A Model Export task, a non-interactive task, exports data from a Data Model or Model View, including member names and amounts. The data is exported to a staging table with the same name as the model. It can also be output to a file in Explorer, FTPS, or Azure file storage, with additional setup required for FTPS or Azure file storage.

The Model option exports raw values only, which means that only leaf values are exported, excluding aggregate data. 

For example, values for parent members such as Tot_Canada, Total_Group, Total Cash, etc. won't be included. An example use case for the Model option would be to verify that a data import was submitted with the correct members. However, exporting an entire model using the Model option may‌ create a very large data set and cause a time-out or exceed file storage limitations.

The Model View option exports aggregate data, which means that both leaf and parent data are exported. A Model View definition is required to define the order of the columns and members that should be included. The output is similar to a report but in a columnar format. Exporting Model Views allows the ability to continually optimize the dataset for export. For more information, see Manage Model Views.

Configuration pane parameters

The key parameters include:

ParameterDescription
NameEnter the name that appears on the task.
Type

Select one of these:

  • Model: Exports the raw data values of the specified model. 
    Exporting an entire model using the Model option can create a large data set that may time-out or exceed file storage limitations.
  • Model View: Exports the dataset as defined in the select Model View. When exporting using the Model View option, leaf and parent data are exported. The output is similar to an equivalent report but it's in a columnar format.
ModelIf the Type selected is Model, it specifies the model to export. Select a model from the list.
Model View

If the Type selected is Model View, it specifies the model view to use as the definition. 

Select a model view from the list. You can also manually enter a name or leverage the process {} syntax to select a dynamic model view name, in the case where this task is part of a Bursting Workflow. For more information, see Workflow Bursting.

Destination

Specify where the result should be output. Select one of:

  • Staging Table only.
  • Explorer
  • An FTPS, Azure File Storage, or Azure Blob Storage location. If one has been set up as a valid Data Source for the tenant.
Target File Name

Select one of these:

  • Add timestamp to file name: This option ensures a unique filename by appending the datetimestamp to the filename. You can use this option if you need to take a snapshot at a point in time.
  • No timestamp (Overwrite): This option overwrites the existing file name during subsequent runs of the Model Export. You can use this option if there's an automated third-party process that is expecting the filename to be static.
Folder
  • If the Destination is an Anaplan folder, this parameter specifies the folder location for the exported file.
  • If the Destination is Azure Blob Storage, this parameter specifies the name of the Blob container.
Format

Select the file format of the exported file:

  • JSON
  • XML
  • CSV
Compress Output

Select this checkbox if to compress the output to a zip file. 

In certain cases, you can leave the results uncompressed. 

For example, if a third party process needs to use the file, it'll probably need the file to be uncompressed.

Advance RuleSpecify how to advance to the task. The default is All predecessors have completed. 

Configure a Model Export task

To configure the Model Export task:

  1. Drag the Model Export task onto the Workflow Editor canvas to add it.
    Find the Model Export task in the Application section of the Workflow toolbox.
  2. Select the Model Export task and select the Edit icon to edit the parameters in the Task Configuration pane. 
  3. Fill in the required parameters. 
  4. Select OK to apply changes in the Task Configuration pane. 
  5. Select Save to save the workflow.
  6. Select Play in the Workflow Editor toolbar to start the workflow.