Analyzing Jama Connect® Data in External Business Intelligence Tools

Patrick Garman
Patrick Garman
  • Updated

Published Date: July 16, 2024
Validated: Yes
Audience: Everyone
Products and Versions Covered:

  • Jama Connect® version(s)
    • Cloud / CVC
    • Self-hosted

Summary

This article explains how to extract data from Jama Connect® for use in external business intelligence (BI) tools such as Tableau or Power BI when native dashboarding capabilities do not meet reporting needs.

By the end of this article, readers will understand the available methods for exporting or accessing Jama Connect® data, including the trade-offs among simplicity, automation, and real-time access.

Common scenarios include:

  • The need for advanced reporting beyond native dashboards
  • Combining Jama Connect® data with external enterprise datasets
  • Building scalable analytics or data warehouse solutions

Resolution

There are three primary methods for analyzing Jama Connect® data in external BI tools:

1. Use the REST API with a Data Warehouse (Automated Approach)

Use the Jama Connect® REST API to extract data into an external database or data warehouse, then connect that warehouse to BI tools.

Steps:

  1. Develop a script using the REST API.
  2. Extract and store data in a data warehouse.
  3. Connect Power BI or Tableau to the database.
  4. Schedule automated refresh processes.

Best for:

  • Enterprise reporting
  • Large datasets
  • Automated data pipelines

Limitations:

  • Requires development and maintenance effort
  • Requires external database infrastructure
  • Data is only as current as the last sync

Notes:

  • Jama Connect Cloud supports up to 10 API calls per second.
  • REST API usage does not incur additional charges.

2. Export Data to Excel (Manual Approach)

Export data from Jama Connect® and import it into BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Steps:

  1. Export data from Jama Connect® to Excel.
  2. Open Power BI or Tableau.
  3. Import the Excel file as a data source.
  4. Build reports and dashboards using the imported data.

Best for:

  • Simple reporting needs
  • Users without development resources

Limitations:

  • Data is static at time of export
  • Requires repeated manual exports to stay current

3. Build a Custom REST API Connector (On-Demand or Scheduled Access)

Create a custom connector that queries the Jama Connect® REST API directly from BI tools.

Steps:

  1. Develop a custom connector (Power BI or Tableau).
  2. Configure authentication and API endpoints.
  3. Define data refresh behavior (scheduled or on-demand).
  4. Publish and use within BI tool.

Best for:

  • Near real-time reporting
  • Advanced integration scenarios

Limitations:

  • Requires advanced development skills
  • May require additional BI tool licensing
  • Higher maintenance complexity

IMPORTANT: Access to the REST API is limited to users with a Named Creator Jama Connect® license, including endpoints in v1, labs, and SCIM. Users without a Named Creator license, including those with a Creator Float License, do not have access.

Additional Resources

  1. Request REST API Training
  2. Request Custom Scripting or Development Services
  3. Jama Connect® Developer Site & REST API Documentation
  4. Export Data to Excel
  5. Importing Data from Excel Workbooks to Power BI
  6. Importing Data from Excel Workbooks to Tableau
  7. Tableau
  8. Power BI
  9. Training and Guidance on using the REST API
  10. Creating a Customer Connector for Power BI
  11. Web Data Connectors
  12. Jama Connect® Developer Site & REST API Documentation

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