DCM - Designer
Data Connection Manager (DCM) is a centralized storage for Database and Cloud interoperable connections (credentials linked to data sources) that facilitates workflow connection management and collaboration across Alteryx products. Use DCM to enter and use your connections, work with Alteryx Links, External Vaults, and more.
Data Connection Manager Configuration
Admin Settings
There is an option to change the DCM Mode and choose the SDK Access Mode.
These options are available via DCM Mode to set the credential handling and storage:
DCM Optional: Connections (including passwords) are stored in a workflow by default. You can choose to store and manage connections in DCM.
DCM as Default : Connections (including passwords) are stored and managed in DCM by default. You can choose to store them in a workflow.
DCM Only: You can't configure connections in a workflow. You can only select connections stored in DCM. Workflows with embedded passwords can run.
DCM Enforced: Workflows with embedded passwords don't work.
For SDK (Gallery) Tools support, these are the administrative options:
Deny: SDK Tools are not supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is not displayed in the credential UI.
Allow: SDK tools are supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is displayed in the UI with the option for manual selection of each credential.
AllowAll: SDK tools are supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is not displayed in the credential UI.
User Settings
As a user, you can change the DCM Mode and choose the SDK Access Mode in the Designer User Settings. Go to Options > User Settings > Edit User Settings. Next, in the General tab, scroll to the Override DCM Settings section.
These options are available via DCM Mode to set credential handling and storage:
DCM Optional: Connections (including passwords) are stored in a workflow by default. You can choose to store and manage connections in DCM.
DCM as Default : Connections (including passwords) are stored and managed in DCM by default. You can choose to store them in a workflow.
DCM Only: You can't configure connections in a workflow. You can only select connections stored in DCM. Workflows with embedded passwords can run.
DCM Enforced: Workflows with embedded passwords don't work.
For the SDK Access Mode, these are the available options:
Deny: SDK Tools are not supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is not displayed in the credential UI.
Allow: SDK tools are supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is displayed in the UI with the option for manual selection of each credential.
AllowAll: SDK tools are supported, and the Allow Credential for SDK tools checkbox is not displayed in the credential UI.
Connection Manager
DCM can be accessed through two different entry points. While both relate to connections, they serve different purposes and user flows.
DCM in Management Mode
When you go to File > Manage Connections, you see DCM in the management mode that lets you control the Data Sources and Credentials. Additionally, you can link Designer to the Alteryx One Platform, access Alteryx Links, and manage proxy server connections. The Data Connection Manager has the following options:
Connections
Connections join data sources to credentials and are used by one or many tools in your workflow.
To connect with your Connection, place the tool on the Designer workflow canvas and select Set up a Connection. In the Connection Manager window, choose your Connection and use linked credentials by selecting the Connect button.
To set up a connection, you first need to define the data source and configure the required credentials.
Data Sources
Data sources represent databases, cloud services, and more. To add a Data Source in Connection Manager:
Go to Data Sources > + New.
Choose the Technology and specify the required information. You can also use Test Connection.
Select Save.
Credentials
Select + Connect Credential and choose an Authentication Method.
Enter the credential information. You can choose to Allow connection for SDK.
You can select Test Connection or select Create and Link to finish.
Manage Credentials
Credentials represent username and password combinations and OAuth tokens.
To add credentials, select + New, enter a Credential Name, select a Method. Enter the required info (for example, Client ID, Secret Key, Username, and Password) for the selected method, and Select Save.
You can also View Credentials, Edit Credentials, and Delete Credentials.
Manage Data Sources
To add a Data Source in Connection Manager...
Go to Data Sources.
Select + New.
Choose the Technology.
Enter the information needed for the technology you want to connect. Optionally you can Test Connection.
Select Save.
You can combine the Data Source with the Credential to create a Connection. In the Data Sources > Connections section, you can see the list of linked credentials for the Connection or link a new credential:
Select + Connect Credential.
Choose an Authentication Method.
Enter the credential information.
Optionally you can choose to Allow connection for SDK.
You can select Test Connection or select Create and Link to finish.
Manage Credentials
To add a Credential in the Connection Manager, go to the Credentials section. You have these options available:
Add Credentials: Select + New. Enter the Credential Name. Select a Method. Enter the required info (for example, Client ID, Secret Key, Username, and Password) for the selected method. Select Save.
View Credentials: Select the credential you want to view from the list.
