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Flow 5.5

5.5.1 Release | Build 5.5.1840.670

Released: March 10, 2022

Version 5.5.1 includes a few bug fixes and a public version of the Flow API. 

What's new?

The main addition to this release is a public version of the Flow API.  The Flow API is the preferred mechanism for external systems (e.g. Business Intelligence tools, Machine Learning platforms, etc.) to access Flow information.  It is served by the Flow Server component and allows access to the following functions:

  • Search - use the search endpoint for model discovery, to find model objects (e.g. measures and events), template objects, or information objects (e.g. charts and dashboards).
  • Config - use the config endpoint to return details relating to certain system configuration (e.g. calendars, enumerations, etc.)
  • Model - use the model endpoint to return details relating to the configuration of model objects (e.g. folder structure, metrics, measures and events).
  • Template - use the template endpoint to return details relating to the configuration of template objects (e.g. template folder structure, metrics, measures and events).
  • Information - use the information endpoint to return details relating to the configuration of Charts and Dashboards.
  • Data - use the data endpoint to return measure and event data for a period of time (e.g. the last month of values calculated for a specific measure).

For more details about the Flow API's endpoints, open the "Flow API" link under the "Flow Server" component in the Config Tool's Deployment view.

Upgrading existing Flow Systems

If you are upgrading from an earlier version, please make sure you follow the "Upgrading existing Flow Systems" section below.

 

5.5.0 Release | Build 5.5.0827.730

Released: February 25, 2022

Version 5.5.0 is a performance optimization update focused on Event processing.

Upgrading existing Flow Systems

Existing users must please note the following key steps before upgrading your Flow Systems:

Before Upgrading

  • Undeploy all components using your existing Flow Config
  • Perform a Database backup
  • Stop the Flow Bootstrap Service
  • Make a note of the Administrative user that is used to run the Flow Bootstrap Service

Technology updates to .Net Framework and .Net Core

If you're running Flow 5.4 you will have already installed these updates.  If not, then .Net Framework needs to be upgraded to version 4.8 and .Net Core to version 3.1. Here are some links to download and install these components:

Installation and migration

  • Run the Flow.msi installer you have downloaded
  • Confirm the Flow Bootstrap Service's logon details are set to the Administrative user not above
  • Open Flow Config, select your Flow instance in the "Connect" dialog box, connect and then accept the migration process when prompted. If any error messages are received, please contact our support team.
  • Deploy all components

NOTE: Some changes have been made to the Flow Database schema

As always, with Service Pack releases like this one, we may modify the Flow Database schema for performance improvements or for the addition of new functionality.  In 5.5.0, we have modified the Event table structures, specifically around the Start and End times.  If you happen to be accessing the Flow Database directly through SQL queries, which we unfortunately do not support, you may need to modify those SQL queries.  If you suspect this may be the case, please follow an upgrade testing procedure before migrating your production Flow system.  And as always, make sure you backup your Flow Database before attempting any migration.