Add Delivery Systems

Alation Cloud Service Applies to Alation Cloud Service instances of Alation

Delivery Systems define how users access the data included in a data product. A Delivery System specifies:

  • The URI used to connect to the underlying database or interface.

  • The access request instructions that explain how users obtain access to the data. The Access Request defines how users obtain access to the underlying database or interface. You can configure access in two ways:

    • Instruction-based access: Provide text instructions explaining who to contact and what information to include.

    • Template-driven access: Provide a request template that users must follow when submitting access requests.

The access request information is displayed when users click Request Access on the data product.

The URI is the default connection shown when users open Chat or click Get Data on the data product.

Each data product can have multiple Delivery Systems. When multiple Delivery Systems exist, users can choose the appropriate method to access the data.

When you add the first table to a data product, Alation automatically identifies the data source and adds its default URI as the first Delivery System.

This feature is available to Data Product Admins who manage data products in the Data Products app.

Add a Delivery System

Add a Delivery System when users need a new method to access the data product.

  1. Open the Data Products App.

  2. In the left-side navigation panel, click My Data Products. The Manage My Data Products page opens.

  3. In the Data Products table, locate the data product you want to manage.

  4. Click the data product. The data product settings page opens on the Overview tab.

  5. Click the Content tab.

  6. Under Content, select Delivery Systems. The Delivery Systems page displays all existing Delivery Systems as individual cards.

  7. On the Delivery Systems page, click New Delivery System in the top-right corner. The New Delivery System dialog opens.

  8. In Name, enter a meaningful name. This field is required.

  9. In Type, select one of the available types:

    • SQL

    • SQL GUI

    • API

    • BI

    • Spreadsheet App

    • Other

  10. In URI, enter the connection URI that users will use to access the data.

  11. In Access Requests – Instructions, enter clear instructions describing how users can request access to the underlying database. Example: Request access by emailing the Data Team with your business justification.

  12. In Request Template, enter a template that users must follow when submitting an access request. Use this field if you require specific information in access requests.

  13. Click Add Delivery System.

The new Delivery System appears as a card on the Delivery Systems page.

Update a Delivery System

Update a Delivery System to modify its connection details or access instructions.

  1. On the Delivery Systems page, locate the card of the Delivery System you want to update.

  2. In the top-right corner of the card, click the pencil (Edit) icon. The Edit Delivery System dialog opens.

  3. Modify any of the properties as needed.

  4. Click Save.

Your changes are saved and reflected on the Delivery Systems page.

Delete a Delivery System

Delete a Delivery System when it is no longer valid or supported.

  1. On the Delivery Systems page, locate the card of the Delivery System you want to delete.

  2. Click the pencil (Edit) icon in the top-right corner of the card. The Edit Delivery System dialog opens.

  3. In the bottom-left corner of the dialog, click Delete. The Delivery System is removed from the data product.