old tools where I would enter in my credentials into the tool, I am presented with an error message and I'm not able to enter in my password. The error message says " “Mask Text” option for Text Box question is not allowed in current DCM configuration.”  So I can't use the old method, or at lest I don't know how to. Is there any kind of source that is just a default that will let me connect straight to the credentials in DCM?

[jrgo · Accepted solution]

What "Tool" are you entering your credentials into? If you're able to share any screenshots, that might also help to add the missing context. However, it’s kind of sounding like you're plugging in a password into a custom macro. If you are unable to override your DCM requirements, then you'll need to discuss this with whoever administers your Alteryx environment or whoever created the macro so they can make the changes to make it compatible with DCM.

You can try to override your DCM settings in your user settings (Options > User Settings > Edit User Settings). Switch it to DCM Optional.

If you can't override this, then nothing that you can do until the tool (macro) you're using is updated. In any case, it sounds like you should involve your internal Alteryx admins for more guidance or at least allow you to override this setting temporarily.

[Ernest_I]

Unfortunately that's exactly what I concluded at the start of the day today. But you've been very helpful in confirming what I suspected. Yes, it is a custom macro. And yes, I tried to change that setting, and was unable to do so. I'll go back to the admins.