Edit Credential: To edit a credential in Connection Manager, select the credential you want to edit from the list. Select Edit. Select Save.
Delete Credential: Select the credential you want to delete in Connection Manager. Select the trash can icon. Select Delete.
To connect with your Connection, place the tool on the Designer workflow canvas and select Set up a Connection. In the Connection Manager window, choose your Connection and use linked credentials by selecting the Connect button.
External Vaults
The External Vault feature allows you to connect DCM with your Vault of choice. Thus, you can use External Vaults in DCM to fetch credentials from your Vault and securely use them in your workflow. For more information, go to DCM External Vaults.
Alteryx Links
Alteryx Links allow you to link Designer with an Alteryx One Platform workspace so that you can save and execute Desktop-built workflows in the cloud.
You can link Designer Desktop with Alteryx One using Alteryx Links. You can also view, edit, synchronize, delete, or override an Alteryx Link. To know more, go to Alteryx Links.
Synchronize
With DCM, you can sync credentials across the Alteryx product suite. The recommended method for restoring the DCM Connections to a new computer is to synchronize them with an Alteryx Server.
There are three synchronization settings available:
No Synchronization: DCM Connections synchronization is blocked both ways.
One-way to Designer: DCM Connections synchronization is only enabled from Server to Designer.
Full Synchronization: DCM Connections synchronization is enabled from Server to Designer and Designer to Server.
To sync credentials between Designer and Server:
In the DCM window, select Synchronize. For a new connection, select + New. Enter your Server URL and select Connect.
Enter the Email and Password and select Sign In.
Select Synchronize and click Done.
Note
This procedure also syncs your workflow with your DCM credentials.
Similarly, you can add, edit, or delete credentials with Sync.
Proxy Servers
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your network and the internet, routing traffic through an additional layer that enhances security and control.
The Proxy Servers section allows you to configure and manage proxy connections, including setting the appropriate authentication method (Basic, NTLM, or Windows Negotiate) and providing the required credentials to securely connect through the proxy.
Alteryx Server now includes centralized proxy configuration, bringing it in line with Designer to ensure consistent, DCM-based proxy management across environments.
To know more about proxy servers, see Proxy Settings.
Backup and Restore
You can back up your DCM storage and restore it from the backup file.
Important
This feature is based on your Designer license. Although restore works between two different licenses purchased within the same organization, in that case, backup and restore under two different licenses within the same organization must be also in the different instances of Designer for it to work. Backup and restore do not work in a trial version or with multiple active licenses in a single instance of Designer.
Backup: Select Back up. Enter your backup file password and click Backup. Choose a location and optionally, a name for your file. Select Save.
Restore: Select Restore. Enter the backup file password and click Restore.
DCM in Setup Mode
When you select Input Tool > Connect to Data, you see DCM in setup mode, which provides a curated subset of DCM functionality to support quick, easy workflow configuration. The Data Connection Manager has the following options:
Recents
The Recents tab displays three tiles that let you quickly access commonly used options:
Connections – Opens the Connections tab, where you can create a new connection or browse existing connections.
Browse files – Opens the File Browser dialog, allowing you to select a file from your local storage.
Datasets – Navigates you to the Datasets tab, where you can select and link a dataset from Alteryx One.
You can also open Copilot as a sidebar from this tab. Additionally, the Recents tab displays files, datasets, and connections that you have recently used.
Datasets
The Datasets tab lists all datasets created and linked in Alteryx One. To load datasets from your Alteryx One workspace, go to Files > Manage Connections > Alteryx Links and set an Alteryx Link as Active.
If the datasets are not listed, go to the Data page in Alteryx One to verify that you have the required access.
Connections
The Connections tab lists all available connections. You can also add a new connection from this tab.
To add a new connection:
Select + Add Connection. Choose the technology.
Enter the information needed for the technology you want to connect. Optionally, you can test the connection.
Click Save.
Under the More menu, you have the options to manage external vaults and synchronize:
External Vaults: Allows you to connect DCM with your Vault of choice. Thus, you can use External Vaults in DCM to fetch credentials from your Vault and securely use them in your workflow. For more information, go to DCM External Vaults.
Synchronize: Allows you to connect and sync credentials, workflows, and updates.
Supported Connectors and Tools
For the list of the tools and Connectors supported by DCM, go to DCM Supported Connectors and Tools.