Troubleshooting SIPP/SSAS~Pro CSV Export Issues

Overview

The Delta Module Manager application is populated using an exported data set from SIPP~Pro and SSAS~Pro.To achieve this, a set of CSV files are exported from FileMaker Server each evening, ready to be imported in to the Report~Pro databases (SQL Server).

Audience/Purpose

If you are the IT support provider responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the servers which Delta's applications run from, you need to know how the CSV export process works in order to effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues reported by the end-users. Delta Financial Systems will only provide technical assistance once all suggestions here have been exhausted.

Data Export Process Flow

The following diagram provides a high-level flow of the CSV file export process:

Notes:

This process runs on the machine with FileMaker Server installed.
The default location of the SIPP~Pro CSV export folder is ‘drive:\Program Files (x86)\FMPro55\SIPPReportProCSV’.
The CSV’s are generally exported locally, but can be configured to write directly, or copied to, a network share.

Troubleshooting Guide

Logically, it makes sense to start at the beginning of the process with the scheduled task. Locating this will enable you to locate the batch script it runs, which in turn will tell you where the CSV files are exported to.

Note: With more experience, it's possible to start the troubleshooting process at a later stage.

Step 1 - Task Scheduler

Open Windows Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc).
Locate the export task - This is called 'ExportRP' by default.
Is it's status Running or Ready?

Note: If 'Running', FileMaker Pro is probably stuck in memory (see step 3).

Step 2 - CSV Files

Examine the batch script to identify the CSV export folder .
Are there any CSV files in the folder path?
If there there are CSV files, what's their time/date stamp?

Warning: Do not run/execute the batch script, you must right click and select Edit in order to view.

Step 3 - FileMaker Pro

Is FileMaker Pro running in memory?

Open 'Task Manager'.
Under the 'Processes' tab, can you see 'FileMaker Pro.exe'?
If yes, click the process, then select 'End task' (The 'ExportRP' scheduled task will now return to Ready).

Warning: Do not stop FileMaker Server.

Step 4 - FileMaker Server Event Logs

TBC