Hello,
I am embedding my SPICE-dataset backed dashboards in a java application (using Jcef & the java QS anonymous embedding API). The dataset refreshes every 15 mins and the dashboard refreshes when I click inside the dashboard in QS however, it does not refresh when within Java application. What could be the issue?
Thanks.
Hello @harpar1808, in the embedded view of the dashboard, something will need to be updated to force the data refresh. On an embedded version of QuickSight that I have worked on, I would include a nonsense parameter (it doesn’t even need to be connected to anything) and send an updated value to it every hour to ensure the data would refresh with the SPICE dataset. In your case, you would want to do that every 15 minutes to ensure the data stays fresh. Otherwise, you will have to manually reload the page to bring in the refreshed data.
Actually, I would step back a little bit. Here are the details:
Can you please advise?
Hello @harpar1808, in that situation I basically create a refresh button. I have a parameter that gets set between True and False or 0 and 1. Then with calculated field, another field that just says refresh, and a navigation action resetting the parameter in a table, the user can click for fresh data. There isn’t an automatic option available within the QuickSight console, but in the embedded platform you can send a new parameter value every 15 minutes to keep the data fresh.
Here is an example of the button in Arena:
Refresh Button
Let me know if that helps!
Hello @DylanM – But this is a work-around. Why does the QS dashboard not refresh in the first place even though the spice data is refreshed?
Hello @harpar1808, I am not certain why this is not implemented but I can tag it as a feature request. For now, I would suggest using a work-around option like I provided above, especially if this is a time sensitive business requirement.
Let me know if you have any further questions on this topic, otherwise I will archive it for the support team. Thank you!
However, per your response in the issue: Embedded Dashboards - How are the data & visuals refreshed?, you are mentioning that auto refresh does work… I am totally confused.
Hello @harpar1808, not exactly. It functions the same way but when embedded you can programmatically pass a parameter value every 15 minutes to refresh the data, rather than forcing the user to click a refresh button. That is what I have done as a work-around.
Are there any limits to how much refreshing can be done? I want to refresh lets say every 2 mins. Can I do that programatically ?
Hello @harpar1808, there are no limits on time here, it is just whatever amount of time you want to set programmatically. I just used 15 minutes as the example since you mentioned the data is refreshed on that cadence.
Hello @DylanM,
Coming back to this issue. To simplify, I tried direct-query to see if the dashboard refreshes automatically (without any user intervention), but even then in QS, the dashboard does not refresh.
My requirement:
– My data can be in spice or non-spice but I want the dashboard (in QS and when I embed) to refresh automatically either when new data is available or on particular interval).
How can I achieve this requirement?
Thank you.
Hello @harpar1808, this can only be handled automatically without user intervention in an embedded platform. That functionality does not currently exist for viewing dashboards within the QuickSight console.
This same functionality can be utilized to programmatically refresh the dashboard. On our embedded platform, we pass an updated parameter value on a timer to force a refresh that is in the same cadence of the dataset refresh. If the dataset is on direct query, I recommend attaching the parameter to the dataset and then linking it to the analysis. Otherwise, if it is SPICE, it can just be set on the analysis layer. That should provide the functionality you are looking for.
I can also tag this topic as a feature request for our support team, since this functionality does not exist natively in QuickSight. Thank you!
Hello @DylanM,
Thank you for the response. Ok, lets just focus about embedded platform for the moment.
My dataset is time series kind of data which is inserted in the backend tables every 5 mins. I have a choice to load it in SPICE (in which case I am limited to 15 min refresh window for spice) or do direct query. Can you please elaborate how to achieve automatic refresh in both the scenarios. Also, the refresh will re-render the entire dashboard (going blank and then loading again) or just update the data without user noticing any blips ?
Thank you.
Hello @harpar1808, unfortunately, either way the user will definitely notice the change. The visuals have to reload but it isn’t as abrasive as a full refresh. In regards to direct query, you just need to create a parameter on the dataset. One that will have a default value of True or 1. Then, you create the same parameter on the analysis and link the 2. You will be prompted to do this in the analysis when you have parameters on the dataset.
Now, all you need to do is swap that parameter value between True and False or 1 and 0, and that will refresh the data being shown. If this is a SPICE dataset, then you only need to create the parameter on the analysis. You can ignore the steps on the dataset level.
Hello @DylanM,
How do I do this swapping of parameter value? It will refresh all the dashboards connected to that dataset or do I need to do it for each dashboard visual ? Can I do it through maybe some lambda function ?
Thank you
Hello @harpar1808, the parameter doesn’t even need to be linked to any filters or visuals. The value just needs to change to make the data refresh. I don’t see why it couldn’t be done through a lambda function.
The QuickSight embedding SDK has a setParameters function that can be utilized to make this happen:
Every 15 minutes or so you can swap the parameter value and that will ensure your data stays fresh.