Step-by-step guide to Master Data Integration with Power BI and Eskuad

In the dynamic realm of forestry and wood products, harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies is paramount. This step-by-step guide delves into the transformative integration of two leading solutions—Power BI and Eskuad—whose combination redefines data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.

Eskuad: Optimizing Forestry Operations

On the fieldwork front, such as forestry and logging, port operations, etc., Eskuad stands out as a pioneering field software management solution. Tailored for the unique needs of these industries, Eskuad optimizes resource management, predicts maintenance needs, and streamlines supply chain operations. It embraces a user-centric approach, emphasizing real-time insights, efficiency enhancement, and sustainability practices.

Power BI: Unleashing Data Insights

Microsoft's Power BI emerges as a robust business analytics tool, empowering organizations to visualize and analyze data with unparalleled precision. Its capabilities in data connectivity, interactive reporting, and diverse visualization options provide a comprehensive framework for turning raw data into actionable insights.

The Power of Integration: Elevating Workflows

When seamlessly integrated, Power BI and Eskuad create a powerhouse ecosystem. The analytical prowess of Power BI, coupled with Eskuad's operational optimization, empowers users to make informed decisions, monitor key performance indicators, and achieve a holistic understanding of their operations. This integration has proven to enhance workflow visibility, transparency, and agility, steering organizations toward industry excellence.

Data Integration via API

This is a helpful guide for those looking to take their field data analysis and understanding to the next level. Below you will find the required steps that you need to take, to create the API integration between Eskuad and PowerBI.

Step 1: Obtaining the Eskuad API Key

The first step is to obtain the API Key from Eskuad. This key will serve as the connection between Eskuad and PowerBI. Follow these steps to obtain the key:

• 1.1 Head to the web panel: Link to the panel: https://app.eskuad.com/
• 1.2 Login with your username and password
• 1.3 In the user tab, click "Settings" (a)

• 1.4 Go to (b) integrations → (c) “Create New Key”

• 1.4 Add a title/ description to your newly generated API Key

• 1.5 Select “Read Only” in permissions

• 1.6 Click Save
• 1.7 Once the API Key has been generated, copy the "Key."

Once the API Key has been created, we can continue to the next step in the integration process. For this next step, you will need to open PowerBI.

Step 2: API Key into PowerBI

In this step, we will go over how to conduct the API connection and extract data from Eskuad directly into PowerBI. First:

• 2.1 Log into PowerBI with your personal or company login.

• 2.2 In the Home tab, click on (a) “Get Data” → (b) “Web.”

• 2.3 Select “Advanced”

• 2.4 Head to “URL parts”

** Depending on the desired type of data extraction, paste one of the following URLs:

2.4.a To sync all data from Eskuad: https://api.eskuad.com/api/v1/form-updates

2.4.b To sync data from a specific report (database reports only): https://api.eskuad.com/api/v1/form-updates/formupdates_json?reportId=REPORTID

Please note that for option b, the last part of the link, "REPORTID," should be replaced with the report ID of the database report you wish to sync.

For example, if your report ID is ABC123, your URL would be: https://api.eskuad.com/api/v1/form-updates/formupdates_json?reportId=ABC123 *This is an example link

*** For instructions on obtaining the report ID, please see the "Extra Steps" section at the end of this article. ***

2.4.c To sync data from a specific report (database reports only), with a specified date range: https://api.eskuad.com/api/v1/form-updates/formupdates_json?reportId=REPORTID&date_from=YYYY-MM-DD&date_to=YYYY-MM-DD

For option c, the "REPORTID" part of the link should be replaced with the report ID of the database report you wish to sync. The first date of your desired date range will be placed after the "date_from=" part of the URL in a YYYY-MM-DD format. The last date of your desired date range will be placed after the "date_to=" part of the URL in a YYYY-MM-DD format.

For example, if your report ID is ABC123, and your desired date range is January 1st 2024 to February 17th 2024, your URL would be: https://api.eskuad.com/api/v1/form-updates/formupdates_json?reportId=ABC123&date_from=2024-01-01&date_to=2024-02-17 *This is an example link

Please note: To implement other types of filters in step 2.4 that are not related to form data extraction or to learn more about our Public API; please see more advanced API information here: DOC API *Currently only available in Spanish*

• 2.5 Next, head down to the “HTTP request header parameters” area

• 2.5.1 In the "Enter or select a value" section, write in “api-key” (without quotes)
• 2.5.2 Paste the API key that was obtained from Eskuad in step 1.

• 2.6 Click “OK”

At this point, you have successfully connected Eskuad with PowerBI using an API for seamless data extraction. You should be proud of yourself!

All left to do is simply review your data and ensure you are happy with how it looks. Here is what you need to do:

Step 3: Data Review

• 3.1 Once the key has been processed, you will be taken to a "table with information," which you can filter and adjust to your preferences.
• 3.2 Once you are happy with how your data looks, click “Close & Apply” in the top left corner, and the data will be loaded into the PowerBI dashboard.

3.3 Now we can begin working on our automatic reports in PowerBi, powered by the Eskuad integration, allowing us to sync field data instantly

3.4 The data updates automatically; however, you can manually refresh with the “refresh” button, allowing any new data to be synchronized directly from Eskuad.

Extra Steps

1. Obtaining The Report ID

In the web panel, head to (a) “Reports” → (b) “Report Templates” → select the report you wish to sync → (c) “Edit” button (pencil icon)

Once you are in the template editing screen, head to the URL. Copy the digits after the last forward slash “/.” This is your Report ID

Thank you for reading; I hope this guide has been helpful in your integration efforts. If you have any specific questions or would like to learn more about Eskuad, please feel free to meet me. You can also visit https://eskuad.com/.