Who is this article for?

On-premise Adminswho want to learn to set up ODBC connections.

Web Server and Site Accessis needed.

This guide walks you through setting up ODBC connections to populate list fields from Excel templates or SQL databases on your web server, with step-by-step instructions divided into three practical sections for easy reference.

1. Question

How are ODBC connections established on a web server to have list fields within workflows populated? 

2. Answer 

2.1. Prerequisites

• Web server access with administrative privileges.
• IIS (Internet Information Services) access.
• Ideagen Quality Management application.

1. Installation Steps
   • Install Required Software
   • Install the 32-bit Excel driver on the web server
   • Install Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010

1. Configure IIS Settings
   • Open IIS (Internet Information Services).
   • Navigate to Application Pools under the main server name.
   • Select the Ideagen Quality Management application pool.
   • Under Actions (right-hand side), click Advanced Settings.
   • Locate Enable 32-Bit Applications setting.
   • If set to False, change it to True using the drop-down menu.
2. Prepare Excel Workbook
   • Create an Excel workbook on the web server containing your list field data.
   • Save the file in a location where the server has Read and Write permissions.
3. Configure ODBC Connection
   • Open the ODBC 32-bit Data Sources application
   • In the User DSN tab:
     • Click Add.
     • Select Microsoft Excel Driver (*.xls) from the drop-down.
     • Click Finish.
4. In the Microsoft ODBC Excel Setup window:
   • Enter a Data Source Name.
   • Add a Description (optional).
   • Click Select Workbook to locate your Excel file.
5. Configure Ideagen Quality Management
   • Open the Ideagen Quality Management site
   • Navigate to Custom Fields
   • Set up the External List Field with the following:
     • DSN: Enter your DSN name from ODBC
     • Login name/Password: Leave blank
     • Query: Select * from [Sheet1$];
     • Value Field: Enter the first cell data from your Excel workbook
     • Value Description: Enter relevant descriptive information
6. Workflow Integration
   • Add the External List Field to the appropriate step in your workflow definition.
   • Save all changes.
   • Activate the workflow by putting it online.

2.2. Troubleshooting

• Ensure all components are 32-bit compatible
• Verify server permissions for Excel file access
• Confirm DSN configuration is correct

3. Further Reading

• Managing Excel drivers
• ODBC connections